 (Reprinted
from Today’s Woman of South Orange County: July 2004)
Gil. Jane-eat your heart out!
Adventure Boot Camp is looking for a few good women.
By Basia Christ
Every year before summer, I bemoan the fact life has taken
its toll on my figure. Some is "age", but really
my sedentary existence is what's most to blame. Tired of hiding
the bulges, I've decided to get myself in gear: I'm going
to Adventure Boot Camp!
You may ask just what in the world is an 'Adventure Boot
Camp?' Christina Lucy, boot camp instructor and certified
NESTA personal trainer, describes it as "a 4-week comprehensive
fitness program, combining fitness instruction, nutritional
counseling, and motivational training." Adventure Boot
Camp was originally developed by John Spencer Ellis.
So, first things first. I'm measured (ugh, is that true?)
and so is my body fat (is that right?). Christina says it's
really not that bad (right!). She inquires about any medical
conditions, and advises me to bring a mat, two 5 Ib. weights,
water, lots of enthusiasm and a smile.
WEEK 1
About 25 women ranging from early 30s to late 50s arrive
by 9:00am. We meet at a local park. (Thank goodness! I've
been in too many smelly gyms with loud music.)
After we stretch, Christina says to run or walk around the
park. It's no surprise I'm at the rear. We high-step through
an obstacle course, do lunges and run around the park again.
It's warm and I'm glistening (women don't sweat), but I'm
doing all right. We go "to the mats" for weight
training. Triceps, biceps and the "dreaded abs"
exercises. A cool down follows, and we're instructed to hold
in our abs to build a strong "core".
As we leave, Christina tells us that if anyone's late tomorrow,
they'll have to do 20 push-ups. Of course, the next day traffic
is horrendous. The thought of 20 pushups looms as I give the
gas pedal a touch... just then I see the policeman. I'm late,
but Christina says because of the ticket I don't have to do
them – this time!
A blur of warm ups and running around the park with me in
the rear. Weight work, jumping jacks and other calisthenics
follow.
Caren Walterscheid, a personal trainer with a great body,
notices I'm struggling with everything while she moves effortlessly.
She says she ended chemotherapy last January and signed up
for Boot Camp when she was the weakest in her life. "Everything
I did was a real challenge, but what I love most about Christina
is that she never babied me because I had cancer. She saw
potential and pushed me hard. I'm now faster, stronger and
most importantly, healthier...and in my third session."
Christina reminds us about the nutrition seminar tonight.
She says, "Look at your butt in the mirror. If you're
not happy, come to the seminar."
On Friday we're at a lake. We run up and down stairs either
high-stepping or kicking our heels. Christina times us to
see how fast we run the mile (WHAT?) and do push-ups without
stopping. This score will be compared with our score on the
last day.
At the half point, I see some across the lake finish, but
I don't allow myself to get discouraged. When I'm close, Jane-Francis
Marenga runs out to help. "Come on, girl, you can do
it," she yells. "Pick up your feet. Run!" She
runs at the 5:30 a.m. EZ8 Running Camp daily, then attends
this session. She says, "I'm always at the back, too,
but I love it". This is her second session.
Everyone waves me in and my time is announced at 13:56. I
broke a 14-minute mile!
Week 2
This week we focus on different muscle groups. Back, shoulders,
arms, legs. Oh, and let's not forget those abs! Wednesday
is THE 4-MILE HIKE, uphill for the first 3 and - steep, especially
near the top.
After 15 minutes we're still on the blacktop and I'm tired.
Nancy Dickerson says we haven't even begun as she points to
where the blacktop ends and the hike begins. This is her second
session, also. She has three children and wants to get into
shape for summer (familiar?). She says before the first Camp
she couldn't catch her 3-year-old that she now outruns!
Christina gives last minute instructions and distributes
walkie-talkies. "Watch where you step. Look for holes,
rocks, snakes and lizards." Someone mentions mountain
lions. None notice my panic. They're all excited, but I'm
still puffing from our 'little' walk.
