Boot camp experience not only for rough and tough

FOR someone like me, who is not that keen on exercise, the boot camp idea was quite refreshing – something good and healthy to look forward to.

It eased my conscience of all those good-intentioned new year's resolutions of the past six years – at least when first presented with the idea.

On the day, I grew quite anxious. I was not sure what to expect when I tracked down the enthusiastic ''campers'' on the Pearson High School grounds and the first exercise began.

We did sit-ups – I could barely catch my breath after the third and there were seven more to go.

I convinced the instructor to allow me to do only half-laps of what everyone else did. I wanted to at least make it through the session and live to share the experience.

We then ran up a small but steep incline, followed by jumping jacks, then another run downhill.

We did squats, push-ups, ran up stairs, did a full lap around the field and other crouch exercises I could not even name – burpees, the internet later informed me.

It was an intense work-out session, my muscles still ached days later but it felt good to know I was finally taking charge of my body and health.

Although my body took some strain I enjoyed the class. It appealed to a physically unfit person like myself.

It was the kind of workout that could be done by anyone and everyone – in your own backyard even. Certain exercises were done with a partner, which helped with motivation.

I recommend it for everyone who has been dodging gym because they are afraid of taking strain from all the hi-tech equipment there. – Balisa Ntloko