Bootcamp -good?

AnnaGram85

I'm 25. I'm well overweight. Had lost a bit before but put it back on. I'm female. I'm currently 13st 10. Looking into starting this bootcamp thingy on FitBody.ie Just wondering - is it REALLY tough? Will I be physically able for it? Myself and a friend are thinking of starting, but I was thinking of starting in the gym and combining cardio+weights. If I do the bootcamp I will start the gym after that. What is the best option?

SBWife

The best option is something you will actually do. So I'd suggest starting with the Bootcamp and joining with a friend so that you can be responsible to each other. Then once you've a session completed you'll be in a better position to decide if you will actually go to the gym if you join or if continuing with bootcamp classes is better for you.

robodonkey

Bootcamp is perfect for all levels, they'll factor in your current fitness levels and it really is "down to you" to decide how much effort/commitment you want to put in!

Well done on making the decision to get started though.

Hanley

SBWife wrote: »

The best option is something you will actually do.

That's the key to all exercise programs tbh, good post.

AnnaGram85

This is somewhat comforting! I told her I'd be too much of a wimp to go, but i'm thinking she won't go on her own and she'd like the company so feel I should get off my blubber bum and get moving! Not 100% convinced I'll do it yet, but I'm about 75% sure! Thanks

hatful

Maybe downloading a couch to 5k would be a better idea for you. It eases you in. My friend did the boot camp. She said it was good but after a few sessions she hasn't found the time to go. If you start with something like jogging you are more in control, it's cheaper and you can work the program around your own schedule.

G86

It's a great introduction to an well-rounded weights/cardio training programme, and it's varied enough that you won't get bored....so yeah, I think it's a good idea! Sure try it, see what parts you like/don't like, and work from there!

discus

I like the bootcamps. It's hard to slack off once you have turned up to a session!

robodonkey

Some of the bootcamps also have an automated "Where were you last night" email thing goimng on, so if you miss a session you start to feel a bit guilty

AnnaGram85

robodonkey wrote: »

Some of the bootcamps also have an automated "Where were you last night" email thing goimng on, so if you miss a session you start to feel a bit guilty

Could be just what I need!!!

I'm extremely unfit as I haven't done any proper exercise in AGES, but I need this kick up the bum! No point in me chickening out because I'm unfit, defeats the purpose right? Eeeek! Bootcamp it is!! Let's hope I don't die!!

blueshark22

AnnaGram85 wrote: »

Could be just what I need!!!

I'm extremely unfit as I haven't done any proper exercise in AGES, but I need this kick up the bum! No point in me chickening out because I'm unfit, defeats the purpose right? Eeeek! Bootcamp it is!! Let's hope I don't die!!

Anna , i've been going to bootcamp for almost 6 months now, and i absolutely love it, as a previous poster said the most important thing is to get yourself there as you know you will be worked for the hour. Not like doing exercise yourself for an hour - messing about doing f*ck all (or maybe that's just me!). Don't worry about not being able for it, if the instructors are any good they will push you but recognise your limitations also , go for it and let us know how you get on.

AnnaGram85

Thanks, I'm apprehensive/anxious/afraid but tired of being a fattie! So I figure Exercise+Healthy Food = New start for me. I recently finished with my boyfriend and we finally parted ways yesterday [we were still living together] so new start all round Wish me luck!

robodonkey

I can tell you straight, you'll get nothing but respect for doing the work and hitting the gym/bootcamp.

I see someone who's overweight training I always think "Fair play".

Remember: It takes 6 Weeks to form a habit. So you just have make yourself go for 6 weeks, then you're stuck with it as a habit!

The day that it's raining, a bit chilly, and there's some good telly on: Just throw your trainers on and get out the door. Don't think about it, just move 20 ft to the door and exit...job done.

Have fun

AnnaGram85

robodonkey wrote: »

I can tell you straight, you'll get nothing but respect for doing the work and hitting the gym/bootcamp.

I see someone who's overweight training I always think "Fair play".

Remember: It takes 6 Weeks to form a habit. So you just have make yourself go for 6 weeks, then you're stuck with it as a habit!

The day that it's raining, a bit chilly, and there's some good telly on: Just throw your trainers on and get out the door. Don't think about it, just move 20 ft to the door and exit...job done.

