Fitness Bootcamps Are Dangerous – Part 2
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Indoor Bootcamp
The Top 10 Bootcamp Safety Checklist – Continued
To catch up, read the first post: Fitness Bootcamps Are Dangerous – Part 1
6.) The Training System Must Focus on Body Weight Circuit Training and Cardio Interval Training. High-Intensity Interval Training is scientifically proven to burn 9x more fat than the aerobic training alternative, so it is critical that both the resistance training AND cardio programs provided incorporate intervals since the goal of 99% of fitness enthusiasts is fat loss. Furthermore, most people are seeking for the lean, athletic look of a men’s health or women’s health cover model respectively, and this can be easily accomplished with body weight resistance training movements organized in a circuit fashion with the proper pre-programmed work to rest periods between exercises. Plus a truly skilled trainer has mastered the art of intensifying movements without the need for extra loading.
7.) The Program MUST Provide Nutritional Information. Nutrition is easily 80% of the weight loss battle. Without it, you are joining an incomplete program and wasting your money since there is no amount of exercise that can compensate for poor dietary habits. As I always say, “You can’t out train a poor diet!” People are too busy, and frankly too lazy to follow something complicated, so the nutrition program needs to be clearly outlined and easy to follow. It should provide some sort of Quick-Start Nutrition Guide that will have you eating to support your fat loss goals in 5 minutes or less. The program should also provide other regular nutritional advice and accountability to help you make lifestyle changes in this area.
8.) The Program Must Have A Website AND Social Networking. Bottom line, if the boot camp program in question does not have a website in this day in age it is not worth your time and money. Personal training is not just about “training,” it is a business and it needs to be approached that way. Furthermore, social support must extend outside of the boot camp workout. You need social support to be successful. Whether it’s keeping up through facebook, twitter, blog, forum, etc., this is a must.
9.) The Program Must Have Social Proof And Raving Fans. If the program works, there should be proof in the form of client testimonials. Their previous clients should have results and be raving about all of the benefits that they have received from the program. Ask for before and after pictures and written or video testimonials of their services before signing up (again, this should be made available on the company website). And remember, it’s NOT just about the weight loss. Benefits should include, but not be limited to, increased energy levels, dress/pant size reduction, improved health profiles, increased strength and flexibility, less joint pain, etc.
9) The Program Must Be More Than Just a Workout. Changing your body and health is hard work. Anyone that tells you different is liar or some freak of nature. And there are a lot of variables to it. So the bootcamp should provide plenty of resources to help you reach your goals outside of your workout time and this should continue to grow and improve. If all they offer you is to come get a good “workout”, then your should start looking elsewhere. Anyone can take you through a workout, but to really be successful, you need a program in place. So make sure to do your homework and find out what all is involved in your program!
10.) The Program Must Offer A FREE Trial. If the program is confident about what they have to offer, then they will let you come in and try it out or they will guarantee your satisfaction. A results-based program looks to minimize barriers of entry for prospects into their boot camps because they know that once the prospect experiences the benefits of the program firsthand they will surely continue! So make sure you can come try it out if you’re not sure and look for social proof in the form of client testimonials.
If you’re looking for a bootcamp (or personal training) in the Charlotte, NC area, I’m confident that we meet these criteria and would love to have you join us! Our next phase begins Monday, Feb 1st. Lock in before our rates go up. More info here.
