Boot Camp Workout: What You Need To Know Before Your First Class

So, you signed up for your first boot camp workout class. It’s a new year and you’re ready to mix up your routine and challenge yourself to try something new. That’s great! But if putting your name on that list has you shaking your head wondering what you got yourself into, we hear you. And we’re here for you.

Boot camps combine strength and cardio exercises for a full-body burn. They all get your heart pumping, make you sweat, and challenge your muscles, but how they do it varies form studio to studio.

The whole concept can be a little intimidating, and we won’t lie, these workouts tend to be tough. But don’t worry—there’s a first time for everyone, so know that you’re in good company if you are struggling to keep up. Learning the moves, honing your form, and getting stronger are the whole point. You’ve got to start somewhere. That said, it can’t hurt to get the 411 before you start. Here’s our guide to what you need to know before your first boot-camp style class.

Do some research before you head to class so you have some idea what to expect.

Exercises vary throughout each class, so you could be doing anything from squat jacks to jump squats, to a lunge and press, to ropes to the ski machines. And probably burpees. All the burpees. Though you won’t be able to predict what’s going to happen at Monday’s 5:45PM, you can get a sense of whether you’ll be using machines like a rower or stair stepper, or if you’ll be lifting weights. “Do some research on the studio and the workout before you arrive for your first class so you know what to expect. First look around the room and try to copy what your classmates are doing. The instructor will walk you through everything you need to know how to do, but definitely speak up if you have any questions. Proper form prevents injuries (and you get more out of it that way, too).

You don’t need any special boot camp gear—you can dress like most any other day at the gym.

In terms of what to wear, it totally depends if class is indoors or outdoors. Normally, my go-to is leggins(full length or cropped depending on how I’m feeling in the morning and the temps),a sports bra, and a tank top, but wear whatever it is you prefer to sweat in—because you will sweat.

Lace up your cross-training kicks.

“Many people tend to wear running shoes to workouts because they’re comfortable, but those shoes do not always support lateral movements or plyometrics. Make sure that you have training or cross-training shoes so that you can move effectively and avoid injury. If you’re concerned about your shoe choice, ask the gym you’re going to if they have anything they recommend, or chat with the experts at your local sporting goods store.

Drink up before you head to class, but not too much.

Make sure you hydrate before the class. You want to be hydrated enough to perform at your best. We recommend drinking a little bit more the night before and morning of class. A good rule of thumb is to drink one or two cups of water two hours prior to exercise. Then one to two more 15-20 minutes before class. Make sure to bring a full water bottle with you to class, just in case the studio doesn’t give you one. That way you’re prepared to replenish what you sweat out.

And don’t forget that food is fuel.

Boot camp workouts are high intensity by design, which can make the whole what-to-eat-beforehand question a little tricky: On the one hand, you want to be properly fueled. On the other hand, you don’t want to be so full you want to hurl. This is totally individualized. Some people must eat before class, others, like myself, can’t eat anything before class. Until you know how your body will feel, follow the standard advice to eat something before class. Do what works best for your body—whether that’s a snack between work and the gym or a full breakfast before you leave the house.

Seek out the instructor and say hi, even if you’re nervous—especially if you’re nervous.

Always introduce yourself to your instructors and let them know if you have any injuries or limitations before class starts. This way if you’re confused about a move, (what the heck is a prisoner squat?) or have a question about the number of reps to do, the instructor will know to look out for you. And don’t be embarrassed if they give you more attention than other students. We absolutely love when newbies say hi, it gives us a chance to throw them a little extra motivation and watch out for form.

Give yourself at least a 15-minute window to get settled before class.

You’ll feel more comfortable if you arrive a little early so you can get used to everything. It’s already intimidating going to a new class, so if you get there right on time, you’re going to start confused. If class starts at 8:30 A.M. try to get there between 8:10 and 8:15. Give yourself plenty of time to get there and take in the space and the vibe and maybe even meet a new friend.

You’re probably going to feel silly during class—everyone does in their first one.

Follow along as best you can and don’t worry if there’s something you can’t do. Enjoy the experience. Listen to your body. It’s your first time doing this, so it will tell you what it does and doesn’t like. If you can’t keep up with 20 burpees and can only do 10, do those 10 with confidence. Trust us, everyone is checking out their own form, not yours. If you mess up, it’s okay.

You can ignore everyone else in class, seriously.

Watching the other fit bodies in the room take on those heavy dumbbells or sprint at a 10.5 can be unsettling. It does not mean that you are expected to do that on your first class. Focus on yourself. Don’t let the speeds certain clients are running at or the weights they are lifting on the floor effect you. Some of them have been coming for years. You have to do what’s best for you in class. Don’t get thrown off by what everyone else is doing. You’ll get there!

Listen to your body.

You’re trying something brand new, so be extra attentive to your body. Modify before you instantly try to master. Trust yourself, you know what is best for you. If you get tired, take a break. If you need water, drink some. Don’t be afraid to do what your body needs. Your brain and body will be taxed to the max and the better focused you are the greater likelihood of successful completion of moves and the entire class itself. You definitely don’t want to overdo it on your first class. If you can perform a move, but only without weights, do that. Completing a proper lunge with lighter weight is much more effective than with heavier weight and bad form.

But don’t slack off.

Yes, it’s going to be hard. It’s a boot camp class, so the instructors might yell a lot or tell you to push through the pain. And after you go through your second circuit of TRX push ups, you might not be able to do another one, but try! When your body experiences a new type of workout that it’s not used to, the immediate response may be to slow down or give up. That’s usually when the negative thoughts creep into the brain. Do everything in your power to push to the end of the workout and your body will thank you later. Classes are meant to push you to a level you most likely can’t get to on your own. The instructors want you to leave feeling accomplished, so they may keep telling you to do just one more squat, when your legs feel like jelly. We promise (and they most likely do, too), it’s all worth it in the end.

Once you’re done, you’ll feel like a superhero.

Or you may feel sick, if it’s something your body is not used to at all. Drink water after class as well and throughout the rest of the day to feel better. Try to eat, too—your body needs carbs to replenish your depleted energy stores, and protein to repair and build up your muscles. Whether that’s dinner or lunch, you need to fuel up so you can recover properly.

Speaking of which, you might wake up the next morning feeling very sore and disinclined to move ever again. Fight that feeling. Know that the discomfort you feel during class and directly after will only intensify in the coming days. This is totally normal and expected. The key is, don’t stop moving. Be certain to continue hydrating and stretching though you feel like doing the opposite. Go outside and take a gentle stroll or slow shake out jog instead. The easy movement will help your body recover and maximize the results of your efforts.

Ready to put your health and wellness at the forefront of of 2019? Then sign up for our 6 Week Bootcamp Challenge in Tampa, Florida at Gracie PAC MMA!