My 3 Favorite Bootcamp Training Tools
Notice How None of this Stuff is On My List!!
By BJ Gaddour, CSCS, YFS
Below is a list of my top 3 equipment additions to your bootcamp-style workouts that will take your workouts to the next level. Please note that not only do I use these training implements, but I am also certified in doing so. Trust me, you may think you know how to use these tools, but you have no idea so learn from an expert to maximize their utility and to keep your campers safe:
1.) Fitness Bands
Fitness bands are simply one of the most portable and versatile training tools on the market today. Not only do they provide a full spectrum of pulling exercises like band rows to complete your balanced today body workout template, but they can me be used for presses, squats, locomotion drills, and a lots of great rotary core movements. Plus, bands provide for a host of partner training exercises that help your campers build relationships and have more fun at each workout.
Look no further than Dave “The Band Man” Schmitz, the world’s leading expert on resistance band training, for all of your fitness band needs. You can learn more about Dave and his RBT Certification by visiting www.ResistanceBandTraining.com.
2.) Kettlebells
Kettlebells are hardly a new training tool, but they have recently emerged as one of the hottest new trends on the fitness market- a trend that you definitely want to be a part of! Kettlebells provide for an unlimited number of exercise options to add flare to the typical bootcamp-style workout. Whether it be through “grinding” exercises like squats, rows, and presses or “ballistic” movements like snatches, swings, and cleans, this Russian import provides a total fitness experience to instantly upgrade your fit camp workouts. Plus, Kettlebells are a bit hardcore and will play into the egos of your campers in a good way!
I’m a big fan of Jason C. Brown and Pam MacElree of Kettlebell Athletics and have just recently gone through their Level I Kettlebell Certification that was absolutely fabulous- I can’t wait for Level II! Please visit www.KettlebellAthletics.com for more info.
Come on- this one’s a no-brainer! After all the TRX was originally constructed as a tool for members of the armed service to maintain their fitness when on active duty. So if your bootcamp is hardcore, you’re gonna need to crank it with some TRX units.
What I love most about the TRX suspension trainer is that it easily allows people of all fitness levels to adjust the stability and resistance level to match themselves with the optimal exercise intensity for their current fitness level. Plus, a great trainer is able to intensity any movement without adding external load and the inherent instability of suspension training does the trick. Lastly, campers love working their core and the TRX has the unique ability to dramatically improve core activation on just about any exercise.
I recent went through the TRX Level I Suspension Training Course and fell in love with this training tool… and now so have my campers! For more info, please visit www.FitnessAnywhere.com.
Check out the video below of us using all 3 of these killer fitness toys in a smoking hot 30-30 Mayhem Workout using interval workout music powered by Workout Muse:
These 3 training tools will help keep your bootcamp workouts fun and fresh and provide an unmatched fitness experience that no other camp in the area will be able to replicate. If you workout out at home, I promise you that the endless exercise options will never allow your workouts to get boring 
Crank it!
BJ
PS- What are your favorite pieces of fitness equipment?
Tags: 30-30 mayhem, best fitness equipment, bootcamp training tools, fitness bands, interval training music, interval workout music, kettlebells, resistance band training, suspension training, trx suspension trainer, workout muse
I couldn’t agree w/ you more. Love, love, love all three
I Love the equipment you already mentioned plus VALSLIDES!
Love the way they incorpoate multiple force vectors.
Great for abs & butts!
Steve Cotter is coming to my town soon & trying to find a babysitter so I can improve my KB skills.
Fave TRX exercise is a face pull with external rotation – brilliant for posture correction.
Not going to have anywhere to anchor the TRX’s in my camps though
Love those pieces of equipment too! Great workout! Just added some kettlebell stuff and they go crazy. Next I want the rope. Don’t have TRX attachment sites. They will have to wait for my own place.
Hands down, Dave’s bands rock. He’s got another cert coming up.
You should definitely check it out when he announces it.
Dave is so creative with the bands. I learned a ton.
And, for running a low overhead boot camp you can’t beat them.
All we use is body weight and band exercises an our classes rock. The results speak for themselves.
Now, of course I have to mention Workout Muse. It might not be a piece of exercise equipment per say, but it is a key component of a high quality HIIT boot camp workout.
Thanks Dave and BJ for being such innovators!
Have Faith & Take Action!
Justin Yule
hey BJ
Awesome workout, just added rope and trx to my bootcamps and campers love to hate them.
W
I have to agree with you- those 3 are great. They provide great variety and intensity to any workout.
Not to toot your own horn too much since I know your self-esteem is already pretty good, but I’d have to add the “Workout Muse” Interval CD’s into the mix. They have done wonders for my own workouts and for my clients and classes. The Workout Muse music enhances what the other 3 exercise products can do and keeps you working at a more intense pace.
I also have to mention “the original step”. I know it’s not new but I love how I can adjust the height to do box jumps, I can use it as a bench, and it makes my ski conditioning classes even more intense. It ties in nicely with the 50-10 interval cd’s to really boost your cardio. It’s an oldie but still a goodie!!
Where can you buy the ropes?