FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Adventure Boot Camp?

The Adventure Boot Camp is (primarily) an outdoor group fitness program, incorporating exercise in a way that is fun and challenging. 

How do I sign up?

You have two options.  1) Online Registration and online payment or 2) Download the registration and payment form and fax them to our office. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.  Once we've received your registration information, we'll contact you to schedule your evaluation. Register early!  Spaces are limited, and some camps do sell out.

What is the Camp Evaluation?

The Camp Evaluation includes the following:

1. We will give you an introduction to Adventure Boot Camp and answer any questions you may have. We will also review your medical history.

2. We will check your blood pressure and take a few simple measurements to see where you are prior to beginning camp. The actual measurements (number of inches) don't matter. We want to know how much you improve during the camp. It's strictly for a post-camp comparison. These numbers and all other information will be held in the strictest confidence.

3. We will record your weight and measure your body fat percentage. Again, the numbers don't matter. We just want to be able to measure your improvement. On average, we see a 2-5% reduction in your body fat over the four weeks! This is common.

4. Evaluations can be conducted before and after the start date of camp.

Where is the camp located?
 
The exact address of the boot camp is Jefferson Junior High School, 801 7th St., SW, Washington DC. Indoor session are held in the gymnasium. Our outdoor sessions also meet at the school.  When the temperature (including windchill) is under 40 degrees, sessions will be held INDOORS.  Otherwise, sessions will be outdoors.

What do I need to bring to camp?

You will need to bring an exercise mat. You will also want to bring water to keep yourself hydrated during camp. Optional items are a towel to dry off with and gloves or mittens during cooler weather.  In cooler temperatures, dress in a layered fashion...even if it is chilly, you will get warm very fast!

What kind of footwear do you recommend for boot camp?

Running shoes are recommended.  Make sure the shoe has a good arch support and heel counter.

What if I sign up for the three day plan and then want to do all more days of the camp?

After starting camp, some clients realize how fun and convenient it is so they request to sign up for more days. In addition, they realize that the more days they attend camp the greater the results. In these situations, you will simply be pro-rated from the point you decide to join us for more days.

Can I join boot camp after the official start date?

YES. You can join a session after the official start date. Your tuition would be prorated over the number of days you plan to attend (5-day or 3-day) less the number of days you have missed.  We will schedule your evaluation.  You will get the most out of camp by joining within the first week as we conduct our fitness test on the first Friday of camp, and we conduct a nutrition seminar on the first Saturday of camp.

Will I be sore sometimes?

Most people feel some soreness for the first 2-3 days. After that point, it is slight to moderate. It's part of the process that lets you improve!

What kinds of people go to camp?

Campers of various fitness levels, sizes, and ages come to camp. They are people just like you. Our clients vary in age range.   Some clients are in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.  Some are relatively new to exercise or haven't exercised much  and need a little push to jump start their fitness and wellness program.  Some campers with a little exercise experience, enjoy the benefits of working in a group setting.  We have had all types come through boot camp.  Since we opened in February 2006, we've been averaging a 70% return rate.  Some boot campers are looking for a change from their current workouts.  We structure routines to work in-the- flow to accommodate different experience levels.  The exercises, and sequencing is designed to mee t your individual fitness level (see also, our testimonials).

How many days a week should I attend?

We are asked this question a lot.  The short answer: it depends on your goal(s).  i.e  are you trying to maintain (we recommend 3 day) your current fitness level or change your current routine (we recommend 5 day).  Do you want to improve fitness and body composition and/or have little experience about exercise (we recommend, 5 day).  Other factors include your time availability to commit to the program and your personal budget.  Your exercise program should be fun and a part of your life.

What is the fitness level of the campers?

Individual fitness levels vary with each camp and daily on workout days as campers can choose the days they want to attend.  Boot campers are grouped and conduct exercises based on their current fitness levels and ability (beginner, intermediate, and advanced).  We have experience working with campers at different levels of fitness from the new exerciser to the elite athlete.  Remember the whole point in boot camp is to get you in better fitness than you are today.

Can I choose my workout days?

Yes, you can choose the days you want to work out.  Our daily pillars are cardio, strength, core and flexibility.  So you will find on Monday/Thursday 80% upper body strength exercises and 20% lower body strength.  Tuesday/Friday 80% lower body strength work and 20% upper body strength.  Wednesdays are more cardio, core and flexibility.  With this system, you could get a full body workout choosing Monday-Friday (5-day), or Monday/Wednesday/Friday (3 day), or Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday (3 day).  Or, you could target upper or lower strength.  We conduct a fitness test on the first Friday and last day of camp.  These are the only days we record your fitness results.  It is important you attempt to come on those days.

What kind of exercises will we do?

Every day is a different day at bootcamp!  We NEVER repeat the same exercises or routines two days in a row! Variety alleviates boredom, keeps your body guessing and constantly responding to different demands.  In one camp, you may do calisthenics, obstacle courses, mat exercises, circuits, free weights, pilates, yoga, sports movements and exercises, and much more!  We follow our four pillars daily: strength, cardio, flexibility, and core to make one awesome camp.

Do you offer free trials?

