| Just about every fitness center and gym seems to | | | | Boot Camp programming |
| offer a version of the trendy boot camp workout | | | | Design a program that gradually increases in intensity |
| these days. Some go with a pseudo-militaristic theme, | | | | over the length of the course. For example, you |
| complete with camouflage gear. Others refer to | | | | wouldn't teach plyometrics on day one, but you |
| standard circuit classes as boot camps. | | | | shouldn't have to instruct proper crunch form on day 15 |
| Deciding what type of boot camp workout you want | | | | either. |
| to teach determines where you'll hold it, what | | | | Class design |
| equipment you'll need, what exercises you'll introduce | | | | Begin each class as if you were teaching an aerobics |
| to clients and, most importantly, who your target | | | | class: do light cardiovascular movements, such as |
| clientele will be. | | | | running, skipping rope, squat thrusts, etc. Follow the |
| Choosing a target clientele | | | | cardiovascular exercise with graduated stretches of |
| If your strength as a trainer lies in postpartum fitness, | | | | the body parts that you plan to train more intensely |
| consider designing a boot camp for new mums. Or | | | | during that session. |
| perhaps you have athletic experience and are good | | | | For the rest of the class, I like to alternate intermediate |
| with team sports. Why not target participants who | | | | cardio with calisthenics and core conditioning. For |
| enjoy higher-intensity, athletic training? Stick with your | | | | instance, my clients do a ¼-mile run in their best |
| strengths, and your creativity will follow. | | | | effort without completely exhausting them followed by |
| Liability issues | | | | lunges and standing hip abductions before doing martial |
| Before starting your boot camp classes, check with | | | | arts-style abdominal work in a standing position (e.g., hip |
| your professional liability insurance carrier to make sure | | | | torso flexion). They rest for upwards of 90 seconds |
| that you are covered to teach in a group or outdoor | | | | and then transition back into 2-5 additional minutes of |
| setting and also that the exercises you present are | | | | cardio, followed by drills like pushups, medicine ball |
| covered under your policy. Know what your class is | | | | tosses and seated abdominal chops. Whatever |
| capable of and monitor class participants closely to | | | | exercises you decide to teach, keep your |
| minimize the chance of injury. | | | | programming simple and fun! |