Arriving early at the elementary school gym with Reado, our yoga mats dusted off, workout gear on and sneakers tightly laced we were ready. In awesome irony, we were early for the first thing in our life and the doors were locked.  A diminutive man with keys reminded us that we had to remain in the cold until the permit holder arrived.

Awesome.

Soon Oonagh, our fitness leader arrived and we were inside the gym trying on t-shirts, playing with resistance bands and taking our measurements. The musty smell of the school gym was reminiscent of games of soccer-baseball and other pastimes that resulted in the multiple rubber balls wedged into the beams in the ceiling – this gym no exception.

…There’s something depressing in the realization that I was probably the best fitness ever when I was 8…

In a matter of moments, we were jogging, knees up, knees down, toes kicked back, jumping, squatting, thrusting, wiggling and scaling the floor on all fours. We were back in elementary school and gym class had started except for this time we’re not playing with the parachute and I don’t remember feeling like I was going to collapse in 3^rd grade. There’s something depressing in the realization that I was probably the best fitness ever when I was 8.

Double awesome.

Throughout the week, we worked our lower body, abs, arms and back. The Friday, however, a scheduling conflict had us doing resistance training in the saccharin hallows of the Catholic school’s library until the superintendent evicted us. We shared words of encouragement to Oonagh, laughed amongst ourselves and left as a group.

Whether we finished early or not, week one was down. I learned the keys to successfully getting through the first three bootcamp classes!

1. pre-cooking dinner – After that much exercise hunger is unavoidable. I invested the time and cooked a lean protein lasagna with low-fat ricotta, spinach and homemade tomato sauce. Complex carbs gave us back our energy, protein helped to build muscle, casein in the cheese helps to ease joint pain and fibre helped to keep us full.
2. Water – Drink about 30 minutes before going in. Dehydration will happen. Drink Drink Drink.
3. First Class or two, bring a Sports Drinks – Until you know your limits, be prepared with fast energy and hydration to beat possibly crashing and getting lightheaded.
4. If you have concerns talk to the instructor right away. The instructor will give you alternative exercises if you need them.
5. Have fun! Everyone’s in the class for a good time. It can be a fun networking and friend building opportunity.

So now that week one is down, week 2 is up. Next installment up very soon…