Before I started attending Mike Coleman's weekly boot camp I was in a major exercise rut but didn't realize it.
I was running on the treadmill at the gym several times a week, and I thought I was pretty fit. I had strong legs and in good cardiovascular shape but, boy, my upper body and core was wimpy because I had neglected it.
I hated doing free weights. I hated the weight machines more. Every so often I'd get this chirpy e-mail from one of the fitness instructors at the gym saying that I had met my cardio goal but needed to work on strength training. I just deleted them.
What finally got me to go to FIT boot camp was a chance meeting with a friend at a race. She was adamant that I had to try this boot camp. I didn't listen to her till she cornered me again at the local coffee shop and made me promise to try a class.
So I showed up on a Friday, not knowing what to expect. It was dark, it was cold. Never did I think I'd be up at 5:30 for a 6 a.m. class. And, for what, I was not sure. The class was nearby, at Evergreen High. We started off doing drills and exercises that I had never done. I was trying so hard that I skidded on the track while doing sprints. I didn't bust anything but got clay all over my knees. I was embarrassed but no one laughed, and Mike helped me get myself together. At the end of class I was feeling better, and I got a different and challenging workout.
I'm not sure what it was but I decided to go back again. Maybe I knew this was something that would help me get more fit. Like I said, my legs were strong but everywhere else I was stiff --my back, my neck -- or flabby -- my arms, my belly.
For weeks, maybe months after class, I'd be sore some where. I don't think I made a breakthrough until several months later because I began feeling good after class! I guess I had reached another level of fitness, that I probably wouldn't have reached without Mike's boot camp.
I've been going to FIT boot camp for more than a year now and I am so much stronger than when I was just going to the gym. My sport is running and Mike, who has more than several marathons under his belt--including Boston twice, New York and Chicago - has gotten me to the point where I can run a half marathon in almost under 2 hours.
But the really awesome thing about Mike's camp is 1) the people, 2) the variety of equipment and exercises; 3) the diverse classes he offers (spinning, running clinics, TRX) and 4) he's a great source of advice, support and just a plain nice guy. Don't get me wrong about the "nice guy" part. He will push you to be stronger and better, even if it means running or training with you. Also, I think his high intensity workout was the only way I was able to lose some of that stubborn belly, after three kids!
My body is stronger and if any one has struggled with the last 5 or 10 pounds, he can blast some of that belly fat away with his training. I didn't lose a ton of weight-- that wasn't my goal --but my core is firmer and definitely less flabby than when I was just running several times a week.
The fringe benefits are that I made so many friends. I can count on one hand the number of friends I made at the gym. Also, I never thought I'd be one of those early risers to exercise but it is pretty awesome to start your day knowing you did something for yourself -- and that you are done with your workout! read more