Local gym offers new ways of getting into shape

In keeping with the top exercise trends of 2009, Milledgeville gym Bodyplex begins its first Boot Camp next week. GCSU students and area residents will be involved in localizing a nationally prominent fitness style.

Boot camp formatted workouts are a quick, efficient way to strengthen the body. These team-oriented programs are designed to build endurance, while always keeping the routine fresh.

The American Council on Exercise said boot camp sessions can burn up to 600 calories, providing a major boost to people struggling to lose weight. While other aerobic programs focus more on cardiovascular conditioning, boot camp workouts provide the added benefit of muscle fitness.

Mike Martino, owner of Bodyplex and an associate professor of exercise science at GCSU, said installing new equipment and workout programs is part of the club’s mission. Martino and partners took over the club last spring, planning to bring big city flair to a small town health club.

Part of the membership fees go toward club enhancement, which guarantees some new equipment every year such as the recent addition of the Vibraflex 550, one of only two in Georgia, to provide a fresh challenge for members.

Installing state of the art equipment and providing alternative exercise programs like boot camp adds to the Bodyplex mix.

“The big thing is giving our members more variety. There will literally be eight different workouts, which will be totally new to them,” Martino said.

Two exercise science undergraduates, junior Josh Dunn and senior Alycia Hayes, along with graduate student Rich Dobson will serve as the boot camp sergeants. All three have training certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine.

Dobson said they are still brainstorming about the different exercises and ways to reward the participants. Martino wants to measure the boot campers at weeks one and four and after the final workouts on week eight.

“Right now, we’re getting the schedules set up,” Martino said. “The biggest thing is organization. We’ll iron out the wrinkles on this first trial.”

For added incentive, the participants will be divided into three small teams competing for prizes at the program’s end.
The evaluations determining most improved go beyond just weight loss.

Other factors include VO2 tests to measure cardiovascular condition, body mass index, grip strength and a Polar BodyAge system test. The Polar software gives a calculated body age based on fitness level. A 30 year-old in poor shape may have a BodyAge of 45 or vice versa.

The $99 fee covers two sessions per week for a total of 16 sessions.

“(Boot camp) is different workouts, not your regular rule of thumb techniques. I want them to experience something they’ve never experienced before,” Dunn said. “Normally, people think of working out as lifting weights and running for so long. This will completely change their perspective and shock a lot of people.”

The eight selected workout sessions are centered on quick change and intensity.

Rope circuit training, already a mainstay for GCSU fitness buffs and athletic teams, should add to the boot camp’s variety. Rope workouts last less than 45 minutes, but accomplish much in terms of conditioning and strength training.

Dunn and Dobson agree the ropes will be the most shocking for the participants.

“They’re gonna get to some things and feel like, ‘Man that was hard’. It will definitely be challenging.” Dobson said.

Even if the boot camp workout cycle seems too tough at first, Dobson said the boot campers get multiple chances to improve on their last attempt.

According to EverydayHealth.com, people are more likely to have fun and stay on track when exercising with a partner or group. These supportive settings help people push themselves more to improve.

In addition, participants will learn about diet planning and different tips for healthy shopping. Hayes hopes the knowledge gained during the boot camp isn’t lost when the program ends.

“I want them to be able to establish a regular routine that carries over into a healthy, regular lifestyle,” Hayes said.

If this trial run of Bodyplex Boot Camp is a success, Martino said he could see adding weekly boot camp classes in the future.

Bodyplex employs GCSU students and serves as a place for exercise science majors to develop their personal training skills. The club offers various group fitness classes, resistance training options, a cardio theater with TV’s in each unit and 24 hour access.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Mar 6 2009. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry