Order yourself to get fit at adventure boot camp

Well, fitness buff Jason Brown says he has the answer. And he brought it all the way from the U.S. West Coast.

It's adventure boot camp and it is the latest fitness craze to hit California.

Brown, a certified fitness instructor and personal trainer, was visiting Orange County recently where he participated in an adventure boot camp with its inventor, American fitness expert (and president of the National Endurance Sports Trainers Association) John Spencer Ellis.

This fitness camp combines traditional exercise -- dumb bells, mat work, running, circuit training, with outdoor games you might have played at summer camp as a kid, such as obstacle courses, tug of war with ropes, and hiking and soccer drills.

"If you need to jump-start your fitness regimen, get back into the habit after taking some time off, then this is perfect," says Brown. "Or if you are looking for a different challenge, if you are bored with your usual fitness routine, then this is for you. Boot camp is about having fun, doing a variety of activities and making the most of being outdoors."

In California women of all ages are joining up, he says. "It has really caught on, it seems to be the thing to do."

Brown had such a great time at the California camp that he became the first Canadian to be certified as an adventure fitness trainer. And he just wrapped the first Canadian adventure boot camp for women, right here in the city, with six willing recruits.

The best part about these intensive, one-hour long, work-out sessions is that they are held in Assiniboine Park, so you can enjoy the outdoors while you train.

The bad news is they start at 5:45 a.m., five days a week, for a month. And there's no being late or skipping a class -- this is boot camp, after all!

If you aren't quite up for the full deal, there is a wimpier three-day-a-week session, and an alternate time of 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Camp grads can expect anywhere from a three to five per cent reduction in body fat, weight loss of between five to 12 pounds and an increase in upper body strength, says Brown -- plus more energy and endurance.

It's also a great way to meet other fitness-minded females. Camps are limited to 30 women per session and awards and certificates are handed out to those who inspire others or improve the most.

Camp costs $299 for five hours of training per week and $180 for the three-hour-a-week camp. The next session starts next Monday and it's not too late to sign up. Or contact Brown at 885-5349 about future camp sessions. For more info, go to www.winnipegbootcamp.com

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Do you have friends or family coming into town for a visit and find yourself the designated tour guide? At a loss as to where to take them beyond the usual walk around The Forks?

Well, here's an idea. What about a three-hour guided tour of Winnipeg's historic neighbourhoods and a boating excursion all rolled into one?

A new Walk & Water tour offers both a scenic view of the city from the vantage point of a water taxi on the river, as well as a chance to wander through some of Winnipeg's most celebrated districts.

The tour begins at the Fort Garry Hotel and -- making use of the city's water taxi service, makes stops along Broadway, at The Forks Market and the Legislative Building, as well as touring the turn-of-the century homes along Ruskin Row and through the St. Boniface French Quarter.

Tours run every Monday and Friday at 9:15 a.m., and cost $25 for adults and $15 for kids. To reserve a spot, call 254-3170.

cheryl.binning@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 14, 2003 $sourceSection$sourcePage