Have fun

Thank you. I'm going with a friend, maybe 2 if I can persuade her, and we'll motivate each other/not give crappy excuses. I'd be a bit apprehensive going on my own but jesus I have to grow a pair, I'm 25! Thanks for the words of encouragement, I'm quite excited about starting, need a new pair of runners now as I left my last ones at the orphanage! Woo!

discus

Tons of people do it on their own. Best of luck!

starsinmyeyes

AnnaGram85 wrote: »

I'm 25. I'm well overweight. Had lost a bit before but put it back on. I'm female. I'm currently 13st 10. Looking into starting this bootcamp thingy on FitBody.ie Just wondering - is it REALLY tough? Will I be physically able for it? Myself and a friend are thinking of starting, but I was thinking of starting in the gym and combining cardio+weights. If I do the bootcamp I will start the gym after that. What is the best option?

How did you get on? Did you start boot camp? I think whatever exercise medium you choose you need to get the right advice from a professional. You must slowly build your body and muscles up. I agree that bootcamp is good as you do work at your own level. I use the healthpro bootcamp at the Deer Park Hotel Howth. I have found it to be brilliant. There are loads of very different levels attending, some people are super fit and for others there are people who are just starting off like yourself.

The really redeeming feature about this boot camp is that it is run by a dietitian, Harriette Lynch (she was featured on rte's operation transformation program) So you get the benefit of nutritional advice. I have taken extra dietetic consultancy to work towards a particular fitness goal but many others use her for weight management etc. Anyway I don't know where you live, healthpro bootcamp is based in Howth, but if you can't make it out here try find a camp that does offer nutritional advice or just speak to a dietician. Diet is 70-80% of the battle, in my opinion. All the exercise in the world won't work unless you get the basic diet right first.

Best of luck to you

sillysmiles

I started a bootcamp (I think Fitbodies) and love it. Make sure you go especially when it rains - the smug satisaction of doing something that you wouldn't normally do is a powerful driving force. Hope you went and you enjoy.
But yes bring a friend - it makes it so much easier to get over the first hurdle - turning up - when you have someone else.

AnnaGram85

Not starting til Sept 5th. I'm back at work then and in a routine. I'm only fooling myself if I think I'm going to do anything about my weight in the next week or so. I think its fitbody the Bootcamp I'm starting is too, it's expesnive - €145 for 8 weeks but it'll be well worth it if it gets my arse moving!

Oh and starsinmyeyes, thanks for your input but I'm not near Howth to go! Sad times!

sillysmiles

My mistake, the one I joined is fitbodytoners. Unfortunately they are moving inside for the winter though.

Good luck with your classes

starsinmyeyes

AnnaGram85 wrote: »

Not starting til Sept 5th. I'm back at work then and in a routine. I'm only fooling myself if I think I'm going to do anything about my weight in the next week or so. I think its fitbody the Bootcamp I'm starting is too, it's expesnive - €145 for 8 weeks but it'll be well worth it if it gets my arse moving!

Oh and starsinmyeyes, thanks for your input but I'm not near Howth to go! Sad times!

Ah well! the very best of luck with it anyway. Let us know how you get on

Naos

hatful wrote: »

My friend did the boot camp. She said it was good but after a few sessions she hasn't found the time to go.

"If its important, you'll find a way. If it isn't, you'll find an excuse."

starsinmyeyes

Naos wrote: »

"If its important, you'll find a way. If it isn't, you'll find an excuse."

Nicely put!!

starsinmyeyes

starsinmyeyes wrote: »

Nicely put!!

My response might have actually sounded sarcastic there in hindsight! Great quote anyway so true. Excuses are the easiest thing to find!!!

AnnaGram85

Just an update!

Started the bootcamp, this is session #4. It's on Monday & Wednesday and I won't say I'm 'enjoying' it as such, but its more the weather that's putting me off more than anything. The instructor is good, really encouraging and understanding. I'm really not looking forward to going tonight, but will be glad I went when its over! Only started last Monday week, but lost 4lbs at Weight Watchers on Wednesday. Today is Weigh In #2 so we'll see how it goes. I have eaten out twice this week [new boy on the scene so dates!] so it's been difficult to avoid, but I tried to make the best choices and even let him eat all of my chocolate cake last night [except for 2 forkfuls that I had!] but I'm definitely thinking the Bootcamp is helping.

I do find the running at the start hard -I'm a TERRIBLE runner but I'm going to hang in there ?& hope to notice a marked improvement by the end of the 8 weeks. Thanks for all the encouragement & recommendations here - glad I tried it out! I'll be a push up Queen by the end!

Oh and as it turned out, it didn't start til the 12th!

AnnaGram85

Naos wrote: »

"If its important, you'll find a way. If it isn't, you'll find an excuse."

