Exercise shouldn’t be torture, even in a boot camp class. A good boot camp, whether it’s a weekly class at your gym or a week-long fitness retreat, should be effective, safe and fun. Here’s how to evaluate your options.
- Form is king. In a boot camp class, typically the space is packed, music is loud and movements are fast. Make sure your instructor takes time not only to explain the movement standards for each movement, but also to demonstrate and watch everyone perform a few sample reps. That way, you know you’re in the hands of a capable coach who prioritizes safe movement over speed.
- Intensity has purpose. Sure, it’s easy to lead a boot camp class where participants are moving fast and furious for the entire hour. But that’s also an easy way to burn out participants, or worse, cause injuries. Make sure your boot camp class is purposeful about intense exercise. No one can maintain intensity for extended periods of time – fast and hard work is meant to be done in quick bursts with rest between. That’s what allows you to be intense! Look for boot camp classes that incorporate rest so that you are able to work quickly when necessary.
- If you’re not having fun, what’s the point? Exercise shouldn’t be drudgery. Find a class that’s fun and instructors who are encouraging. You should enjoy what you’re doing and your instructor should too. You should feel encouraged, not reprimanded. How else can you expect to return for another go-around?
What an adult boot camp retreat should include
A boot camp-style retreat takes the same idea, structured daily training, and builds a whole week around it. Look for:
- Training that scales to you. Coaches should start from your baseline and adjust for old injuries.
- Real recovery. Rest, mobility and sleep are what let you train hard again tomorrow.
- Food that fuels the work. Not a crash diet, but meals planned to give you energy.
- A plan for home. The point is to keep going after the week ends.
Boot camp at Skyterra, without the drill sergeant
- More than 80 classes a week: strength, cardio, pilates, yoga, pool fitness and pickleball, at every level.
- Coaches and physical therapists who start from your baseline and scale every workout to your body.
- Guided hikes on nine miles of campus trails and summit and waterfall hikes in Pisgah Forest.
- Three chef-prepared meals a day, planned with our registered dietitians.
- Daily sessions on nutrition, sleep and stress, and the Skyterra At Home app to keep going after you leave.
Learn about our weight loss boot camp for adults.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be in shape for a boot camp retreat?
No. Every class adapts to your fitness level, and you can push as hard as you want or take it easier on a given day.
What does it cost?
One all-inclusive weekly rate covers private lodging, meals, every class and the airport shuttle: $4,900 for one week, $4,655 a week for two weeks, and $4,270 a week for three weeks or more. Interest-free payment plans are available. See rates and what’s included.
Ready to plan your next reset? Start with a free consult with our team and take $100 off your first stay. Plan your retreat or call us at 888-282-1657.
