Okay, I know. The days of “Back To School” for most of us are over. Long over. But I remember it as such an exciting time. You just about had your fill of summer break and were itching to reunite with your classmates, purchase a new pair of sneakers, a new bookbag and maybe even splurge for a binder (were they called Trapper Keepers…?) It was a time of refresh and an opportunity to prepare ourselves for the upcoming school year. And while there may be no school year looming ahead, the anticipation still resides within us, so I thought it might be fun to reignite that fire with Back-To-School Boot Camp!
Boot Camp Workouts have become quite popular over the last 30 years. The term Boot Camp actually dates back to the Spanish-American War when military recruits wore leggings known as “boots” and their training camp became known as Boot Camp. Soldiers in armies have historically been expected to be in good shape with strong endurance. So, it’s no surprise that someone tapped into the Boot Camp methodology and used it to create a fitness craze back in the 80s, By the 90s, Boot Camp Workouts became a regular class in gyms all over the country. The workout is designed to be loosely based on the military tactics used to whip recruits into shape by way of body-weight training, calisthenics, and interval training. These workouts may be offered year-round or consolidated into shorter sessions in preparation of an event (Bridal Boot Camp) or a season (Beach Body). (The History of Fitness Boot Camp, 2019)
The workouts are designed to work both the upper and lower body as well as the core. It’s full-body fitness. What is unique about Boot Camp Workouts is the focus on total body functional training. Functional training incorporates movements that we perform in our daily life so they can be helpful with everyday household tasks. The exercises simulate routine activities like climbing stairs or carrying groceries and target more than one muscle group at a time. By training the muscles that we use in our daily life, these activities get easier. In addition to that, by working to make different parts of our body move together smoothly, we develop balance and coordination. Preserving our sense of balance will help to prevent falls and their subsequent injuries. (Begum, 2021)
For some of us, this month’s challenge may be an introduction to Boot Camp culture, so we’ll start out slow. We will focus on some basic beginner moves and pace ourselves. For the more advanced crew, maybe you want to sign up for a Boot Camp class this month at your local gym? As always, please check with your physician before engaging in any new workout regime. Follow along with Tycor's Back to School Boot Camp for the month of August—let’s do this!
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Sources:
Begum, J. (2021, June 22). How To Exercise with Functional Training. Retrieved from www.webmd.com: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/how-to-exercise-with-functional-training
The History of Fitness Boot Camp. (2019, January 21). Retrieved from www.fitnessloftcolumbus.com: https://www.fitnessloftcolumbus.com/blog/2019/01/17/the-history-of-fitness-boot-camp#:~:text=For%20centuries%2C%20soldiers%20in%20armies,The%20name%20stuck.