Boot Camp Tips
Ewunike Akpan, who runs 10-week C.O.R.E. Boot Camps for women and
men in Washington, D.C., has these tips for finding the best boot camp
for you:
• Look for a trainer certified by national organizations such as ACSM, AFAA, ACE, NASM and NSCA.
• Get clearance from your doctor, even if you’re healthy.
• Try a free introductory session.
• Choose how much time and money you can commit. Boot camps vary but tend to run four to 12 weeks at $200
to $500 per package. Sessions per week range from one to five times a week.
• Choose camps led by trainers who motivate rather than berate and workouts that are challenging not abusive.
• Keep shopping if the workout isn’t exhilarating and fun, or if the trainer doesn’t seem focused on you and your success.
• Know your motivation. Don’t limit yourself to the drill
sergeant types if you prefer a more supportive, one-on-one approach.
sergeant types if you prefer a more supportive, one-on-one approach.
• Pick a camp that does a fitness assessment at the beginning and the end of the boot camp to chart your progress.
• Recruit a friend for added accountability and camaraderie.
