First, the Fitness Program has to allow us to start where we are “fitness-wise” (and then offer the opportunity to learn and advance at our own pace, because “mastery” is one of life’s greatest and most rewarding gifts that we often overlook).
Second, the Program we choose must fit our particular “social profile” (i.e. lone wolf, social butterfly, group hugger, etc.). This is actually a biggie – a REAL biggie. More on this one in a bit.
Last, and certainly not least, the Program has to be one we actually use or participate in and that motivates us on an on-going basis – not just the two weeks after purchase or contract signing (e.g. that “clothes hanger” in the bedroom (of course purchased to be used for its original “Treadmill” intent and not another Armoire), to the library of video tapes (that’s not a misprint – some of us purchased and still own those ancient pre-BluRay relics, though they still never get played) and DVDs of “Pilates” this, “Tae-Bo” that, and “PX-90-I-tried-it-once-and-nearly-ended-in-the-emergency-room” other thing, to that gym membership we just swore we’d use….this time around (where did I put that gym again – I seem to keep misplacing that darn thing).

So – over the coming week (or two), we’re going to take a look at those components that make a Fitness Program truly successful (again, for weight loss, toning, etc). We’ll start with this simple matrix and build upon it as we move along.
(If you are not big into suspense and want to jump to the chase and are ready to choose “right now darn-it!“, just choose where you’d be on the current matrix by answering 2 questions:

1) how long has it been since you were on a regular exercise program (“regular” being greater than 90 days) and position yourself there on the vertical axis, and,
2) to reach your goals, how important is support, motivation, and accountability from your peers and expert instructors (we’re really, really biased on this one, but, again, like Cherry Garcia over Chunky Monkey – you get to choose and decide for yourself), and place yourself there on the horizontal axis.
The intersection of these two answers will give you an idea of the Fitness Program for you.

And, we want to be crystal clear and disclose right up front our “conflict of interest” – our mantra at Inspired Fitness is “Beginner-Focused. Results-Oriented“, you can see where we stand. We’ve tried them all and we have a heavy bias toward that big pink box in the lower right hand quadrant. We are also pretty slanted in our view that the age-old concept of “there’s strength in numbers” truly is one of, if not THE, key success ingredient in this area of Fitness Programs for weight loss and getting into shape. It may not be the panacea for permanent lifestyle change necessarily (that “forever” thing again), but the support, motivation, encouragement, and accountability of others can be, and usually are, the elements that get us through the most difficult initial stages.

And we also want to be clear that we completely understand some (many) people fit quite comfortably in areas on this Matrix outside the “magic pink box” – and they’ve found success there. The success may or may not be as high or long-lasting as many “fitness experts” or other promoters would lead us to believe (whatever did happen to Jared and his Subways by the way?) – but there are plenty of true and lasting success stories out there that picked a route that worked for them.
That’s the point – we want you to choose where you fit and where you’ll have success. If it is working out alone, in a 24-hour gym at 2am and you can stick with it….go for it. If you have a personal trainer that you’re completely comfortable with, or that you’ve been working with for the past year (and are fully aware and comfortable in the realization that you’ve filled that trainer’s pockets with at least the equivalent of your child’s first year of college tuition – at a private university no less), than that’s where you should stay. We actually are very supportive and really believe in personal trainers for some people in the right situations.
You should pick what works for you based on your profile – not some former TV star or infomercial or check-out aisle promotion.
But – let’s decide on something. Not let the “overwhelm” cause a “no decision” or a “hung jury” in our minds.

We’ll start tomorrow by looking at the different components that seem to be universally important to success – and this actually begins at a starting point that might surprise you.

That feeling, as one of our clients put it – of feeling “like a bunny-trail skier in a double-black diamond class” (you had to be a skier to really get it I think – but we got the gist of what she was saying).




Well, you (and she) are not alone – not by a longshot!

That’s what happens with all of these classes, gyms or bootcamps that say they’re perfect for “all fitness levels”. Come on – really? How do they propose properly caring for and serving the beginner that is out of shape, maybe overweight or even obese, who hasn’t been able to find time to exercise for years (or a beginner who is simply thin with no endurance and strength) alongside the “gym bunny” that’s been coming to a class or bootcamp for years? We all know you simply can’t be “all things to all people”.

“Women-Only Beginner Bootcamp” is designed for you if you’re at that “beginner” to “average” fitness level, want to be with a group where you are comfortable, that you feel you belong and are among friends, and where you can finally lose weight, get in shape, get healthy, (for you and your loved ones), and simply feel better about various aspects of your life. That’s not “all things to all people” – but if you’re in this group, then you’ve found a home.





The results you’re looking to achieve are unique and personal to you – but women are achieving these types of results with Women-Only Beginner Bootcamp:

• Lose up to 10 pounds per bootcamp
• Lose up to 12 inches per bootcamp
• Increased Energy – a renewed “zest” for life
• 100% Increase in Confidence
• Complete Comfort in your group from Day 1!

