FORT RUCKER, Ala. (April 9, 2015) -- Finding the motivation to begin a new exercise routine can be challenging, but an upcoming fitness program may be the key to success.
Fort Rucker's six-week spring fitness boot camp is April 13-May 22. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8:30--9:45 a.m. at the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Center. Cost is $100 per participant and must be paid in full before the first day of camp.
According to Anne Sullivan, fitness program coordinator, the camp is a perfect opportunity for any fitness level.
"The nice thing about the format is that if you are ready to add a lot of weight and push to a new level of fitness, then that aspect is there," she said. "Our trainers have the expertise to help those people safely achieve their goals. But if you are just getting started with a fitness routine, our trainers also have the ability to provide the knowledge you need to safely dip your toe into the water.
"If you are someone who is just getting started in fitness, then our format will ensure you are not left behind," she added. "We anticipate a broad spectrum of fitness levels. So the workouts are designed to accommodate varied levels of fitness."
The boot camp begins with a fitness test to establish everyone's individual capabilities.
"We start the boot camp with fitness testing," Sullivan said. "I know it sounds scary, but it's really not. We strive to remove any element of judgment from it. I know a lot of people are just ready to judge themselves right away. I think it is important to be able to step back and evaluate yourself without emotion.
"We do pushups, sit-ups, squats and a fairly brief run the first day to establish each person's level of fitness," she added. "We only expect you to do what your body is capable of the first day. Then our staff will work with you, over the course of the next six weeks, to help you safely reach a new level of fitness."
Spring's boot camp shifts from winter's muscle group training focus to full-body workouts and each day's training will take place outdoors, Sullivan said.
"It is a lot of what you might call functional fitness," she said. "There will be a lot of jumping onto and over things, pulling things, lifting things and various functional exercises. The goal is for it to be a full-body workout from week to week.
"In the winter boot camp, we structured it to focus on certain major muscle groups from week to week with a classroom element to it," she added. "We plan to shift to a completely outdoor routine in the spring, but we will still likely target a specific muscle group each week. You will still receive a full-body workout each week, but more exercises will target specific muscle groups like arms, legs, back or shoulders."
Classes are held rain or shine, but instructors might alter plans due to inclement weather.
"If there is thunder and lightning, then we will not put you outside to face the elements," Sullivan said. "But it is a boot camp. I think there is definitely an element of camaraderie built when you are outside in the mud with a group of people flipping tires. You finish the workout for the day and you barely recognize the people in the group because they are wet and covered in mud. But there is always a smile when it is that kind of a group effort and workout."
Orientation is held the first day of boot camp. A registration packet must be completed. Packets are available at Fort Rucker and Fortenberry-Colton Physical Fitness Center.
For more information, visit either PFC or call 255-3794.
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