Upstream Health Solutions

There are some unique managerial issues to consider before putting the popular boot-camp style class on your group exercise schedule.

Over the past five years, group exercise classes have changed dramatically. Many existing and potential new members have grown tired of the traditional aerobics and step classes, and are seeking something different for their exercise programs. With the increasing popularity of boot camp classes, clubs are using traditional military-based training techniques to entice people to exercise. But successful boot camp programs share a number of similarities, aside from a military-based theme and exercise regimen. There are also some unique managerial issues to consider before putting this type of class on your group exercise schedule.

Boot camp variations

Boot-camp-style classes are becoming increasingly popular in health clubs throughout the country, and there are many variations on the boot-camp theme. The classes can meet in your group exercise room, or they can operate outside of the traditional club setting, with groups meeting in public parks and sports facilities.

Torrie Allman, general manager at Frog’s Club One iin Solana Beach, Calif., introduced boot camp classes three years ago. Allman says he has seen the interest in this type of class “increase quite markedly over the past year, albeit with some ebbs and flows depending on the weather.” For instance, since they are located in a temperate climate, members can meet outside for a more realistic approach.

Their class attracts 30 to 40 members every Saturday in the club parking lot. After some warm-up stretches, Mike Magira leads his boot camp participants in a half-mile jog to the beach where they engage in an hour and 30 minutes of interval work, with activities such as squat thrusts, sniper crawls and an obstacle course.

While the Frog’s class is coed, Gold’s Gym in Arlington, Va., has been conducting a women’s-only boot camp class since September 1998. According to Kirk Trader, vice president of Fitness & Image Results (consultants who manage the program), “The boot camp classes are extremely popular, averaging 20 participants per class in winter and 25 to 30 women in summer.”