(continued from Home Page)

Beginner-Focused. Results-Driven. Beginner bootcamp fills the void left by other programs, gyms, bootcamps and classes, which are not tailored to women in the “beginner” to “average” fitness category – but instead aim to be a “one size fits all” solution – which never works with health and fitness.
Our unique approach helps you finally reach your desired goals by taking a “Beginner Focus”, while being “Results Driven” – allowing you to feel comfortable from the very first day and to “start where you are” with the support, motivation and accountability from women just like you. And then being able to progress at your own pace with the understanding guidance and instruction from Certified Instructors that are there to mentor and coach, not “drive and push” by being overly intense or extreme.

If you’re in this “beginner” to “average” fitness range, until now there hasn’t been a Program designed to help you feel comfortable enough to simply get started, let alone stick with long enough to reach your heart’s goals.

Is Women Only Beginner Bootcamp Right For You?
Find Your Local Beginner Bootcamp Schedule Here!

Even the one or two programs that “claim” to serve you fall apart quickly in the areas of variety, Team Support, Team Motivation and Team Accountability (perhaps you’ve even tried programs like Curves or gym or studio group classes, or “elite” or “adventure” type bootcamps, but quickly gave up and stopped going because the intensity was just too much right from the start, or maybe you got bored with the same gym machines week in and week out and felt intimidated, alienated, or alone not having the same group of women to work out and progress with, or simply felt like just “another face in the crowd” when the instructor never even took time to get to know you and your needs!)

That’s not us. You’ll feel comfortable from day one at Inspired Fitness’ Women Only Beginner Boot Camp, and you will never get bored.  You’re part of a Team that sticks together during the entire Program and develops strong bonds and friendships that deliver support, motivation, and accountability.

We understand it’s tough being a “beginner” at anything – especially health and fitness where it is so easy to feel uncomfortable and intimidated with almost every other option out there – the local gym or studio, dance or group classes where you’re mixed in with those that have been at it for months and months, or one-size-fits-all boot camps being offered in the community that say they can provide a program for the “beginner to the extreme, elite athlete”.  Come on – we all know you can’t be ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE.

So – after we surveyed and understood the true landscape and lack of options, we went about designing a program that delivered on all of the “success factors” that you need.  According to our clients you’ll succeed because you feel comfortable being at sessions (and actually ENJOY it – yep!) because of the motivating, supportive, and welcoming environment Inspired Fitness Women Only Beginner Boot Camps provides.

Because here’s the BOTTOM LINE – if you’re not comfortable – you won’t go to class, which means you won’t hit your goals. We’re designed to change all of that – designed for you – not “all fitness levels”

We call it a “boot camp” not because it is overly extreme or intense, but because of the support, motivation and accountability you get from women just like you (as well as Certified Instructors that understand your desires and need to progress at your own speed).

The Boot Camp itself is set up in a “circuit” and for each “station” the Instructor provides options so you can start at Level 1 and do that exercise, or progress up the scale at your own pace choose the more advanced options when you’re ready!  And unlike other programs that have attempted to make this approach work (such as CURVES, ZUMBA or other similar programs), Inspired Fitness Women-Only Beginner Boot Camp circuits change every single workout so you never get the same routine twice and so you NEVER get bored! Variety is indeed the spice of life, and that is so very true when it comes to exercise – “same ‘ol” equals boredom equals stop going….so we addressed that from the very start!  Imagine going to the same CURVES program day-after-day and being faced with the exact same machines in a tiny little room, laid out the exact same way – forever!  Borrrriinnggg!  And not very motivating after the first time or two.

Additionally, Inspired Fitness Women Only Beginner Boot Camp works because you become part of a Team of ladies just like you.  This is yet another huge reason clients finally reach success .  You become part of a Team and develop friendships (many that carry on then outside of class) and start to feel completely accountable to be there for “your Team”.   These new friends on your Team miss you when you’re not there and that keeps you on track to meet goals like never before.  This is such a different approach than the “stranger in the crowd” feeling you have at the other programs we’ve talked about.

The class is designed to help participants meet their fitness goals by providing direction and instruction combined with group support and motivation to make exercise a fun social activity instead of a dreaded event.  Each exercise is timed for approximately one minute, so everyone starts and finishes at the same time. There is never a last finisher. The clock stops and everyone moves to the next station. This helps promote group support and camaraderie amongst the participants.

Each class combines cardio, strength training, and core exercises that work the entire body. By making the rests between exercises short, we are able to keep heart rates high without a lot of high impact moves.

Inspired Fitness’ Women Only Beginner Boot Camps – you’ll be amazed at how much you can lose (weight, inches, poor health) and how much you gain (confidence, energy, great health, friends) all in the same program!

What Weight Loss/Fitness Program is Right For You?
Find Your Local Beginner Bootcamp Schedule Here!

That’s why we started “beginner bootcamp” with the goal of first figuring out the “mind’ side of things (initially, what would make women want to start and stick with working out) and then moved onto the exercise routines. Both are important but success won’t happen long without both.
We started the unique “beginner bootcamp” approach for the women in the Inspired Fitness Network because we are all aware of how it feels to be “the beginner” at almost anything. It can rank up there as one of the most intimidating feelings some of us experience. The joy and excitement of future possibilities are often overshadowed by the heat of the spotlight we feel shining on us and every “newbie” mistake we make.

