Boot Camp Modifications

M

Mar

Cathlete
Hi all - I've done boot camp a couple of times and wondered if anyone else does modifications for certain moves and if you feel you're getting an adequate workout.

Instead of the power jacks she does in the beginning, I just do regular jacks and toward the end I jump rope like in CTK Kickboxing. Also the terminator squat thrusts are too much for me so I again jump rope. I get frustrated when I can't always do certain moves or keep up with cathe, but I don't want to give up on the workout. Anybody else experience this? What modifications do you use?

Thanks

Mar
 
When I first did the squat-thrusts, I ended up doing a slo-mo version, about half the speed that they do. Not really a modification, but a variation on the theme. I did work up to them, though, so now I can do them almost all the way through at their speed.
 
Mar:

you shouldn't even think twice about changing moves if that's what you want to do!!!! It's your workout and your body. Do what you want to do!!! Repeat after me: "I am empowered to do whatever I want to do with my Bootcamp workout!" Use it as your mantra... and your body will thank you. :)

I hate the sumos with the arms movements, they hurt my shoulders and I am not prepared to do them just because Cathe does and then risk an injury that puts me out of circulation! So, I sub with power scissors as per the interval #9 from Imax, and it's a fab subsitution, it gets the heart rate up there and fires up the legs, and that is the point of the minute's cardio. Another sub I often use is sequential power kicks, and I often do those instead of the terminators because I don't like the bobbing up and down with terminators and I'm not joining any "gung ho" macho thing that says if you don't do the TERMINATORS (the name says it all), then you must be the wimp! Forget it, get off that trip! ;-)

I do what I want with my workout. Not all moves suit everybody. On every video by any fitness pro there will be moves you do not care for or that risk/aggravate injury in your specific case. Listen to your inner voice and change it up to suit you!

Clare
 
Wow - You are so right on! Thanks for the great reply. You're right - It's my workout and given I'll be fifty very soon, I guess I can modify all that I need to. I like your substitution of the power scissors. I'll plan to do those instead of squat thrusts.

Thanks again

Mar
 
Hey Mar,

I just wanted to say that if you can get through the whole Boot Camp workout with only 2 or 3 substitutions......YOU ROCK! And don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

That is one tough workout. I made my way through it a couple of times (with more rest in between each cycle to catch my breath), but it wiped me out for the entire day afterwards!

I hope I can still make it through when I'm fifty too (not that long away)! You are an inspiration!
 
"That is one tough workout. I made my way through it a couple of times (with more rest in between each cycle to catch my breath), but it wiped me out for the entire day afterwards!"

Amen to that! I haven't done any cardio in quite some time due to some health problems and focusing on strength training. Last week, I decided I should work some cardio back in to my schedule and popped in the Boot Camp DVD. What was I thinking?!?

I did pretty well at the beginning, but I was struggling by the half-way point. I didn't even try the cardio portions of the last two cycles, but I did finish the upper and lower body weight work and the abs. What a tough workout!

I approach this workout knowing I can't do the whole thing, but always doing the best I can while listening to my body. I take a little extra time between cycles to pace around and lower my heart rate a little.

Angela
 
Although I like the workout....I must confess to doing it only once! Haaaa! I have been having back problems and when it came down to doing the Terminator squats...it almost threw out my lower back!x( ;(

Sooooo, I am bringing myself back to par, fitness-wise so I can do Bootcamp in a week and a half. I am currently doing the July Fat Loss and Definition rotation as my way of getting back in shape. }(

Blessings from our home to yours...Runathon
 
I think it's great you're keeping at it and modifying when needed. That's the name of the game (and so easy to do with home workouts)! I've been doing BC once a week for about 5 wks in my current rotation and I cannot believe how much easier it's become. I usually do it the day after I do PLB so I substitute additional upper body weight work for the lower body. But on the days I do the lower body weight work, I'm lifting heavier and heavier. I love this workout!
 
I modify on some of the moves - especially terminators. I have a knee that occasionally gives me heck, so I'll do "head-shoulders-knees & toes - knees & toes" on those days or I've tried the slo-mo version... or like someone else suggested use the step for your arms so you don't have to go ALL the way down to the floor. Modify to suit yourself on all of those things. Some days I can pull off most everything but 100% of the terminators - other days I'm hoping to make it through with modifications.
 
I did this workout yesterday. I was exhausted afterwards. I pressed the pause button often and couldn't do all the tricep dips. During the workout I was thinking of asking if I was the only one that pressed pause so often to get my breath back. I really like this workout and think its great even if some modifications are needed. I think you should be happy you can do this workout at close to 50. I'm 41 and I'm always happy that I can complete Cathe's workouts. I think I would have died if I tried them when I was younger.
 
I don't have any trouble with "Boot Camp" at all (I especially love the core work), but in "The Terminator" where there are both IMAX2 and Boot Camp cardios, I think I am going to pass out by the final sequence.
 
Hey Shilo,

I pause after every single circuit to catch my breath. I think I'd pass out otherwise. It seems to take me longer to recover than most people here, but I go by my body. No use having a heart attack because I pushed too hard!

So don't feel on yourown!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top