So I Joined Boot Camp

On the double, maggot!

No, not the Army. The exercise program. Last week we posted  some beginning-of-the-year discounts that different gyms in Harlem were offering. At the time I was playing around with an idea of my own. You see, last year I stopped by True Control Fitness. If you don’t remember who they are, don’t feel embarrassed. I found out about them through a Mind, Body, Socials event where they were being featured. At the time they were located on Lenox Avenue between 135th and 136th Streets which was within walking distance of my job  (though they are now in the process of securing a new location) so I decided to give them a visit.

Two extremely motivated and fit young women run the place. In a no-nonsense manner they broke down the different services they offer: personal training, dance fitness classes, boot camp, etc. It is not a gym but rather more like a personal fitness consulting agency. I have to admit, I was very intrigued by their programs but I was not in the right frame of mind at the time.

Then, late in December of last year I got an Email blast from them.  They were offering their boot camp program with a $125 discount. Before the price was $925 but was reduced to $800. I know what you’re thinking, ‘that could pay for a couple of gym memberships’. But late in the year I came to the realization that I needed something different. Something beyond the regular workouts. A jumpstart so to speak. Don’t get me wrong, I know my way around a gym. I just lacked the discipline of living a fit life, which is not always synonymous with looking good.

So here’s the deal. You can go through either the 6-week or 9-week program. You report to “camp” at either 5AM or 6:30AM depending on which one you pick. You will report for duty 4 days a week for an hour and a half. Sounds awesome, eh? Anyway, I decided to sign up for the 9 week program.

I was invited on a Saturday morning for a physical assessment and consultation. Basically I got my vitals taken, my heart rate monitored at exertion and at rest, and performed several exercises to gauge my flexibility and strength. This is all important in order to track my progress throughout the program. I was interviewed about my past as it relates to level of activity and history of weight loss/gain. I was asked about my goals –  short-term and long-term.

In the spirit of transparency I decided to share the highlights of my experience with you, the reader. I hope to report at least once a week on Fridays. I’m starting now so that I can share with you on the first day while it’s fresh in my head. So far I’ve only completed two days. I imagine that they do not want their entire regimen plastered on blogs, so I will try to use discretion where necessary.

First some stats about me:

Height: 5’8”

Weight: 292 (fitting the technical definition of obese)

Goal Weight: 200

Heart rate at rest: 103 (high by normal definitions)

Heart rate at exertion:130

My heart rate took a much longer time to come down to rest following exertion.

One of the things you have to drill in your head is that you cannot measure your success by simply how much weight you lose. In other words, the weight loss will come as a bonus to the more important goals, which are discipline, improved endurance, improved heart rate, improved blood pressure, and improved nutrition.

Day 1-2:

Day 1

I reported early at 6:18AM at an undisclosed indoor location. I and five other “recruits” were weighed, measured, and photographed. The rules and regulations were laid down. We were instructed on how to address the instructors and how to stand in line every morning. Then we got to our circuit set of calisthenics. I must admit it came as quite a shock just how out of shape I was.  After a couple sets of push ups, planks, etc. I was broken. It was a horrible feeling.  I used to run up and down the basketball courts just a couple years ago. But I was careless. I figured I could deal with my appearance later. What I failed to realize was the toll my weight took on my health. I had developed high blood pressure, sleep apnea, increased gastritis, and sharp lower-back pain. At this point it wasn’t about whether I can wear fashionable clothes or not. It had affected my quality of life.

The first day showed me just how far I had strayed and how I never want to have that feeling again. The only consolation was that my fellow recruits also felt the exhaustion of that first day. Also, two of them had done the program before so i figured if they came back for more it can’t be that bad!

Day 2

I felt proud of myself for actually getting up. My body was sore all over. When we arrived to Boot Camp we all fell into formation. This time we were spared any kind of introductory talk. We went right into stepping followed by a grueling circuit of calisthenics. An infinity later I was done with Day 2. It  can only get better from here!

There are two important aspects about this program that outweigh simply showing up to a gym every morning. First, you’re not just showing up for yourself but also for your fellow troop members. It compares to the experience one goes through in the Army’s boot camp or as a pledge in a fraternity. There’s a bond created where you no longer just think about yourself, but the success of others as well.

Second, while our instructors may be giving us hell (and secretly loving it!) we are being educated about proper form for each workout which is a crucial factor. At the same time were are being told what each exercise is meant to do. The educational component is equally as important.

I’m back at it tomorrow morning!

Contact:

True Control Fitness
PO Box 1099

Morningside Station

New York, NY 10026

(347) 231-3095

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Posted in: Fitness/Sports, Health & Wellness