Summer is almost here, and that means it’s time to get back in shape. Given pandemic concerns, however, the gym remains a non-starter for some. Never fear. Outdoor bootcamps are an excellent way to get exercise while social distancing in the open air. We caught up with Hardwork Fitness coach Hannah Pringle to discuss the benefits of exercising outside and more.
What does a typical session look like?
“I enjoy circuit-style workouts,” similar to high-intensity interval training, otherwise known as HIIT, Pringle says. “I love timed movements, so anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute for a certain movement, and a combination of body weight and weights, as well as cardio. One round, you might have a squat that’s weighted, the next movement in the circuit is going to be ropes and in between you’ll have a cardio movement, so burpees or jumping jacks, things to keep your heart rate going.”
“I try to change [workouts] weekly,” Pringle continues. “There’s often a lot of movements that are repeated. I try to keep it pretty mixed up, as far as how they’re done or in what order, so it stays interesting. A lot of people get bored in the gym doing the same thing over and over, so bootcamp is a great way to get a variety of things going.”
Who should try bootcamp?
“With any physical activity, when you’re getting ready to do it, you want to make sure you’ve been to the doctor recently and you’re cleared to work out and don’t have any injuries or health conditions,” Pringle says. “For my bootcamp, anyone can be involved and work out. I try to keep mine small, just 10 or 12 people, so we’re able to watch everybody and make modifications if they’re needed. There are certain bootcamps tailored toward specific things for advanced levels, but I think overall, group fitness is a great way to get your feet wet. You’re able to do a lot of things at your own pace.”
Hardwork Fitness Bootcamp Saturdays, Pioneer Park, tinyurl.com/4djebwwe; Sundays, Huckleberry Park, tinyurl.com/j96pbs68; $15.
BOOTCAMP BENEFITS
The sun. “Anytime you can be outside and in the sun is just a whole-benefit experience,” says Pringle, who has been a personal trainer in Las Vegas for eight years. “Vitamin D and the fresh air can breathe a whole new life into you, and it’s a nice change-up.”
The scenery. “No matter what gym you go to, they kind of all look the same. [Being outside,] it’s different scenery; there’s always something going on,” Pringle says. “If it’s hot, there’s extra sweat for you.”
It’s safe.“It’s nice to still be able to work out and feel safe during the pandemic, to be able to get outside and be active.”
The world is your gym.“The sky’s the limit; it just depends on availability to equipment,” Pringle says. “You can go outside and get a great workout with just body weight and using park equipment, whether it’s a bench or a step or the hills. It can be amplified if you’re able to bring dumbbells or other things outside as well.”
It’s less intimidating.“It’s still guided, so you’re not just in the gym trying to figure out what to do,” Pringle says. “You can have a friend or two go with you or meet people for moral support. Bootcamp is something people of all levels and experiences can do.”
No commitment. Bootcamps typically offer a drop-in fee option, so there’s no contract or membership. “If people are unsure, you’re able to come in and try it out and take it from there,” Pringle says.
INDOOR BOOTCAMP-STYLE CLASSES
Camp Rhino, camprhino.com
Real Results, realresultsfitness.com
Go 2 U Fitness, go2ufitness.co
Sin City Crossfit, sincitycrossfit.com
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