You can imagine that as a personal trainer, I have heard every excuse in the book for not exercising.  I even have a long list of my own that I use on a far too regular basis.  I’m too busy. I’m too tired. I can’t get motivated. I’ll start tomorrow… really! Well, living in southern California, there is one excuse we can’t use, and that’s the weather. In fact, one of the biggest reasons to get outside and exercise IS the weather! With the average temperature hovering around 70°, mild winters and minimal rainfall, we live in nature’s perfect playground.  So, if you don’t find yourself motivated by the thought of walking on a lonely treadmill at the local gym, you might want to consider lacing up your shoes (combat boots not necessary), and enlisting in one of the fitness industry’s top trends in outdoor exercise—a fitness bootcamp!

Now, don’t get nervous. While you may have an image of a loud, aggressive drill sergeant two inches from your face telling you what a wimp you are, most fitness bootcamps these days are all about fun, challenge, teamwork and motivation. Many participants report that much like the camaraderie of a real bootcamp, the energy of the group motivates them to show up to class and work harder than they might on their own. And because bootcamps incorporate cardiovascular, strength training, and core conditioning, they are a great way for you to see real results from your efforts. Best of all, bootcamps require minimal equipment—often times just your own body weight along with the creative use of both nature and man made props in your environment. So, whether you are ready to sign on for basic training, or just want to test the waters with a mini boot camp of your own, here are a few suggestions to help you get started.

These days finding a bootcamp in your area is easy. While many gyms have added this format to their group exercise schedule, oftentimes instructors and personal trainers lead their own classes at local beaches and parks.  Their information is readily available by simply searching, “fitness bootcamps in (your town)” on the internet.  A word of caution here: Do a bit of research before showing up.  With names ranging from Basic Weight Loss Bootcamp to Extreme Warrior Bootcamp, you want to be sure that the philosophy and intensity level matches what you are looking for.  I recently watched, from the comfort of my beach chair, a group of people repeatedly lift and drop what looked like a telephone pole, until the pole won out. Not really my idea of fun, but they seemed to be loving the challenge!

Try Your Own Mini Boot Camp

Ok, not ready to pack your duffel yet? What I love most about this workout approach is that you can easily “boot” up your usual walking or running routine by adding a few simple exercises along your training route. Next time you’re out, look around for various props that you could transform into exercise stations. Here are a few examples:

• Park benches and low walls: These are great places to stop for a core “plank” or a set of push-ups. Place your hands on the edge of the bench shoulder width apart, then step your feet back to form a plank position. Beginners can hold this position for 30 seconds, while others can do a set of 10-15 push-ups.
• Stairs or bleachers: There is no better way to raise your heart rate and tone your legs at the same time than to walk or run up a flight of stairs. Time yourself for 30 seconds to a minute, and be sure recover with a slow walk or jog in between sets.
• Curbs and rocks: Great for balance training. Walk a curb like a tight rope, or stand on a rock with your feet close together as you raise your arms over head. If your balance is good, stand on one leg.
• Sandy beaches or playing fields: If you hit the beach for your walks, venture into the dry sand for intervals of fast walking or running. Playing fields are also great for wind sprints or running in different directions like sideways and backwards.

Anywhere along the exercise continuum, from beginner to seasoned athlete, motivation can be hard to come by. Mixing up your routine and bumping up the intensity—two things bootcamps are famous for—can often be just what you need to feel re-energized.  But beyond the physical benefits, studies show that exercising out of doors in a natural environment is associated with increased feelings of wellbeing and positive engagement, alongside a decrease in feelings of anger and depression. So, with spring in the air, why not recruit a friend to give bootcamp style fitness a try.  With a climate that the U.S. Weather Bureau describes as the “most nearly perfect in America,” it would be a shame for you to let it all go to waste!

To your health,

Meg Root