The Workout I Actually Look Forward To: Burn Bootcamp Review + 30 Day Abs Challenge!

If you follow me on Instagram, you know by now that two months ago I started workout out at Burn Bootcamp South Durham, NC. To be honest, I had very little clue what I was getting into when I was walking into Burn Bootcamp the first time. I had heard from a few people that Burn Bootcamp was a “different kind of workout” and that it would change your life. The people I knew that went to Burn Bootcamp loved it and raved about it.

I knew that I needed to do something different with my fitness routine. I was very active before I got pregnant with Amos and even worked out with a trainer while I was pregnant with Amos. But after Amos was born, I had a really hard recovery from my second c-section and then I suffered from postpartum depression, and subsequently, exercise and working out became a non-priority. I was feeling exhausted all the time, I had such little energy, and I just felt awful. I needed to do something drastically different.

So, I decided to give Burn Bootcamp a try.

The first time I walked into the South Durham Burn Bootcamp location, the trainers, Kristen and Erin, were so welcoming and encouraging and their excitement was contagious. I was so excited that free childcare is included with Burn Bootcamp, so I can take my kiddos and I know they’re safe and loved on while I work out! The other thing I felt immediately at my first camp was the welcoming atmosphere and feel of community among the campers. Everyone asked me my name and if it was my first time and encouraged me before camp even started…

There is also a private Facebook group for the Burn Bootcamp South Durham members where everyone can talk about the week’s workouts, connect, share recipes, ask questions, etc. It’s such an encouraging and supportive group and you REALLY feel like you have a community and a “family” behind you cheering you on and supporting you. I realize that sounds cliche, but it’s so true. The community aspect of Burn Bootcamp is part of what makes it so special and so unique. If you miss a camp, people will say, “Where were you? We missed you today!” There’s a lot of accountability and that is SO helpful!

Now let me tell you… the workouts are NO JOKE. Every single camp and every single workout is different. No two days are ever the same and I love that Burn keeps you guessing. Burn Bootcamp posts the “weekly protocol” on their Facebook page every week to share what the workouts will be each day… legs, upper body, core, etc. The workouts, while VERY challenging, are really fun, I never get bored, and I always feel awesome afterwards. The trainers, Kristen and Erin, are also amazing and keeping you motivated, pushing you to work harder, and they provide modifications for every exercise so that the exercise can be done at any fitness level.

(no way could I have done this before I started!!)

Now, Burn Bootcamp is primarily for women, but the evening camps are co-ed and there’s a Saturday morning camp that is open to the public and men can come. So, I have started bringing my husband on Saturday mornings and he loves it. Now, my husband is a fit and active guy, and the Burn Bootcamp workouts kick. his. butt. He agrees that they are NO JOKE.

The other things that really sets Burn Bootcamp apart are the “focus meetings.” Focus meetings are included in your Burn Bootcamp membership and it is your one-on-one time with a Burn trainer. They take your measurements, weight, body fat percentage, talk about goals, and most importantly, nutrition. It’s really like you have a personal trainer! Strong and excellent nutrition is so key to really being successful. There’s no “quick fix” or cut around… it’s about working hard and being diligent. Kristen was my trainer for my first focus meeting and we talked a lot about what my specific goals are.

For me, weight is not my priority. I know losing weight is hard for me… but I want to FEEL better. I want to be healthier. And if I lose weight? Awesome. But after 31, almost 32 years and two kids, I know what my body can do and losing weight is not easy for me… even when I’m in tip top shape.

So the first 30 days, I went to camp 4-6 days a week, tracked what I ate on MyFitnessPal, really worked hard at getting nutrition in order, and just kept at the process. And in my first 30 days, I lost 4 pounds, 3.25 inches, and 3.5% body fat!!!

While the physical differences are not super noticeable, I can see a small difference in my waist, neck, and arms. But the biggest things are non-scale victories for me. My cardio has improved drastically, I can hold a plank for over a minute, I feel awesome, I have more energy, and I am stronger every day. I honestly get upset if I have to miss a Burn Bootcamp workout. I look FORWARD to exercising… which has NEVER happened to me before. I have NEVER in my life looked forward to working out like I do now.

I can fully, honestly, and truly say that Burn Bootcamp has changed my life and I am not turning back.

There are over 250+ Burn Bootcamp locations around the country so you can see if there is one near you. If you are in the South Durham, NC area, I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see you at our Burn Bootcamp location. (Be sure to tell Erin and / or Kristen I sent you!!)

Now, since I’m trying to also hold myself accountable, I’m teaming up with some of my fellow blogger friends to share our fitness journeys, tips, tricks, recipes, etc. This month we also have a 30 day abs challenge!! Be sure to check out their posts and check out the ab challenge below. I’d love to see you participate! Be sure to let me know if you do!

 

Laura from Walking in Memphis in High Heels | Jessica from Happily Hughes | Heather from My Life Well Loved | Ashley from Nashville Wifestyles