If you read my last post for DMM, you already know that I am an advocate of early morning workouts. Keep in mind, however, that until very recently, my idea of an early morning workout was one that began with me rolling out of bed at 6:00 a.m. Not anymore! These days, 5:00 a.m. and I are getting to be good friends–and I’m not even mad about it.

One of the most frequent tips you hear about developing a consistent workout routine is to find something that you truly enjoy doing–and do that. Don’t try to run if you hate it. Don’t try to swim laps if you are afraid of the water. It seems like common sense, but sometimes we get this idea in our head that we have to workout a certain way to see results. That’s not true, and it’s better to do something than nothing at all! There aren’t many things that I’d willingly get out of bed at 5:00 a.m. three mornings a week for, but since I started Baer Fit Chicks Bootcamp, (BFC) I look forward to can tolerate getting out of bed at dark thirty because I genuinely love what I’m waking up to accomplish.

Fellow DMM contributor Stephanie and I after our first Baer Fit Chicks Bootcamp session!

Baer Fit Chicks “proudly offer[s] an exceptional fitness experience catered to women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and fitness levels… Everyday is filled with variety! You will enjoy obstacle courses, strength training, a variety of cardio,  yoga based stretching and more!” Speaking from experience, I can say that these statements are 100% accurate. On my first day of camp, I didn’t feel intimidated at all–rather, I felt welcome and immediately was treated like I was part of the “Baer Fit Chicks family.”

The women at camp encourage each other and build each other up, which sometimes provides that extra bit of motivation you need to hold that wall squat for a few more seconds or to do that extra burpee. On top of being a strong community of amazing women, BFC is taught by a fabulous instructor, Katie Ly. Katie is constantly warm and encouraging, and she continually challenges the Chicks through positive motivational techniques.  I can honestly say that she pushes me to my limits with every move, just by encouraging me to bring my A Game every morning and give it my all.

Feeling proud after knocking out my first week of Baer Fit Chicks Bootcamp!

Though I was initially skeptical of why anyone would want to get up so early each day to knock out their workout, I’ve quickly become a convert. I’ve found I leave bootcamp each morning on a total adrenaline high (one of the major perks of a killer workout, if you ask me) and I am filled with energy and motivation to tackle my day. Plus, there’s the added benefit of knowing for the rest of the day that you’ve already got your workout out and you didn’t have to worry about it. And in the interest of full disclose, I’ll admit that I love thinking about how much I’ve accomplished before most of the world even got out of bed!

What makes BFC different than any other bootcamp around? Katie says there are three main elements of BFC that sets it apart.

1.  FRESH workouts that are challenging, fun, varied, and can be adapted to women of any age, fitness level, or ability.

I think it’s vital to incorporate more than just planks, push ups and burpees into the workouts.    At BAER Fit Chicks, we use every kind of equipment you might imagine; from battle ropes to stability balls, to resistance tubes, to medicine balls, to Gliders, jump ropes, and more!  We also do plenty of team-based workout routines as well as fun boot camp “games.”  All of this keeps the strength training and cardio-based workouts fresh, fun, and challenging!   BAER Fit Chicks definitely know how to have fun while getting in a superb workout! What I really love about designing the workouts for BAER Fit Chicks, is that I can be creative and introduce different modalities and formats, beyond boot camp staples like dumbbells, park benches, and typical circuit routines.

2. A sense of COMMUNITY at boot camp and beyond.

BAER Fit Chicks, more than anything, is a community.  We are a community of  women who come together with an obvious common purpose: to be fit and healthy.  You sign up to get fit, and keep coming back because getting fit TOGETHER is so much fun!   An essential part of BAER Fit Chicks is the community of women who encourage, support, and inspire each other on a daily basis.    The only competition you’ll find at BAER Fit Chicks is women challenging one another to bring out the best in each other.  That’s just how we roll!   As an instructor, I take care to conduct myself professionally, of course, but I also feel at ease in letting my guard down with my campers. I am invested in these women and our friendships.   I encourage and treasure our personal connections in and out of camp.  Our community isn’t limited to our workout hour.   We regularly get together outside of boot camp so that we can simply enjoy each other’s company.  What a concept, eh?

3.  BETTER nutritional counseling than what is available at most boot camps.

It’s pretty standard at most boot camps to periodically come up with meal plan ideas,  recipes, or general nutritional advice.  Good nutrition is probably the most important component with anyone seeking weight loss or improved health.  Thanks to Dr. Charles Baerman, BAER Fit Chicks is the ONLY boot camp in southwest Ohio with a Ph.D. on staff who is authorized to create customized Nutrition Plans for its clients.  Charles Baerman does this for all of my campers for FREE. It’s a great privilege to be associated with uniquely qualified resources at BAER Fit / Your Personal Best.

If you’re interested in checking out Baer Fit Chicks Bootcamp, contact Katie Ly at [email protected]. Now is a great time to sign up, because Katie is offering 25% off the cost of one month of camp to new Chicks. Baer Fit is also offering a special “Burn the Bird” workout on the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 29) at 7:00 a.m., which is free and open to any woman who is over age 18. All you’ll need is a mat! Finally, if you have any questions about my experiences with BFC so far, I’d me more than happy to answer them.

So really, what are you waiting for!? Come join us…I hope to see you at camp!