"This is the hardest boot camp ever!"

Today was the third time I have heard this so far in February. And this comment isn't coming from the people that are the most out of shape, but rather from those that run marathons, sprint miles and are true athletes. Even the instructors feel "out of shape".

Is this the hardest boot camp session ever?

I have seen three full seasons at Blackburn, led a season at Chastain in the evening, attended workouts at Chastain Park in the morning, Mason Mill Park in the mornings, West Midtown (the Howard School) and Peachtree Corners. Before all that, I spent a couple seasons at Piedmont Park. And yes, I was once a camper. So I have seen "boot camp" as a baby and have participated in its growth in the fitness industry. This year, I am helping outdoor fitness graduate to a higher level of legitimacy as I travel across America educating personal trainers, group instructors and fitness business owners about the business of boot camp, our style of comfort zone training and offering the nations first accredited (by ACE and AFAA) Outdoor Fitness Boot Camp Instructor Training Program.

Now all that being said, and after todays grueling plyometric workout, "Is this the hardest boot camp session ever?"

Yes. But what is even more important, is that next month will be even harder. Because, ladies and gentleman, WE ARE GETTING BETTER! Yes, as instructors we are evolving, learning and improving our skills. Because we are professionals FIRST, we all possess this inate desire to be the best we can be. And being the best you can be is what boot camp is all about. We take the lessons we learn in the boardroom and apply them to our work ethic on the field. We are unique and we are leading the way to a new future in the fitness industry. Where the BEST trainers have skills beyond just good looking muscles. Where the BEST trainers have the ability to meet their clients at their current level of fitness and take them to the next level. No matter where they begin. Folks, YOU ARE THE BEST TRAINERS. I might even say in America.

But - what makes me unique, and I believe you all also possess this spirit, is that this isn't enough. I want to get better and here is why.

Today I had a camper leave the workout in tears. She was devestated that her body wouldn't cooperate with her desire to get fit. It is common during plyometric workouts for people with knee issues to struggle a little bit. And today was no exception. She pushed herself out of her comfort zone. Maybe a little too far. What I didn't know is that her knees were bothering her before the workout. That little bit of communication from the client, could have allowed me to provide a modification before the workout for her. Where we need to improve as a group is on our ability to provide modifications for these more technical type workouts. I feel like I failed my instructors by not providing enough technique training in the athletic arena. I feel like I couldn't reach every camper at every station today because I am only one person. As instructors we are all part of a team. We need to work together to provide a workout that reaches EVERYONE on their level. Today we may not have done that.

So I am sure you are thinking, how do we improve? We try again tomorrow. Tomorrow we make sure we know everyone's name. Tomorrow we make sure we know everyone's weakness or injuries. Tomorrow we make sure that although we are getting a workout, we are always keeping one eye on the client. Constantly analyzing their running, push-up, ab bridge and jumping forms. Constantly providing positive feedback and modifications where necessary to help them improve no matter what level they are on. We do a very good job at this most of the time. And that is why this month's session is the hardest session ever.

But now that we have a challenge to make next month even better, we must meet that challenge head on. More training and better communication is what you will get from me. All you will need to do is bring it.