SO TRUE. I was discussing this with a friend. If I was only going to a fitness class or gym or something, and someone was calling to me for dinner or something I'd be like 'Ah sure I'll just give the gym a miss' whereas if I had arrangements to go to the cinema or something, and someoen wanted to call for dinner, I'd be like 'Ahhh I'm going to the cinema tonight, maybe another night!' So the whole finding excuses thing is so true. I'm the worlds worst! My mantra, ashamedly is 'Why do it today, when you can put it off until tomorrow.............

hatful

Naos wrote: »

"If its important, you'll find a way. If it isn't, you'll find an excuse."

I completely agree. But with a bootcamp you are too dependent on a few things. Do you have the money to pay for regular classes? What is the long term benefit? I have yet to see anyone in the park doing bootcamp exercises on their own. You can only do it at certain times. That is why I think that cycling to work, doing the couch to 5k or swimming would be better for the O.P. If you pick one of the above you can exercise pretty much whenever you want and at your own pace. The reason why bootcamps are so successfull in Ireland is because of the way we have been conditioned to do sports in school. Everything is done in teams and you need someone constantly telling you what to do. Bootcamps are too damn expensive and they aren't a long term solution. Maybe I'm wrong and the the o.p has benefited from the bootcamp?

thehamo

Must admit im all for the idea of bootcamps (even though ive never done one) It gives a person the chance to be in a team environment and all the encouragement that goes along with it, with out the added pressure of being good at any particular sport or having to fight for a place. They are expensive, but id rather pay 100 euro for 8 weeks and go every time, than pay 300 euro for a gym membership and go twice and get lazy!

nice_guy80

hatful wrote: »

I completely agree. But with a bootcamp you are too dependent on a few things. Do you have the money to pay for regular classes? What is the long term benefit? I have yet to see anyone in the park doing bootcamp exercises on their own. You can only do it at certain times. That is why I think that cycling to work, doing the couch to 5k or swimming would be better for the O.P. If you pick one of the above you can exercise pretty much whenever you want and at your own pace. The reason why bootcamps are so successfull in Ireland is because of the way we have been conditioned to do sports in school. Everything is done in teams and you need someone constantly telling you what to do. Bootcamps are too damn expensive and they aren't a long term solution. Maybe I'm wrong and the the o.p has benefited from the bootcamp?

True, they are not cheap. Someone is making lots of money from them!

But, if it kickstarts someone into fitness and a healthier lifestyle then it's money well spent imho

I've also heard they are great for just getting to know new people.

AnnaGram85

Well guys, another update; this is now week 6 of bootcamp and I have been twice a week so far, although I missed both sessions last week as I was sick. Not looking forward to going tonight as it's cold & wet, but I'll just have to suck it up. I keep saying to myself - 3 more weeks, 3 more weeks. It's the weather I find offputting - the bootcamp itself is.... I won't say enjoyable, but, I'm glad I went when it's time to come home! They can be expensive, but I definitely do feel fitter, and am 11lbs lighter than when I first joined so it can only be a good thing

nice_guy80

AnnaGram85 wrote: »

Well guys, another update; this is now week 6 of bootcamp and I have been twice a week so far, although I missed both sessions last week as I was sick. Not looking forward to going tonight as it's cold & wet, but I'll just have to suck it up. I keep saying to myself - 3 more weeks, 3 more weeks. It's the weather I find offputting - the bootcamp itself is.... I won't say enjoyable, but, I'm glad I went when it's time to come home! They can be expensive, but I definitely do feel fitter, and am 11lbs lighter than when I first joined so it can only be a good thing

11lbs? Really??
Thats great.
Keep it up!

AnnaGram85

nice_guy80 wrote: »

11lbs? Really??
Thats great.
Keep it up!

Yeah, now I've been eating properly now as well & cutting out a lot of junk, not ALL, but some. To be fair, I've joined Weight Watchers as I just need that discipline of weekly weigh ins - I was weighing myself weekly on my own but if you're up a pound or so, there's nobody to answer to but yourself and I found it crept up. Shocking but I found a diary that I had been writing down my weight in each Monday & discovered I was 12st 8 in January!!!! I put on a stone & a half in 8 months - disgusting! But anyway - I'm passed that now. Totally an emotional eater and my relationship was ending [i'm going to blame that anyway!] but now I'm focused and I'm already thinking ahead as to when bootcamp finishes as to what I can take up next. I'm glad I went tonight - don't know if I'm fully better, but I wrapped up well and took no chances!

Thanks for the encouragement, sorry for the essay