BOOTCAMP TRAINING FOR BEGINNERS

1. Hydrate one or two hours before class. Definitely bring water or a sports drink to class, but it’s difficult to bounce around when your belly is full of liquid.
2. Enter with a good, can-do attitude. The workout will be challenging, but it’s so important to continue to motivate yourself and keep your mind calm when your heart is racing and your muscles are burning. I try to smile and laugh to help release tension in my face.
3. Stay present, and listen to the instructor. If you concentrate on how much it hurts and how much you want to quit, you might forget the next sequence or next relay move. Actively focus your attention on the instructor, and you will distract yourself from the pain.
4. Remember your breath and your abs. Breathe through tough exercises, and simultaneously, be sure to contract your abs to protect your back. It may seem awkward and uncomfortable at first, but you will eventually train your body to breathe deeper while your abs are engaged.
5. Don’t stop moving. Challenge yourself to move around rather than take mini breaks. You should attempt to keep moving throughout the entire workout to prevent muscle soreness by sending fresh blood to the muscles.
6. Load up on electrolytes after class. Intense workouts and sweating cause you to lose essential electrolytes. Be sure to replenish them with an electrolyte filled.