Ultimate Boot Camp

As I have always been into fitness I was interested in the idea of a Boot Camp holiday. After much research, I discovered the Ultimate Boot Camp, a ladies only camp which consisted of a week or weekend of exercise, healthy eating and relaxation. I opted for the weekend version.

What attracted me to Ultimate Boot Camp over other camps is that the program is developed and led by Royal Maine PTI's (Physical Training Instructors). The approach is to encourage self motivation and nutritional education, rather than quick fix weight loss.

As the camp date grew closer I started to feel a bit anxious.  Would I be the unfit one left at the back? Would I starve and collapse of exhaustion? Or would I simply crumble under marine instruction? When the kit list arrived on my doormat it started to dawn on me what I had let myself in for. Did I really need four pairs of trainers for a weekend? This was going to be a tough!

So off I set for Devon, full from a huge last supper and stuffed full of jelly babies just incase I’d be starved on the coming days. My motivation for joining the camp was not necessarily to lose weight but to gain greater knowledge of health and fitness and hopefully to drop a couple of pounds and tone up along the way. I was ready!
 
I was met at the station by Jon, ex Royal Marine PTI (Physical Training Instructor), a huge man-mountain dressed in combat gear, boots and may I add very figure hugging vest! I quickly discovered my fellow "recruits" were equally as apprehensive. A nervous excitement broke out throughout the mini-bus as we took off into the Devon countryside.

We arrived at High Wiscombe, three beautiful barns set in acres of Devon countryside. Even if it ended up being the worst weekend of my life, at least I was staying in 5 star accommodations in an idyllic setting.

With no time to unpack, we quickly changed into our training gear. Sam Watt, co-owner and founder of Ultimate Boot Camp warmly welcomed us and records our vital statistics: height, measurements, peak flow and blood pressure. We then had a chance to set individual goals and try some ice breaker exercises. Armed with new found motivation we ran straight off into the field in the pouring rain. We ran up and down hills, along logs and then the session ended with a game of tag. Jon and fellow Marine PTI, Les, push us through our paces with sprints, press-ups and star-jumps to name a few. I soon realised why I needed four pairs of trainers! We were soaked, sodden and smelly after crawling around in a field of sheep dung. John and Les were friendly and approachable at all times and were constantly encouraging and supportive. They quickly started to vary the session for individual fitness levels. Although tough, the workout was bearable and we are all getting on like a house on fire!

After a quick shower, we settled down to a small but satisfying dinner and then were off for an evening hike across the beautiful Sidmouth coast line. Walking in the fresh air was a great opportunity to chat to fellow recruits, take photos and unwind. I fell into bed at 9.30pm, feeling exhausted, slightly stiff but excited about the weekend ahead. I try to ignore the craving in my stomach for a chocolate hobnob!

The interesting thing about Ultimate Boot Camp is you are not given a schedule, so you don’t have the opportunity to worry about the activities in advance. Being the sort of person that thrives on a schedule and routine, this was strangely exhilarating and the element of surprise definitely got the adrenalin pumping and hopefully the fat burning!

The "detail” of each morning, was an instruction to meet outside the mini-bus at 6am sharp with forfeits for late comers. Each day started with interval training in the woods before breakfast. The activities then become steadily more adventurous from circuit, core strength and boxing training through to mountain biking and tyre running on the beach. There is a strong emphasis on team work, with games such as rounders and tug of war. Although we were training all day, the schedule is carefully structured with a mix of high and low impact activities.

We also received workshops through the day covering attitudes to fitness and healthy eating. As a group we exchanged opinions and shared experiences. There was also the opportunity to take part in one-on-one sessions with a life coach.

As the weekend progresses so do the activities. One afternoon we’d find ourselves chest deep in an icy bog; it quite literally took my breath away as we all duck our heads under the water. The pinnacle for me was the Marine Commando endurance course, crawling through a 45 foot tunnel. With a mild claustrophobia, I was slightly apprehensive to say the least but with the PTI's and fellow recruit’s encouragement I made it through. The PTI's are fantastic! There is no shouting or aggression. They give you the confidence to achieve and push yourself out of your comfort zone. I felt so proud of myself I felt I could achieve anything.

The weekend proved to be a huge bonding experience. I made some brilliant friends, from age 21 to 64, from all different backgrounds, fitness levels and sizes. On my final day, it's the moment of truth....the weigh in. I shed three and a half pounds and lost a total of four inches over the weekend! I was thrilled! Four whole inches after just three days! Some of the girls went on to lose up to 11 pounds in a week. I was surprised as although the meal portions are small, I didn't feel my food was severely restricted.

On leaving the camp, not only were my jeans a little looser, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of achievement. I now feel I can face challenges and overcome anything if I put my mind to it. I pushed my body harder than I could ever have expected.

Since camp, my attitudes to health and fitness have change. It proved to me you don't you need fancy equipment and a gym membership to get fit, all you need is motivation. As an ex-recruit I have access to a range of healthy recipes, exercise routines and forums to keep in touch with other recruits and PTI's. I received an individual training program tailored to my fitness goals which has really helped me.  Despite having left the camp a while ago now I know that if I have any specific questions I can contact one of the PTI's at any time for health and fitness advice.

Find out more about Aultimate Boot Camp and book yourself in for instant weight loss and motivation now.

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