The concept of fitness Boot Camp is popular in the US these days. Widely known for being a kind of military-style basic training, it is now conducted by gyms and personal trainers, not only in America, but all over the world.
And when Nuno Fernandes got certified in a Boot Camp program in Hong Kong, he immediately thought this kind of training could fill a gap in the Macau fitness industry. Teaming with the Personal Trainer João Braga, together they started the Macau Urban Boot Camp a year ago.
“The lack of professional trainers in Macau gyms, and the high rates charged, deviate people to alternative activities”, explains Nuno. “Besides that, people don´t want to pay gym memberships with their busy schedules. So, we offer the perfect option, you pay your package and you have 3 months to use it”, adds João.
The results have been exceptional and the group is growing, offering basic Boot Camp exercises that provide an amazing full-body workout.
“In six months of training I feel a real difference in my strength. My body is toned and my mood much better”, says one of the participants.
The Macau Urban Boot Camp training often commences with stretching and running followed by a wide variety of interval training including push-ups/sit-ups, squats, pulling rubber Trx-straps and various types of intense routines. The 60-minutes session usually finishes with yoga stretching.
“Each session hosts an ideal number of maximum 8-10 persons. The idea is that every participant gets attention from the trainer and besides being a group activity, that each person is doing the exercises that best suits his or her needs”, explains the PT João Braga.
Boot Camp exercise regimens are designed to push people a little bit further than they would normally push themselves in the gym alone. They are usually organized in open air spaces, like parks or gardens, using bodyweight exercises and suspension training, interspersed with running and competitive games.
“The idea is that everyone involved works at their own pace as they team up and work towards one goal” emphasizes the instructor Nuno Fernandes.
Boot Camp perfectly suits lovers of outdoor activities, and provides a different environment for those who get bored in the gym and so find it hard to develop a good exercise routine. Participants also make friends and socialize as they exercise. And above all is intense, fun in group and very efficient.
“If you Boot Camp three times a week, you don´t need any other exercise to maintain your body fit”, assures João Braga.
“Since I started Boot Camp training I lost a lot of weight and I really enjoy the feeling of exercising outdoors in a group conducted by a special instructor. I also meet new friends and I feel I am doing the right thing to keep my body in shape for a fair price”, says another member.
In Macau the group meets at the Nam Van Lake nautical centre every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 pm.
In Taipa, the Nova Park Taipa Garden welcomes the participants every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 am and 7 pm, and on Saturdays at 8 am.
Even rainy days can’t stop the group from working out, with the sessions held under the large awning of the Macau Nam Van Lake or in an indoor facility in Taipa.
There are many other benefits of a fitness Boot Camp, including better mental health. It has long been known that regular aerobic exercise can help to reduce high blood pressure and hypertension, and combat stress. Part of this is due to the release of endorphins, which act as a mood elevator.
“For the best results though, a balanced diet is important and nutritional care should be taken into account”, reaffirms João Braga.
Macau Urban Boot Camp offers a first day free trial for those interested. People can then sign up in the program for 5, 10 or 15 sessions. It is suitable for all ages from 16 years up.
For summer promotions check out: Facebook: urbanbootcamp853
Contact: 6275 4983 / 6653 5796
