Fit Body Bootcamp Review

My honest review of Fit Body Bootcamp!

Now that I’ve started sharing my workouts in my weekly email blasts, I’ve realized that there isn’t much need for my Monthly Fitness Recap posts anymore. I think that was definitely the right call – but I do miss those posts sometimes when I want to chat more in depth about a workout. Which is why I decided to write a Fit Body Bootcamp review for any of you who are curious about what it is and what I’ve been up to!

If you read my weekly email blasts or follow my insta-stories, you know that I’ve been going to Fit Body Bootcamp for about 3 months now. I had passed it a million times on my way to the Irving Park Brown Line, but for some reason, I didn’t think I’d like it.

I realized I might as well look into it when I had exhausted my other options. The Lincoln Square Athletic Club is just a little too far of a walk when it’s cold out, I love Studio Three but it’s not practical for me to get there and back on busy days, and the yoga studio and pilates studio that I like near me just isn’t going to get my body as strong as I want it to be. They’re great additions to my routine, but not the best base.

So, why not try a bootcamp style class? If I hated it, who cares? And if I loved it, how great to have a group fitness class that I like within a short walking distance? This is how I feel about trying more new things… it’s always worth a shot 😉

Fit Body Bootcamp Review

First Impression

There were a few times that I walked past the studio and thought about trying it, but their website isn’t great and that’s usually where I stopped. (Hint: I’m pretty sure THIS is the website you want if you want someone to respond to you!) But one day I got really frustrated with the fact that it was freezing and I had to walk far or take a train to get a good workout. So I took a photo of their schedule on their door and reached out to redeem my free first class.

My first class was with Rich and his energy was contagious right away. I also met a really nice woman who has been a member for the past 2 years. All around good vibes from the start.

And then the class began and I loved it. It was hard, but the 30 minutes FLEW by since you  move from station to station. Some exercises were harder than others, but I knew even the ones I hated (burpees, ugh) would be over soon and I’d move on to something else. After class, my contact there asked me what I thought. I gave him my credit card and had him sign me up right then and there. I felt like this was exactly what I needed. Especially because I could get there, take class, and get back home in under 45 minutes. YES TO CONVENIENCE! 

The Class

As I mentioned, all of their classes are only 30 minutes. Occasionally they’ll have a special 45 minute class, but that’s usually only on holidays. You start with a quick 2-3 minute warm up and then the coach explains each of the stations.

Usually, you’ll have 6 stations per class. Most often, you’ll do one exercise for between 35 to 50 seconds, 2 or 3 times through with a 10 second break in between each set. Then you’ll rotate to the next station, and so on. All of this is explained at the beginning of class, so it’s not confusing when you get there – I promise!

Every exercise is always customizable, so if you have an injury or you’re afraid you can’t do something, just pay attention to the modifications. The exercises range from rope waves, med ball slams, various forms of crunches/sit-ups, all kinds of lunges, jumping rope, TRX exercises, planks, and more. It’s a total full body workout every time.

After the circuit, everyone stretches for a few minutes before class is over. Occasionally there will be a short finisher before stretching, but that’s it! Even the really hard workouts go by so quickly – it’s great.

The North Center location has 7 classes on Monday-Thursday (4 in the morning/3 at night), 6 on Fridays, 3 on Saturdays, and 2 on Sundays. When you get a membership, you will get a login for their app where you can see all of the options and sign up for class.

Price

I pay $42 a week – but before you say that’s high, let me explain my rationale. I was so frustrated by my fitness options, I was even considering hiring a personal trainer! So my mind was already leaning towards the mindset of “my health is a valid investment“. Next, I figured if I go 4 times a week, then that’s $10.50 a class, which isn’t bad at ALL. Definitely less than personal training 😉

Obviously sticking to a regular gym or working out at home would be the most cost effective option, but I just push myself so much harder in a group fitness setting. And because I work from home, I like having somewhere to go each day! 

My Experience

While a bootcamp has never been my first choice, the convenience of the location and short classes won me over. Turns out the format pushes me to work harder in that short amount of time, and I always leave feeling great.

The best part is that it’s really NOT intimidating. I know most of us hear “boot camp class” and get nervous, but there is nothing to be nervous about. The coaches are SO nice, there are all different ages and body types in class, and you can take everything at your own pace. Want to pick up heavier weights? Do that! Need to modify pushups from your knees? That’s fine!

I’ve been going about 3 or 4 times a week for the past few months – and that’s a good sweet spot for me. Some classes make me more sore than others, so I try to allow myself to rest when I need to. Or I’ll take the train down to Studio Three if I’m craving a good yoga class, 3×3, Hi Def, or a spin class. But on days when I just need to move my body amongst all of the other to-do’s, Fit Body fits the bill.

Also, someone asked me if they still make you weigh yourself every week and the answer is NO! Maybe that’s a part of their special challenges sometimes, but no one has asked me to do that. If the location you go to asks you, I’d just politely decline. If they’re mean about it, then get outta there! Because Fit Body is franchised, each location might run their programs differently.

Moral of the story:

I’m really enjoying having this gym near by. I don’t think I would trek to one of it wasn’t close to me, but it’s perfect right now! And even though I can’t speak to every location, anyone looking for a quick and effective workout should at least give it a shot. I mean, can’t we all find a way to squeeze 30 minutes into a few days a week? We deserve that, right?!

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Have any of you tried Fit Body Boot Camp?

I’d love to hear about your experiences!

PS. You might also like my FREE 2020 Workout & Wellness Planner, The Best Discounted or Free Classes/Gyms, and The Best At Home Workouts.