From The Straits Times    |
Review: Fitness boot camps

Do you feel breathless whenever you’re climbing an overhead bridge? Are you too lazy to even take the stairs at the train stations? As with most of us, we know we need the exercise but we’re often too unmotivated to start.

Try signing up for one of these four fitness boot camps. An hour-long intensive class with cardio and strength exercise may just be the training you need to get into shape. Benefit from the supportive coaches and the group energy from your fellow participants; you might just beat that flab. With regular lessons, you may even become all fit and ready for a marathon. We huffed and puffed our way through these four.

Sign up for a boot camp and benefit from all that group energy. Image: Corbis


1. WE LOVE: WILLOW STREAM SPA BOOT CAMP

THE BOOT CAMP
Every session is conducted by two instructors – one gives instructions while the other makes sure you work out correctly. They take note of your fitness level, and tailor the workouts accordingly. My instructors, Syed and Faizal were like friendly older brothers, and the session was fun and lighthearted.

GRIT FACTOR: 2.5/5. I breezed through the first training – the beginner’s level. The coaches took us through crunches, push-ups, squats and lunges. It was a well-rounded workout, but my muscles didn’t ache the next day. In fact, I felt refreshed post-workout. The sessions were to get progressively harder, with obstacle courses and kick-boxing routines at the higher levels (there are four levels in all). 


VERDICT: 9/10. Easy-to-follow class; spa entitlements are a big plus.

These boot camps are conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7pm-8pm at Willow Stream Spa tennis courts at Level 6 Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road; tel: 6431-5600. The camps are priced at $350 for 12 sessions over four weeks, with an average class size of six participants. Participants can use the spa facilities (pool, jacuzzi, gym and sauna) at every session.


2. GREAT FIND: BILL’S BOOTCAMPS


THE BOOT CAMP

Bill is a ball of energy, incredibly cheerful and animated. He focuses on a different area each week – cardio, resistance, circuit and recovery. Other than giving advice in class, he also dispenses fitness plans for participants to do at home.

GRIT FACTOR: 4/5. It was the toughest of the lot – I did a series of high-intensity cardio and strength training exercises. It was tiring, but the friendly trainees and enthusiastic coach kept me moving for 45 minutes, until I threw in the towel. We had plenty of water breaks, but towards the end, I found it difficult to keep up with the pace. 


VERDICT: 8/10. Energetic and intensive, but great fun. Good even in wet weather.

Bill’s bootcamps are held Mondays (at 8.15pm), Tuesdays and Thursdays (at 10am and 8.30pm) and Saturdays (10.45am) at Danceonus dance studio, #01-02/03 Claymore Point, 8 Claymore Hill; tel: 6737-4466, website: www.billsbootcamps.com.

Boot camps are priced at $455 for 12 sessions over four weeks, with a class size between 12 to 14 participants.


3. BEST VALUE: FITWERK OUTDOORS


THE BOOT CAMP
Every session is run by two instructors – each takes charge of different segments in the 55-minute workout. They also take note of your fitness level and adjust the workouts accordingly. Jeff and Johan were friendly and professional – it was obvious that the participants enjoy working out with them.

GRIT FACTOR: 3/5. We started off with a warm-up jog, followed by a series of strength training and calisthenic exercises like push-ups, crunches, lunges, and squats. We also ran between cones and did a series of jumping exercises. It was tiring, but the fresh morning air and the sea breeze was invigorating. The participants were also very friendly and encouraging. 


VERDICT: 8/10. A good all-round workout, especially for early risers.

Fitwerk Outdoors boot camps are held Mondays to Fridays (at 7am, 8am and 9am) and Saturdays (8am and 9am) at East Coast Park (near the Road Safety Park); tel: 9626-7614, website: www.fitnesswerks.com. Spouses are welcome on weekend sessions. The boot camps are priced at $249 a month for unlimited sessions, with a class size maximum of 12 participants.


4. THE MAKEOVER BOOT CAMP

THE BOOT CAMP
The instructor, a quiet, patient guy called Ash, was attentive and constantly checked to ensure our posture and alignment were correct. However, his style was too low-key for me.

GRIT FACTOR: 3/5. After a short warm-up jog, we did three sets of cardio exercises – running between cones and a series of jumping jacks, lunges and squats at each station. This was followed by three sets of strength training exercises – the plank, side plank and push-ups. There was only one other participant in my group, so I got bored after a while because of the general lack of group energy.


VERDICT: 7.5/10. The number of classes is good for those with erratic schedules.

The Makeover Boot Camp is held at Botanic Gardens (near Swan Lake) and East Coast Park (near Playground@Big Splash); tel: 8323 3757, www.themakeoverbootcamp.com/invitation. Boot camps are scheduled on Mondays to Fridays (at 7am, 8am, 9am, 5.15pm, 6.15pm and 7.15pm), Saturdays (at 8am, 9am and 10am), at $297 a month for unlimited sessions and with a maximum class size of 15 participants.

All product and pricing information was correct at the time of the magazine’s publication. We advise readers to check with the store for the latest availability and pricing information.

This article was originally published in SimplyHer February 2011.