Group "Circuit training", initially designed without sports equipment, Bootcamp strengthens cardio, muscles, and group bonds.
(Warning, if you are looking for "bootcamp mac", look elsewhere! We're talking about fitness here!)
A fitness session is one way to get out of the rhythm of our mind-numbing work life, to get a breather and to let off steam. But getting motivated is not always easy. The Bootcamp can be a solution, thanks to the variety of activities on offer and its fun aspect; it provides participants with a challenging and stimulating workout that makes a change from traditional practices.
A bootcamp is a sports training session that usually takes place to lively music, outdoors or indoors, usually without equipment. It is based on a selection programme for new military recruits. These programmes are designed to increase strength and fitness through a variety of group exercises at different intensity intervals, in the form of HIIT, over a period of 45 minutes to 1 hour
The origin of the Bootcamp dates back to the Spanish-American War of 1898. At that time, American recruits trained in training camps wore boots, hence the name "Bootcamp".
It was not until 100 years later that it became a fashionable phenomenon in the United States. It was subsequently adapted in 1999 and 2001 by the UK and Canada. In France, the Bootcamp has been attracting interest from people looking for varied and original physical activities since the early 2010s.
Today, it is found in fitness centres, but sometimes in devoted places, with a light and sound "show" dimension!
Most Bootcamp sessions take place in the early morning and early evening. Much of the training is done with your body weight.
Bootcamp workouts are fun, but with a dose of intensity and efficiency to push your limits. The exercises are designed to be done in pairs. Depending on the number of participants, a Bootcamp can have up to 10 participants per group.
In general, Bootcamp exercises are an intense mix of aerobic, strength and speed elements that help work the arm, leg, hip, stomach, chest, back and shoulder muscles.
In some cases, specific endurance or strength training is also offered. One or more professional and experienced coaches are on hand.
On average, after a training session, you should rest for 24 to 48 hours before starting the next one.
The great group dynamics of a Bootcamp session often contribute to the motivation of the participants. It is possible to lose between 700 and 1500 calories per session.
By limiting the resting time between exercises, your heart rate increases, your metabolism is activated and calories are burnt very efficiently and intensively
Regular aerobic exercise can help reduce high blood pressure, hypertonia and stress. This is partly due to the release of endorphins, which act as a mood enhancer.
Some Bootcamps even offer psychological support, which is necessary to keep the participants motivated after the Bootcamp.
With its varied and individual rhythm, the Bootcamp sessions are suitable for both sports beginners (but not "complete beginners") and fitness enthusiasts. A good training camp session will include variations of each exercise to suit the different abilities of the teams.
Many fitness centres offer the possibility to participate in a Bootcamp.
Whether at work, with friends or in the community, all you need to do is get a group of people together, all under the supervision of a professional coach.
Have a look at Decathlon Activities, there might be a session organised in your area.
The bootcamp uses exercises that you will find in circuit training, which are based on HIIT, or High Intensity Interval Training. These are short, high-intensity exercises with very short rest periods. This training method allows you to draw on your reserves quickly.
To learn more about HIIT, we recommend this tip.
Be aware that this is an intense sport that puts a lot of strain on the heart, so you may want to choose another sport to start with, or ask your doctor for advice.
In addition, for people with high blood pressure or diabetes, a medical physical check-up is essential.
In the tradition of HIIT and other intense workouts, the Bootcamp offers a more playful variant. And if you don't like it, there are a thousand ways to vary your enjoyment: Have you ever heard of Roller Fitness?
Sport, fitness, well-being: we enjoy sharing our tips and advice with you.