fitness aims

debrag12
debrag12 Posts: 1,071 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I am looking at ways to stretch myself, something to aim for other than get to xx lbs by xxx date.

I have been reading on here about all these crazy runs happening in the USA and I have found one in the UK:

http://www.majorseries.com/

I am thinking about aiming for this, maybe just the 5k this time round ;)

I currently go to a gym which is £70 a month!! It's a chain gym but is very good, I have enquired with an actual bodybuilding gym (http://www.elitegymuk.com/), got to get that strength training started, but it's a bus journey away, I have also been looking at bootcamps like:

http://www.kentbootcamps.co.uk/
http://bootcamp.uk.com/default.aspx
http://www.firefighterbootcamp.co.uk/default.html
http://www.strictlybootcamp.com/fitness-bootcamp-chislehurst-sidcup/
http://www.britmilfit.com/

Are boot camps worth it, should I just stick to strength training?

Replies

  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    The gym you choose should be based on what your personal goals are. If it is weight loss, a full service gym is likely the best choice. You'll have access to weights for strength training and the opportunites to do HIIT training classes. Since you want to do a run as a future goal, you're going to want to build some cardio endurance; going to a weights only (bodybuilding) gym isn't going to do that. Bootcamp style gyms are often very motivating (and cheaper than full service gyms) and will help you meet your goals of weight loss and cardio endurance.

    Of the two (full service or bootcamp), I'd probably opt for the full service gym so I can get it all. Variety is a great motivator when working out and I like having options to mix it up when I plateau.
  • JenMc14
    JenMc14 Posts: 2,389 Member
    If you want to run, I'd suggest starting a training program like Couch to 5k or Hal Higdon or Jeff Galloway. Add in some strength/resistance training. If you want to lift weights, do it. Or, you could do a progressive bodyweight program at home to start. If you think you'd like the bootc amp classes, go for it, but those tend to be more cardio than significant strength training, I think.
  • darrensurrey
    darrensurrey Posts: 3,942 Member
    I have enquired with an actual bodybuilding gym (http://www.elitegymuk.com/), got to get that strength training started, but it's a bus journey away

    Cycle (or run) to the gym. Lift. Cycle/run home. Job jobbed.

    Boot camps have their place but are different to lifting even if they make you do 5,000 bodyweight squats.
  • debrag12
    debrag12 Posts: 1,071 Member
    oh I know bootcamps are different to lifting, that's why I was looking at doing both.
    The gym you choose should be based on what your personal goals are. If it is weight loss, a full service gym is likely the best choice. You'll have access to weights for strength training and the opportunites to do HIIT training classes. Since you want to do a run as a future goal, you're going to want to build some cardio endurance; going to a weights only (bodybuilding) gym isn't going to do that. Bootcamp style gyms are often very motivating (and cheaper than full service gyms) and will help you meet your goals of weight loss and cardio endurance.

    Of the two (full service or bootcamp), I'd probably opt for the full service gym so I can get it all. Variety is a great motivator when working out and I like having options to mix it up when I plateau.

    oh it's not a bootcamp gym but classes outdoors. Unless that is seen as a bootcamp gym. The bodybuilding gym isn't weights only, it does have cardio machines too
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    Bootcamps are fun for a mix up now and then, if you want to try one out then go for it.

    As for the running, there are many, many successes at using C25K. I am a C25K grad, as well are many of my friends on here. There is a group to help get you started.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k
  • debrag12
    debrag12 Posts: 1,071 Member
    Sorry should probably made it clear that I wasn't looking to do bootcamp instead of strength training or that I thought it was strength training.
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    Bootcamps are mostly body weight circuit things. They have one at the gym I go to that does interpret free weights, so I am sure there are all sorts of different bootcamps out there that will work with strength, but nothing will get you stronger faster than lifting heavy.
  • sevsmom
    sevsmom Posts: 1,172 Member
    Races always motivate me to make a training plan and stay on track. I also like to incorporate strength training. But, if you're going to use a running event as your motivator, you need to really consider running as a large part of your training. Can't get good at running if ya' don't run a fair amount!
  • crafty30
    crafty30 Posts: 132 Member
    http://www.majorseries.com/

    This look so fun! I may have to enter this... Been looking for something like this locally to me and this looks perfect, so thanks for posting!

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