Whether it was our first attempt at golf, or skiing, or Salsa Dancing, we can all remember a few of our novice attempts that ended in utter disaster and caused us to shrink away in humiliation, at least in the moment vowing never to be the “beginner” at anything again, ever.

For instance, did you know a 12-pound bowling ball could roll (ah, bounce) across THREE entire lanes if you slip on your approach? Neither did I until my “beginner” attempt at bowling. In fact, it felt like the entire bowling alley and I found out together that it doesn’t take much for a fairly uncoordinated teenager to quickly slide down the lane in the wrong direction while simultaneously “pitching” the ball to not one, not two, but three lanes from its intended target. Not one my finer moments, but definitely a big “beginner” moment.  Result? Haven’t been bowling since.  Maybe I needed a “beginner bootcamp” for bowling.

So, while it may be universal to feel some level of apprehension or embarrassment during these start-up periods, some of us let the fear of the beginner spotlight prevent us from taking up endeavors that could ultimately be not only enjoyable, but life changing! This was actually what led us to start the Inspired Fitness “beginner bootcamp”. We were finding story after story of women that wanted to lose weight and get fit but simply HATED (and no, hate isn’t too strong a word from what we heard) the idea of going to the local gym, health club or fitness studio. The idea of being the only “beginner” in a gym full of “meatheads” was way more intimidation than they wanted to face. The aerobic and fitness classes weren’t much better – the “gym bunnies” had simply moved from the weightlifting area to the Spinning Class.

So, these women faced the same dilemma we all do when we long to start something new – be it losing weight and getting fit to starting painting with watercolors. Pure fear and “beginneritis”.

There are really only 2 options to conquering this fear (3 if you count not even attempting something new in the first place, which doesn’t make life much fun to live). You can do what some attempt and basically “fake it ’til you make it” — which is to say you start, stumble along and hope you can make it over the novice hump and awkwardness of standing out. While this is an option, it usually is the one that ends in the standard pattern of Start, fail, Quit. Fail with a small ‘f’, in that we simply don’t get over the beginner hump fast enough for the positive feelings to outweigh the insecure feelings and thus continue that activity.

Many businesses actually build their entire model around this approach. Gyms and health clubs for instance. They sign members up and put them under a contract, knowing darn well that 80% (or higher) of members will quit going within a month, yet be obligated to continue paying through their contract. Their existence absolutely depends on the Start, fail, Quit pattern. If all members that a gym actually sells showed up for the full term of their contract they’d have members on top of each other. If you walk into a gym with 5000 paying members at any one time you’ll only ever see about 100 to 200 people – and most of them are in pretty good shape. They’re the very few that made it over the Start, fail, Quit hump.

And the other 4800 members? They’re at home on the couch just as the gym counted on, but still sending in their monthly dues. It’s not the gym’s fault per se; it is simply human nature that they’ve been able to build a business around.

Other examples of the Start, Fail, Quit model include snowboarding, rollerblading, and even golf for many. All activities that were so appealing that you spent significant money to gear yourself up, tried it a couple of times (or once), got disheartened and quit.

So, if the approach of “just stick to it until you’re comfortable” doesn’t work, at least for most of us, and most of us would like to venture into new activities to live life to the fullest, what other choice do we have?

The only other option most have (other than employing an expensive one-on-one tutor which is normally economically out of reach if used for long periods), is to surround yourself with beginners just like you in a safe, supportive and motivating environment and find expert instruction to bring the group together and lead everyone through the beginner stages. With a set of peers that will help pick you up and keep you motivated you’ll find you lose most of the beginner stigma and will concentrate on the benefit and joy derived from the activity instead of the embarrassment of being “the beginner”.

It’s amazing to see the difference when a beginner “messes up” in front of a group of their beginner peers versus the same rookie mistake in front of non-beginners — everyone is able to laugh together as opposed feeling singled out.

So, the truly beginning artist needs to look for “Watercolor 101″ class with primarily all novice students. The aspiring, but very beginning and out of shape runner might get with a group whose only goal during the first month is to simply jog a mile or two without stopping, instead of joining the group training for the 1/2 Marathon. It is just too easy to have your spirit broken if you’re in the bottom 10% and everyone else is excelling. Having a motivated spirit and mind is equally, if not more, important to having a motivated body. Find a group of your peers with very similar skill levels and goals to help carry you through the start-up stage. You’ll find the bond amongst the group will be far tighter than being in a loose-knit group all at varying levels. You can also leverage that bond when you feel like quitting and use it to motivate you and hold you to a level of accountability that you need to succeed.

This is the real secret to help us beginners flourish. We need support and motivation, while still keeping us accountable to our group for our sometimes slow, but steady, progress.
By finding a group of beginners all at relatively the same level, led by an expert instructor, you’ll soon get past the beginner stigma and will find yourself enjoying more new activities in your life than you ever imagined.