Everyone winds up the hill, but Christina waits for me. "I
always stay with the last person." I thank her profusely
and hope she knows how to suck venom from a snake bite.
It's now 9:45am and very warm. The hike should take an hour.
I remember I ran the mile in almost 15 minutes. That means
I have to do this at the same speed I did on flat ground!
I ask Christina if she has a cattle prod as I drink my water.
Then I see IT...the top where the group is waiting. It's steep.
I stop, take a big breath and climb.
Christina encourages me from behind as the group cheers.
What a great bunch of women! My breath is shallow. My legs
are screaming. I keep going. I'm at the top! It's beautiful!
I'm sweating badly (no more glistening) and thankful none
see my tears.
Week 3
I'm ready for anything Christina has us do. She says we'll
run (surprise!), do some more weight training and refine our
form. This time I jog around the park without stopping once!
My form is gazelle-like. I feel like Jackie Joyner as I reach
the final turn. Everyone is on the mats, but stand to cheer.
Is this how Olympians feel?
By Friday, we're back at the lake, running from obstacle
to obstacle and encouraging each other. , Sandra McLeester
says as she runs past, "They ought to change the name
from Boot Camp to 'Booty' Camp because it's really about getting
our butts in shape!"
Then it dawns on me. Adventure Boot Camp isn't really just
about getting in shape. It's about the encouragement and motivation
that we all give and get. We have a variety of backgrounds,
are at different life stages, know it's not easy to do what
Christina asks, but we help each other do our best.
Week 4
Some have dropped, but I'm still here. This week it's cooler.
I'm not as far behind anymore (still last though because everyone
else has gotten better too). Christina is a great motivator.
She watches each person, gives praise and encouragement, but
knows when not to cut any slack. I run around the park twice
without stopping. I remember the first day when I couldn't
run 10 steps or stand on one leg for exercises that require
balance. Now I'm completing 15 reps with perfect balance.
It's a miracle!
I haven't lost much weight, but my clothes feel better. I'm
standing more erect. The morning pains and pops are gone.
My body fat is less, I've lost inches, cut 3 1/2 minutes from
my mile and can do 22 push-ups.
As an extra bonus, I've met some wonderful women. My thanks
go to Christina, most of all, who encouraged me and never
once let me quit!
In fact, I just signed up for the next session.
If you want to get into shape this summer, think about joining
Adventure Boot Camp. Contact Christina Knapp at 959/589-9166
xl02 or check out all their programs at www.OCBootCamp.com.
Christina Lucy, a certified NESTA personal trainer, has taught
aerobics and group fitness classes for over 14 years. She
has earned an instructor certification in PACE circuit training
and has been trained in challenge course administration and
safety. She is also an RRCA certified running coach.
In 1990, John Spencer Ellis began OC Boot Camp in Orange
County. After years of research, hundreds of hours of instruction,
experimenting with various teaching methods, camp formats,
and nutrition programs, the Adventure Boot Camp method emerged.
Two Adventure Boot Camps are offered daily to accommodate
the growing demand. John instructs the 5:30a.m.session and
Christina instructs the other at 9:00a.m. Both are Monday
through Friday, rain or shine, and last an hour in the beautiful
outdoors.
The EZ8 Women's Running Camp is a program Christina has developed,
which is an 8-week running camp in Rancho Santa Margarita.
By the end of the camp, you'll be running a 5K at your fastest
speed with the group. The program is designed for beginner
runners with the group's average age between late thirties
to early fifties.
Or you might want to try one of the 3-day weekend adventures
which are offered at the premier Big Bear fitness resort,
Spencer Escape. Spa treatments, nutritional counseling and
Pilates/Yoga Boot Camps are also available at the new Spencer
Wellness Center in Rancho Santa Margarita.
Are you pumped and ready to join Christina to have an adventure
of your own? You'll be in good hands!
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