THE Seven Seas Wellness challengers have become accustomed to the rigors of the gym. Last week they were introduced to an alternative workout in the form of Fit Farm Fitness Club’s Boot Camp.

While the challengers described the experience as gruelling and difficult, they reported that the experience was fun. The challengers admitted that they liked that it was different ,and they appreciated being outside of the gym.

Physical fitness is essential to being healthy. Participating in a boot camp or military-style workout is a more exciting shift from the gym.

A fitness boot camp is a group exercise class usually conducted outdoors. It contains a mixture of traditional calisthenics, which are exercises that consist of a variety of gross motor movements – often rhythmical – generally without using equipment or apparatus, and body weight exercises with interval and strength training. Some boot camp classes also focus on mental strength and prepare participants for the type of exercises that they will engage in.

Fitness boot camps promote team effort and social support. They are designed to push participants to their physical limits and beyond, which differs from a gym workout that can be seen as monotonous. The boot camp environment allows participants to bond as they exercise. This has been found to be motivating.

Military-style workouts provide advanced training to individuals, and consist of survival training and exercises that help in gaining a lean and strong body. It also includes a programme which tests individuals’ mental and physical strength.

The Fit Farm Fitness Club is one of the sponsors of the Seven Seas Wellness Challenge. They specialise in nutrition and fitness, and also offer gym services and boot camps throughout the year. They offer three different boot camp packages, with costs ranging from $18,000 to $30,000. Transforming Boot Camp is a 10-week programme, offered in the summertime, that is aimed at weight loss and getting participants ready for the summer period. For $25,000, participants have access to boot camp sessions and the gym for the duration. Regular gym access is also offered, with special rates offered to students, teachers, nurses, and police officers. Fit Farm Fitness Club, which is located at 2 Upper Braemar Avenue, Kingston, also offers supplementation and consultation services.