It's 10:25 am on a Saturday...I am waiting for the final participants to arrive. The weather couldn't be more perfect, beautiful blue sky, the occasional cloud rolls by...summer is officially here. And with it comes Summer Bootcamp.

The last two participants arrive and everyone grabs what they need to get started. I look at the faces surrounding me and see a full range of emotions. Some look anxious, others hesitant and nervous and others happy and carefree and excited to get started. I introduce myself to the group and explain what is about to transpire. It is the official launch of Summer Bootcamp.

We head out as a group with myself in the lead. I am about to take them on a great route , pre-mapped and pre-tested to challenge and provide a fun, but effective workout for all fitness levels. Not soon after we start I notice groups starting to form, people are pairing off according to their fitness levels, which was exactly my goal. As I encourage the group to pick up the pace, I can hear voices behind me providing words of support and encouragement. We come to the halfway mark in the route, where strength training in introduced using benches and picnic tables. Audible groans can be heard, but with the support of the group everyone completes it. We continue on and I can feel the renewed energy of the group.

After winding our way through the great many hill, trails and stairs the park has to offer, we come to the final strength training portion. I have given the group the option of skipping this and heading back to the parking lot.

Bring it on! comes from a regular client of mine. She is a 30 year old, who 5 months ago would never have considered doing a push-up and was 30 lbs overweight.
She is backed up by the rest of the group, who although varying in age and gender, share in their quest to shed the pounds, gain energy and adapt healthier lifestyles.

We forge on and I complete the workout with some challenging leg work, after which we head back to the parking lot and cool down. Bootcamp is over.
All the way back, I hear how happy they are that they got through it. I can hear the pride in their voices and I think...Summer Bootcamp is a success.
My goal to create a workout where like-minded people can come together and receive the encouragement and support that they need to reach their goals is achieved!

Knowing how intimidating walking into a gym for the first time can be, how discouraging it can be to lack the support needed when you are trying to change and improve yourself, no matter what your goal, I wanted to be able to offer an alternative to the gym. And what better way to achieve whatever goals you are aiming for then to be outdoors with a group of old and possibly new friends, who will encourage, challenge and support you!