Frequently Asked Questions

What changes can I expect from Boot Camp training?

• Lose 1-2 lbs. of fat each week (depending on weight & height)
• Increased muscle tone and definition
• Increased strength and endurance for recreational or everyday activities
• Increased energy and alertness
• Renewed self-confidence.
• Improved health profile (lower cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, blood sugar)
• You will fit into your old clothes!
• Become a slimmer, firmer, healthier YOU!

What is the level of difficulty of the Boot Camp?

The Boot Camp is not designed to accommodate someone who has never worked out before. You should have a basic level of strength and endurance to participate. The Camp is designed to help the intermediate to advanced exerciser get her physique to the next level. If you have been going to the gym or exercising at home for a couple of months and are feeling "stuck," this Camp is perfect for you.

A good fitness test is this: if you can complete 20 minutes of continuous aerobic activity (treadmill, bike, elliptical, tennis, etc.) at a moderate intensity; AND you can complete at least 15 squats with your body weight and 10 push-ups on your knees, then you are fit enough to participate.

There may be all levels of people participating in any given class- from first timers to 2 year veterans. We will provide easier and more advanced versions of certain exercises when appropriate.

What do I need to bring with me?

All you need is an exercise mat, a sweat towel, and a bottle of water.

Will I need to bring or purchase any equipment?

No, we provide all the equipment. You just need to show up and be ready for anything!

What type of exercise is “Boot Camp Training”?

Here’s how I define it: group body sculpting, in an outdoor environment, with minimal equipment, using a fast paced exercise sequence, often alternating resistance training with cardio or conditioning exercise. It includes core exercise, calisthenics, and may utilize dumbbells, bands, medicine balls, or stability balls. It also makes use of obstacle courses, relays, and games to keep the workout fun and the campers motivated.

Are there any studies to prove the benefits of this type of training?

YES! The American Council on Exercise (ACE) released a study conducted by scientists at the University of Wisconsin proving that a Boot Camp style workout is the most effective exercise program for simultaneously burning fat and building muscle. Researchers found that the average exerciser burns 9.8 calories per minute during a typical workout, which equals about 600 calories for an hour class. This is equal to or greater than the amount of calories burned during other types of aerobic classes, such as spinning, kickboxing, or step. BUT only Boot Camp classes specifically include muscle strengthening exercises for every muscle group in your body. Applying progressive resistance to muscles is key if you expect to increase muscle tone and definition.
Dr. John Porcari, who led the study, said, “On average, people were working at 77% of heart rate max, which is considered moderate intensity, but it also gets as high as 92%, meaning the workouts have peaks and valleys.” This type of interval training has consistently proven to burn more fat than longer duration, lower intensity cardio like cycling or treadmill walking.

If you would like to see the results of a local study of MY Boot Camp, The Observer did a 3 part feature which followed a brand new Camper through her first 6 weeks and what she was able to accomplish. Read the full story here.

What is the difference between the Shape Up Sarasota Boot Camp and other Boot Camps?

For one, it is not a military boot camp in the strictest sense. We will not scream in your face until you cry, or force you to do something you feel could result in injury. We use positive motivation to help you push your limits to accomplish what you did not think was possible.

We do use a lot of calisthenics (body weight exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, squats, etc.) but we also utiIize a lot of other equipment military camps don’t incorporate (dumbbells, medicine balls, bands). My reason for this is it keeps the workouts fresh and interesting.

Which is another way the Shape Up Sarasota Boot Camp is different. I guarantee you will never do the exact same workout twice. Every couple of months you may do a sequence you’ve done before, but basically you never know what’s in store for you when you show up! That is one of the main reasons people stick with this program for so long, and get such great results. Variety is necessary both from a psychological standpoint so that you don’t get bored, but also from a physiological standpoint because you are constantly shocking your body with challenging new routines.

The complaints I’ve heard about other boot camps is that they do the same exercises or routines over and over; the instructors are more concerned about just pushing your through the routine as fast as you can go, with no concern for exercise form (which results in injury for many); and there was no before and after measurements to demonstrate progress. None of that applies to us.

In fact, I’ll go on record to say I am confident that the Shape Up Sarasota Boot Campers work harder and burn more calories than most other boot camps. Based on heart rate monitor readings, the average person burns between 600-800 calories per class- I even had one guy burn 1400 calories recently! And another thing that makes MY Boot Camp different than most boot camps is the concept of progressive and appropriate resistance. Almost any other boot camp class will make everyone bring 5lb. or 3 lbs. dumbbells, or give everyone a 4lb. medicine ball. At my classes, most women use 10, 12, or 15lb. dumbbells, and 8 or 10lb. medicine balls. For the guys, I bring dumbbells up to 40lbs. and extra thick resistance bands. Do you think that makes a difference when it comes to sculpting muscle? You bet!

