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In the past few years, the fitness industry has seen an increase in military style workout programs called fitness boot camps. These programs are short in duration and usually last about 4 weeks with 3 sessions per week.

The main goal is to get you in the best shape possible in the least amount of time. Most of the programs are offered to everyone, while others cater exclusively to women only. A fitness boot camp for women can be a great way to get back into shape while having fun at the same time.

Here are 10 great reasons and benefits to join a fitness boot camp for women:

1). Avoid the unwanted stares and attention from men during your workouts. Most women do not like to be “checked out” while they go about their workouts. It can be intimidating and uncomfortable for many women who are only interested in their fitness boot camp workouts.

2). Some women are self-conscious of their body image prior to joining. Weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are important, but just as important is finding a comfortable environment to workout.

3). They provide women with the time to bond and share common interests that they may not experience with unisex workout classes. Women can feel comfortable joining solo or with their friends.

4). Women tend to be less competitive than men; therefore, the atmosphere in the boot camp workouts while serious tend to be more relaxed.

5). The nature of program is very focused and goal-oriented. Making a boot camp into a routine with the same group of people over time means that everyone is motivated to attain their fitness goals..

6). Fitness boot camps for women tend to be more welcoming and less intimidating for women of all shapes and sizes.

7). You can have fun getting into shape and work towards your goal of either being healthier or losing weight. They can be held indoors or outdoors for maximum workout benefits.

8). If you don’t exercise regularly, jump start your fitness by getting into a routine and making it a regular part of your lifestyle. Women have busy lives and it’s difficult to make time for themselves. Making a regular fitness class over time will help you achieve a more balanced lifestyle in the long-term.

9). It’s a great way to make new friends and network with one another.

10). Aspire to the next level. Once you achieve success with your first workout, you’ll want to take your newly found fitness level and try a more advanced workout. This prevents your body from plateauing and ensures that you continue to push your body to get even more results. Once you start, don’t stop!

In the end, my advice is to first check out the camp you are interested in to find out if the class program and environment is suitable for you. Find out what certifications and experience the instructor has before joining. Make sure your instructors also have current CPR and first aid certifications. Above all, you should look for an instructor who makes you feel motivated, encouraged, and energized. For some, this may mean a military type style workout. For others, it may be something less overwhelming. Find something that suits your comfort zone, get started, and train safe!

Raz Chan
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/10-benefits-of-joining-a-fitness-boot-camp-for-women-678661.html

Many people ask me what it is I like about fitness swimming. Is it the cool blue waters, the sensuous feel of water lobbing all around me or the desire to complete the customary miles regardless of biting cold or sweltering heat? The answer is – none of these!

What I like most about my swimming ritual is the happiness it brings me. You see, I am no competitor. I do not swim at competitions and I do not have any medals or trophies to flaunt. But, what I do have is the ability to swim nonstop for a few miles, and a body and mind that has grown infinitely richer because of my swimming routine. I am a fitness swimmer.

In the concrete crazy, money spinning world around me, I am not alone. Actually, less than one-third of swimmers are into the sport for competition. Reports say that there are more than 35 million fitness swimmers in the US alone. Most of us swim because we love it. Of course, it also helps that swimming is such a great fitness activity both for the body and mind.

Fitness swimming is an easy way to keep fighting fit. The inherent nature of swimming makes it a gentle and comfortable activity for any age group. Many fitness swimmers over the age of 50 are people who have come into the sport to get away from high cholesterol levels, increase blood pressure levels, cardiac problems and asthma or muscle injuries. With fitness swimming, it doesn’t matter if you are overweight or obese. This is one exercise where you won’t feel the entire weight of your body bogging you down. In fact, you feel much lighter in water than on land because the density of water is almost similar to the density of the human body. The good part of all this is that your body is not placed under any stress or tension while you are swimming. Unlike other kinds of exercise, you can never sustain an injury while swimming. That explains why swimming is a recommended form of exercise for people who are recouping from an injury or illness.

Since swimming is an excellent form of aerobic workout, it can burn calories efficiently. In fact, it can burn twice as many calories as vigorous running, staircase climbing and treadmill jogging. Even three hours of swimming a week is enough to bring you muscle strength, flexibility and endurance.

Fitness Swimming is a great all round exercise. It works out every muscle of the body gently yet rigorously. The superb physique of competitive swimmers is an indication of how swimming can make you lean and trim – a true treat for the eyes!

But, fitness swimming is not just about your body. Swimming is a fantastic form of meditation too. As you place one arm in front of the other, humming your favorite song to yourself and floating effortlessly in the water, your mind goes into a ‘Zen’ mode. Stress is quickly forgotten. Deadlines don’t matter for a while. The noise of the city leaves you. There is only you and the water. New ideas emerge. Old problems seem less life threatening. Life seems full of possibilities. An incredible sense of well being envelopes you.

Why do I love fitness swimming? There really is no one answer.

gardnerwilkinson
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/how-can-fitness-swimming-help-you-681140.html