Extreme Bootcamp is really great for anyone who wants to wants to up their fitness level and needs a structured program to workout but also wants measurable results. The platform is laid out with great individual accountability, group accountability, teammwork, fun, and attaining results at the end of the 6 week session.
I would highly recommend Extreme Bootcamp to anyone who would like to lose weight and commit themselves to a solid fitness routine.
Few things to be prepared for in the program as a Newbie:
1) Program-This is a commmitment you are making to yourself but you are held accountable by the Drill Instructors. The expectation is that you will show up 5 days a week for 6 weeks. If you do not show with advanced notice, expect a call from your instructor.
2) Orientation-When you join Exteme Bootcamp you will start out with Orientation. Orientation involves getting results for the timed mile, pushup, situp, body fat percentage, and your before picture, getting your food log, and a detailed explanation on how the program works. You will also meet other "newbies", some veterans, and the drill instructors. Depending on your results during Orientation you will be placed your appropraite squad to keep the program challenging within your fitness level.
3) Workout-You will also then choose a workout time and be assigned a main Drill Instructor within that time. Do not worry if your time needs to vary occasionally. With notice, you can move into another timeslot. The timeslots when I worked out were 5:30am, 9:00am, and 6:30pm. Locations vary closely within Tustin and you get a schedule when you sign up on where to show up each day.
The workout is an hour and outside at parks and other outdoor locations. First week is the worst but don't give up. Your body will adapt. It consists of warmups, running, calisthenics, plyometrics, and is challenging. But remember it varies with your group so you will be challenged but not intimidated. You will also need to purchase a set of weights and a matt. That would probably be about the biggest bummer for most people. Buying your own gear and getting used to working out in outdoor environment. I actually prefer it now though!
4) Diet-During Orientation you are handed your food log and the instructors go over proper nutrition and the expectations within the program. You fill out an agreement in which you promise to give your full effort and committment and in return you gain results. At the beginning of each workout you must bring your diet log and the instructors will review your food. They will give you feedback based off of whether you are following the program or not. If you are not be prepared for "rewards" for that day. Don't worry...they are not fun, but your body will benefit from the tradeoff. (:
5) At the end there is a test out to gauge your results. All finalized with an awards ceremony where they hand out awards for the coveted GI Joe and GI Jane, Biggest Loser, hardest working, perfect attendance, etc. The awards ceremony includes a potluck, or dinner, and a lot of shared laughs and ton of fun! You will form some lifelong relationships here as well and meet a ton of inspirational people.
To summarize, for me Extreme Bootcamp was a great platform to kick off what is now a much healthier, happier, and energetic point in my life. I did the program for 2 sessions in 2010 and progressed each time. By the end I was running a mile 2.5 minutes faster than when I started can now run up to 10 miles at a quick pace and enjoy it, dropped 3 percent body fat, and truly feel the experience was well worth the monetary investment. I am now disciplined enough to workout no less than 3-5 days per week, enjoy it more than ever, and cannot imagine my life without it.
They also now have a video on Youtube if you'd like to see/hear more about it. Extreme Bootcamp Tustin Ranch. Check it out. You will see people that I personally viewed come into the program that could not complete a running mile, and are now running marathons. So inspirational for any fitness level.
BTW: I earned GI Jane at least once. Get it done! (; read more