About

The Original
BASIC TRAINING

Frequently Asked Questions

1. The program sounds great, but I'm not interested in getting screamed at. Is the instructor going to humiliate me and call me names?

No. We've been doing this for years, and in that time we've learned which aspects of military training are useful for our purposes, and which are not. We're in the business of getting you into great physical condition, not training soldiers for combat. You'll find that our instructors are excellent motivators, and that they'll be pushing your whole class pretty hard. However, there's also a lot of fun, a lot of teamwork and camaraderie, and even a lot of humor along the way. Trust us- you'll work harder than you ever have before, but you'll have a great time doing it!

2. I've seen these boot camp fitness programs before, what makes yours different?

Most of the boot camp classes you'll find out there were set up in response to the "boot camp craze" that followed our appearances on national television in the 1990's, and the press that the few other early boot camp programs received. Unfortunately, the majority of these programs are more focused on military appearance than the practical aspects of military training that produce the results you're looking for.

The acid test for any fitness program is going to be longevity and popularity. There are a few good programs out there, but you'll find that most haven't been around long, and probably won't be around much longer because they are not very well attended. In contrast, we have been in our locations for many years, and we're still packing the classes full.   

3. What sort of results can I expect out of this class?

In The Original Basic Training, we focus our training efforts on fat loss and increasing muscular and cardiovascular endurance. If you consistently attend class and give a good effort while you're here (and don't go on too many ice cream binges at home), you can expect to see marked improvements in your body composition, muscle tone and overall physical stamina.

Program participants can certainly lose anywhere between 10-20 pounds over the six weeks, and will certainly notice significant improvement in strength and muscle tone. If you're not a runner, you'll likely become one...and if you are a runner, you'll probably shave some serious time off of your mile.  

4. What will we be doing in class?

The program is based for the most part on body-resistance exercises and running. An average class will consist of about 30-40 minutes of these exercises with the remainder of the time spent in formation and group runs. 

5. I haven't exercised in years and I'm not in very good shape. Is this program really for me?

Unlike many programs, it's common for us to have a wide range of physical fitness levels in the same class, and we regularly train people who come in unable to run or do a single decent pushup. Our aim is to take you from wherever you find yourself, and then make you better. If you're currently in poor physical condition, you do need to be careful of injury though. The way to do that is to practice good exercise form, and work within your current limitations. With diligence and patience, you may be surprised at just how quickly you get into shape. (If you are concerned at all, it is always a good idea to get clearance from your physician before you engage in a new exercise program).

6. There are certain exercises I can't do because of past injuries. Can I still take the program?

In most cases, the answer is yes. There are modified versions of most exercises, and if there is an exercise you just can't do, you can always choose a different exercise that you can do. If you have several past injuries or limitations you're dealing with, or if the limitations you have are particularly profound, check with the instructor and see if this program is the right one for you.

7. I'd love to take your program but it isn't offered in our area. What can I do to bring The Original Basic Training to my club?

Your club, college fitness center or community fitness center is probably interested in those programs that will bring people in. The best way to bring The Original Basic Training to your facility is to let them know you'd like to see it there. Better yet, get some friends together and let them know that the bunch of you would enroll if they bring it in.

You can also email your club manager a link to this site, or email us and tell us about your club. We'll make the inquiry for you.