Boot camp fitness
By Kat Carney
CNN Headline News
(CNN) -- Every new recruit knows that boot camp is time to push their body to the limits. Lately, however, civilians have wanted to get into the act and get fit with this form of training.
Based on activity drills from military physical training, boot camp workouts can pack a wallop in a very short period of time, and several home videos will have consumers in tip top shape, in no time flat.
Tae Bo fans will be happy to check out the soon to be released "Billy Blanks' Tae Bo Boot Camp" workouts. But gone are Blanks' trademark punches and kicks. Instead, Blanks takes exercisers through a tough circuit of drills ranging from jumping jacks, squats, push-ups and mountain climbers -- in other words, exercises that challenge both the cardiovascular system and the larger muscles of the body with efficient compound movements.
"The Method: Cardio Boot Camp" takes the military theme but infuses the workout with its trademark Pilates techniques. The result is an intense cardiovascular workout that also helps exercisers train using balance and stability. Boot camp training can be very intense in the beginning, so fortunately this video offers three individual, 15-minute segments.
Many boot camp videos are "no equipment necessary," relying instead on bodyweight resistance for the strength exercises. For some people, this can prove to be too much of a challenge, so "Crunch: Boot Camp Training" mixes common moves like squats and push-ups with dumbbell exercises including bicep curls and shoulder presses.
As with all exercise programs, be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. But for those up to the task, boot camp workouts are an interesting way to add variety to your fitness regimen.
