It’s new year. Time for resolutions. Save money. Be nicer. Sign up for some crazy hour long workout class.

There are people who are new to boot camp. I feel the need to give some advice to those newbies after having completed a week of boot camp. I feel the need to tell you that I’m not an athlete. In my family, running isn’t in our gene pool. Seriously. I don’t teach any class. I’m just a normal person that has taken boot camp for a while. I’m not a size 2 – oh how I want to be without another number in front. I’m always at the back of the pack. I’ve just been around the boot camp block enough to know that I’ve seen/done things and you aren’t the only one. Everybody that’s been in boot camp a while was a newbie at sometime. We all understand and feel your pain. The fact that you showed up should make you proud. I can’t get any friends to come to class. Well I did once and I had to beg her not to go to the car and go home. So here’s some pointers from an average person:

Whether you’re used to running, walking or sitting on the couch remember this: it’s not easy but it does get more tolerable. The first class seems so horrible. Shoot, the warm up seems like torture! However, the further you get into the month, you’ll be able to look back and realize how you’ve progressed. I promise. It helps to do as much extra workouts as possible.

Everybody is on different exercise levels so don’t compare yourself to others. Some people have been taking the class for 1 month and some for more than a year. We are all struggling together for an hour. Honestly, I used to think because I was (and still am) pretty much last at everything that everybody was thinking I was a failure. Turns out, I was the only one thinking that!! Everybody is so busy thinking things like “I can’t breathe”, “I feel like Jell-O” or how insane your instructor may be for making you do this, that you aren’t thinking about other people.

Most people will either cry or throw up. I cry and say really bad words. I’ve shed so many tears that I could fill a swimming pool. I hate crying at a movie theater so imagine how embarrassing I’ve felt crying while exercising. However, I will ask that if you’re a puker, please step as far away from the group as possible. Pretty please?! I’ve had to run while covering my ears and yelling out “Please don’t throw up there”. I tried to politely ask but it didn’t come out that way.

When people are telling you that you’re doing great or a good job, they really mean it. If I’m saying it, then I truly-honestly-for-sure mean it. Half the time, I can barely breathe so when I can get it out – I mean it. This may or may not encourage you, but sometimes I think of a friend or family member (my own husband) that isn’t doing a thing and that makes me feel better. Then again, I’m super competitive so it may not work for you.

Some classes will be easier than others. What I mean is there are some days that I can give a billion percent and love it and enjoy the hour. There are other times, it’s the last place on earth I’d rather be. Everybody struggles once in a while. It’s ok. Just try and push yourself as much as possible.

What you eat is very very very important. In fact, it is key. If you want to be faster, stronger and leaner – don’t eat chocolate cake and crackers. Unfortunately, that’s what I’ve been living on for most of the past year. So this past week, I decided to cut back on as much processed food as
possible and saddle up again. This hasn’t been easy because sometimes it’s quicker to grab something that’s not necessarily good for you. So the days I have class at 5:00 a.m., I have to pack my food for that day the night before. More on that later. One day, I swear I’m going to be able to write a post saying “I did it”. That’s my plan and I’m sticking to it.

I encourage new boot campers to go back and read previous blog posts. Surely something in there will give you some kind of help or motivation. Just know that you aren’t alone in whatever you’re feeling. Keep on moving y’all.