Boot Camp: YOU CAN DO IT!

Last night, I went to Boot Camp. I thought I was going to die. But I did it.

Maybe it wasn't this bad... but it kinda felt like it! Although, the trainers were much prettier.

Last night’s 1-hour routine was:

1)      Run ½ mile.

2)      30 second intervals of “high knee” running and jumping jacks for 10 minutes

3)      Interval training

a.       Round #1:

                                                               i.      1 minute of jump squats on the BOSU balance ball

                                                             ii.      1 minute of bicep curls

                                                            iii.      1 minute tricep curls

Repeat 3x. Do 24 Pushups.

b.      Round #2:

                                                               i.      1 minute of sitting up and down with a 12 lb weight on a BOSU balance ball

                                                             ii.      1 minute of “mountain running” (putting your head and hands down on the bench and essentially switching your feet back and forth as quickly as possible)

                                                            iii.      1 minute of ab work

Repeat 3x.

Streeeeeeeeeeeetch. Ohmygoodness. 

Tips to surviving boot camp: I am NO EXPERT! I’ve been a grand total of… 5 times. But as people have fainted/thrown up during boot camp (including my poor lovely friend Amy – sorry girl!), here are some things I’ve learned from my trainer Tina in order to make it through:

1.      AN I-CAN-DO-IT ATTITUDE! This is absolutely the most important aspect. I went a few times last year, but I kept feeling discouraged because it was so hard. Here’s what I’ve learned: It’s supposed to be hard!! But an understanding that you won’t “get it” the very first time – or even the first few times – coupled with a good attitude and a willingness to improve will get you through it. You will be running with the best of them (I even made it through the whole ½ mile – sadly, that’s actual progress for me!)

Look to this iconic woman for inspiration!!

2.       DRINK WATER! Amy learned this lesson the hard way. Drink water throughout the day, during boot camp, and afterwards. Dehydration is a real possibility when you’re working your body this hard. Not to mention, not drinking enough water can result in sore muscles. So, drink water!

3.       EAT LUNCH! Boot camp will work your body. It’s supposed to. Even if you’re on a diet, you need to eat something substantial beforehand (of course, not immediately before – you may feel queasy!) Yesterday I ate fish, brown rice and avocado for lunch, approximately 6 hours before exercising. I'd recommend eating a banana or complex carbohydrate granola bar an hour or so beforehand as well. But, I was fine, albeit hungry afterwards. Eat complex carbohydrates and lean meats.

Wish me luck for Wednesday! In case you wanted to know, I’m down 18 pounds. Perhaps boot camp will help speed up the progress? J

Readers: feel free to comment! Tell me about your boot camp experiences or any other exercise tips you might have. Are there certain foods that help you? Any high fiber, high protein meals that you like? Tell me!