“Awesome and Disgusting” was my reply to Coach Rich’s question of how I felt after completing his boot camp at the Boston Athletic Club. Awesome because I haven’t had my butt kicked like that since high school basketball and disgusting because I was covered in sweat and dirt. I sweat like I just got out of a shower. My shirt and shorts were soaked and could have been wrung out and I was covered in dirt from lying on the grown (imagine jumping in the ocean with your clothes on and then rolling around on the beach-that’s how I felt).

Now don’t get me wrong, the sweat and dirt did not bother me. It was just an observation. I actually felt amazing. Happy, relaxed, clear of mind, supercharged and full of life. I loved every minute of it. I felt lucky to be there and to have done it. I’m guessing this is how some of my clients may feel and I definitely want them to walk away from every workout feeling as good as I did.

Another unique thing I observed was that no one was talking. It made me think of a dinner party when the meal is fabulous and no one talks because they are enjoying themselves so much. This was the same except no dinner (unless you count the turkey bacon burps I ate twice during the workout-grosser, I know). I was too winded and focused on doing my best before we had to switch to the next exercise. I’m sure this is how everyone else must have felt.

My favorite part, because I’m sick like that, were the sprint games at the end. We did like 15 total minutes of conditioning in the form of competitive relays. Losing team did push ups. My team didn’t lose, but everyone had fun. That’s when I realized how powerful boot camps (much like semi-private training) can be for creating peer support and getting results fast. No one knew me and I knew none of them, but we bonded. I gave maximal effort to help my team. My teammates responded with the same. Our opponents not wanting to lose and sensing our determination gave their best efforts. This led them to respect each other, to respect us and us to respect them (a triple win if you will). It was cool. Lots of high fives and “good efforts”.

Kudos and thanks to Rich and Ron, the two Fitness Managers at the Boston Athletic Club, who invited me to experience their boot camp after meeting with them recently. Boot camps are one of the largest growing sectors of the fitness industry because you can help a lot of people get in great shape fast.

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