It is interesting what type of American businesses arise during the times of war. One exercise phenomenon that had its birth in recent years is the fitness boot camp. Inspired by our soldiers preparation before going off to fight, boot camp exercise programs for civilians have shown up all over the country. Some of these boot camps are militaristic, lead by drill sergeants in fatigues shouting orders, while other camps are more friendly and motivating, lead by inspirational group exercise instructors. So what type of exercising is happening at these boot camps, and is this just a fad or are they here to stay?

Boot camp exercise classes vary in style, depending on the company and instructor. But typically a bootcamper will be given a physical test at the beginning of a camp, to assess fitness level. Then bootcampers will meet outside, usually in a park, beach, or river promenade, for an hour, usually 2-5 times per week for 3-4 weeks. The largest boot camp company in New York City, which holds several programs in Central Park, helps its bootcamp New York clients by offering classes which are 1.5 hours long, twice per week for two weeks. The companys CEO has tested longer and shorter time periods for classes and has discovered that bootcampers get much better results attending less times per week, but with a longer class each time they come out. During the boot camp, attendees can expect to do moving exercises for a stretch warm-up followed by interval training which switches back-and-forth between cardiovascular and strength training. Cardiovascular exercises are used to get the heart rate up and include movement exercises such as running, walking lunges, step-ups on benches, sit-ups, mountain climbers, etc. Strength training will include push-ups, triceps dips, holding core position, etc. At the end of the 3-4 weeks, the bootcamper is given another physical test to assess fitness progress.

Boot camps are providing participants with physical and mental challenge as well as camaraderie, which are all very appealing and cannot be found in the gym. Furthermore, smaller boot camp classes allow bootcampers to get the personal attention they need to exercise with correct form, not get injured, and achieve amazing fitness results. For now, it appears boot camp fitness in America, with or without war, is here to stay.