Boot Camps are here to stay
Boot Camps in parks have become quite a familiar sight. Fitness companies all over Australia have seen the rise in popularity of outdoor workout programs and training in the past few months. People have grown more and more conscious of their health needs and because of the slow progress in global economy, have looked for better and less costly alternatives to meet these needs. Gym memberships are commonly expensive and joining a boot camp is one, and probably the best, of such alternatives.
The park is a great place to hold a boot camp. Its wide, open space makes a pleasant substitute for the small, cramped, air-conditioned rooms that fitness gyms usually offer.
And nature has a way of providing the very equipment you need for your workouts. Tree branches are great for grip holds and pull ups and the paths and slopes great for endurance training workouts. Would you not rather sprint around the park instead of doing stationary jogging on a treadmill? Nothing beats having the sky above you, feeling the wind on your face and the sun on your skin as you go through your exercises to slim down and tone up.
Besides, the park makes available benches and steps for exercises like box jumps and chair dips.
But there are things to consider, too. First off, the park is a public place. There will be other people around to consider as we go about our workouts. This doesn’t just go for Boot Campers, it’s for everybody. It is standard ethics to employ a certain amount of restraint to avoid being a nuisance to others outside your company.
Understandably, Boot Camps have drills and activities that require a certain amount speed and lots of energy, minor accidents like bumping into someone else or getting an elbow jab can happen. It’s also highly unreasonable to expect people to hush up in a park. So, what guidelines must be set up for fitness enthusiasts to keep the peace going? I can think of a few Don’ts to add to the usual set of park rules.
Don’t leave your water bottles and other things lying around. This can cause falls that may result in serious head or back injuries.
Don’t use an occupied bench for your leg raises, box jumps and other workout routines. I think that’s self-explanatory.
Don’t crank up your music gadgets beside people who are reading books or having a quiet conversation. When someone is raising an eyebrow at you, take the hint and find another spot.
Don’t cuss, use vile expletives or discuss pornography when there are kids around. Their parents may not appreciate that.
Don’t go beyond the designated area for your Boot Camp.
These Don’ts may seem a bit amusing, even petty when you think about it; but the truth is that issues have been raised on whether Boot Camps should be allowed to continue having their sessions in public parks. Here’s an article authored by Jason Byrne on The Conversation regarding this issue
Do Boot Camps bother you?
The trouble is that in some cities such as the Gold Coast, some park users and nearby residents are becoming fed up and complain their parks are “over-run” by boot camps. They want their local councils to do something about it.
Some boot camps have pumping music, training equipment and yelling instructors, which can disturb other park users and nearby residents. Some people also feel that businesses should not profit from public parks – at least not without giving something back to the community.
The Sta. Monica Council in the United States is considering closing down “boot camps” altogether, whereas the Gold Coast City Council, like some other Australian council, is proposing to regulate them and charge instructors a fee for using public parks and reserves.
You can read more by CLICKING HERE.
All things considered, Boot Camps are more beneficial to the community than they are bothersome. They provide a less expensive opportunity for people who want to practice a better and healthier lifestyle.
Get fit, get toned, get healthy! Sign up for a Dangerously fit Boot Camp. To register, visit our official website at Dangerously fit Boot Camp.