We do not offer free trials. However, you can attend a class at the daily walk-in rate of $25.00 per class.  You will need prior approval from the office (to discuss your fitness level, to schedule the day you will attend, and to fill out a couple of forms) before you attend a class.

I will miss certain days of camp because of scheduled trips.  Can I make up days missed?

You can make up days missed if you let us know in advance, in writing.  Otherwise, you snooze, you lose.  You can make up days missed in a future camp.

What is the tone of the camp?

Don’t be taken aback by the name “boot camp.”  Boot camp is a widely understood term we adopted only to emphasize the results you will expect in a relatively short time. We don’t yell at our clients.  Music is a daily feature of camp!  We like to focus on positive motivation techniques. The Adventure Boot Camp concept is centered around working out and having fun!  If you are doing something you enjoy, you are more likely to stick with it!   On average, across the USA and in 8 countries these camps experience an over 80% return rate!

If you are unable to attend camp due to circumstances out of your control, we can offer you a refund if you notify us prior to your session start date however we will charge a $50.00 cancellation fee. If we are notified after your session begins, we can only give you a credit towards another boot camp. This credit is nontransferable. There is no cash refund. This is not negotiable.

You can expect improvements in fitness and body composition in the first week. In one camp, it is common to see campers performance improve with 2-3 minutes reduction off their mile times, improve 25% in strength, increased core strength and flexibility.  Body composition starts to change within a week with proper nutrition. In one camp, body composition improvements include 5-12 pound weight loss, 3-5% reduction in body fat, 1-3 inch decrease in the midsection, toned and mored defined muscle. More noticeable toning takes 2-3 months.  Remember, everyone is different! It's not a competition, so focus on your individual results.  Your nutrition plan will determine your rate of success.

Do you record progress?

Yes, we record and document your progress in three areas (1) Body Composition (weight, body fat, and girth measurements), (2) Fitness (Cardio, strength and core), (3) Blood pressure and Resting Heart Rate (RHR). Having a physical, tangible record where you can see the areas you are improving is important to us.  We think its very helpful to you.   We record your important physical characteristics (weight, body fat, muscle, girth measurements, blood pressure, etc.) as well as the results from your fitness test at the beginning of camp and at the end of camp.  Our evaluations are conducted in a medical office located at 650  Pennsylvania Ave., SE, Suite 250, Washington, DC (by appointment only).  Our clients are very pleasantly surprised at the results at the end of camp!  Improvements in stamina, core strength, fat loss,  inches lost, etc.  We also think that's why many of our campers return for their 2nd and third camps!

Are there shower facilities, or a place I can get ready for work?

Women's showers are operational.  You may shower and change before work in the locker room. 

What will I do after camp is over?

You can get re-measured and tested to show your progress and success in the program. Many of the campers return for a second and even third camp.

Is there parking? 

Yes. There is plenty of parking at the school and street parking is available as well.  If you need extended, after camp parking, contact us directly.

Is the location convenient to the Metro?

Yes. Jefferson Junior High School is just 2 blocks from the L’Enfant Metro Rail Station.  The L’Enfant Plaza Metro Rail operates on the Blue, Orange, Yellow and Green lines.

Where are the evaluations conducted?

Evaluations are conducted by appointment at 650 Pennsylvania Ave., SE,  Suite 250, Washington, DC, 20003.  Please contact the office on 202-547-1202 to schedule your evaluation.

Do you work with your clients on nutrition?

We provide a FREE nutrition seminar for clients that sign up with our program.  This seminar answers the who, what, where, why and how of nutrition plannning.

We also conduct a NUTRITION BOOT CAMP program.  This program is also four weeks and coincides with the weeks of the Adventure Boot Camp.  Clients pay just one flat fee for the Nutrition Boot Camp whether you want to maintain good health, or lose 10, 20, 30 lbs or more.  After the four weeks are up, clients receive another 8 weeks (2 months) of free support and follow ups.

What are the credentials of the instructor?

Your lead instructor, Whitney Minnis, has more than 15 years sports and health training experience. He draws from his experiences as a former professional soccer player, all-around athlete, sports coach, and working with adult and youth personal training clients at area gyms. He is highly qualified as an exercise instructor. Whitney holds several nationally recognized personal training certifications including certifications from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA). Whitney was trained by the boot camp guru, Dr. John Spencer Ellis, and is a Certified Bootcamp Instructor under NESTA.  Whitney is also certified with Lifestyle Management Associates (founder Dr. Jane Pentz, PhD) as a Certified Nutrition Manager. Whitney holds a professional grade license (USSF National “B”) from the national federation that governs soccer in the United States. The “National B” is the second highest license issued in the United States. Whitney is also a licensed track and field coach with USA Track and Field. Whitney has been featured on NBC4 and in the Washington Post.

I'm interested in an Adventure Boot Camp for my group.  How do I set that up?

We can establish and Adventure Boot Camp for your group or office at a location in DC. If you would like to coordinate such a group, please contact our office for details.  There are MANY perks to being a group coordinator.  You do not have to be experienced in exercise to coordinate a group.  We can put together a fitness and nutrition plan for your group be it general fitness or sport specific, youth, adult, male, female, or coed. 

Ready to join the adventure? Contact Us Today!  Spaces fill up quickly!