That's why in 2010 we were voted as the Best Exercise Program for Weight Loss by the Sarasota Natural Choice Awards!

How credible is the Shape Up Sarasota Boot Camp and its instructors?

I started the Shape Up Sarasota Boot Camp in July 2007. That makes it the longest running continuous Boot Camp in the greater Sarasota area. Since that time, my instructors and I have helped hundreds of people get in the best shape of their lives, and have fun doing it. In 2009 I began doing body fat analysis and photos on every member. (This was a service I previously reserved for my private training clients.) You can see some of our Success Stories here.

The Shape Up Sarasota Boot Camp has been featured in almost every major media outlet in the area, including ABC-7, Bay News 9, the Herald Tribune, The Observer, Natural Awakenings, and Positive Change.

In 2010, JD was voted Best Personal Trainer in Sarasota by the readers of Natural Awakenings magazine.

JD Doyle has been a certified personal trainer and nutritional advisor since 1995. He holds multiple certifications, including ACE Clinical Exercise Specialist and ISFTA Master Trainer. He is the owner and director of Ultimate-U Fitness, and the Director of Personal Training at Snap Fitness in Bradenton.

All the other Boot Camp instructors were personally trained and certified by JD through ISFTA, and bring their own twist to the program.  See our instructors page for more on their background.

What is your attendance policy? What if I miss some Boot Camp sessions due to illness or travel time?

Payment for each month of Boot Camp is valid only until the end of that monthly billing cycle. It is your responsibility to attend the Camp. There are no refunds or extensions granted. You are paying to be a member of the Camp, not for a certain number of sessions. However, you are encouraged to make up missed sessions at any of the other times and/or locations within the month.

If you are on an annual membership, you shouldn’t be concerned about missing a few weeks over the course of the year. The annual membership is significantly less expensive than the month to month price for this reason. Also remember you are only paying for 11 months, and getting a 12th month for free.

On the other hand, if you are paying month to month, and you are going to be gone on a 10-day vacation, you should probably not join for that month, and consider paying the daily rate for the days you are here.

What about the holidays? Are there any days off?

Boot Camp will continue on a regular schedule from Jan.3 to Dec. 21, 2011. There will be no camp on Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving (and the day after). We may end up cancelling a class the day before or after those holidays depending on how many people sign up for the class (5 campers minimum).

How do I measure my progress?

Body Composition. Upon joining the Boot Camp, you will get a body composition analysis chart, and a “before” photo taken. Its your responsibility to take your weight and tape measurements as directed, and JD will measure your body fat, and set a realistic goal for you. Then for every 6 weeks you are a member of the Camp, you are entitled to another body composition analysis. This can be set up with JD anytime during the month, after your payment has been processed.

Strength & Endurance. Once every 6 weeks, you will be tested for the maximum number of push-ups, sit-ups, & squats, & dips you can do in 1 minute. You will also be tested for the time it takes you to complete a ½ mile run. Your records will be kept and reference each month before re-testing.

What about diet & nutritional support?

Every member will receive a a copy of my Top 10 Nutritional Commandments, my Supplement Guide, and a $20 Gift Card to GNC. Once every 6 weeks, I will present my Fat Loss 101 Nutrition Seminar free for all current Boot Campers. In this seminar, I explain how to estimate your calorie needs, how to choose the right carbs, fats, and proteins, how to plan meals and control your portions, and which supplements are worth purchasing.

The time and location of the seminar may vary based on when the majority of new members can attend. It is highly recommended you attend the seminar, but if it not possible, you will be provided with a DVD recording of it.

All those committed for the year will receive a Transformation Training Manual, which includes all of the above information, plus Cardio Training Guidelines, Travel Workouts, and Weekly Checklists to ensure that you are doing everything right outside the Boot Camp to reach your long term goals.

Do you have a discount program for couples or families?

YES.  There is a $30 discount each month for the second (or third) person from your immediate family who signs up for the unlimited option, when the first person pays full price.  There is a $20 discount for the second family member who signs up for the twice per week option, when the first person pays full price.c. This way you can save all year rather than just earning a one time referral fee.

What is the Biggest Loser/  Most Improved Camper Program?

Every 6 weeks, the instructors will select one camper from each location that has demonstrated above-average commitment and effort to achieve their goals. Attendance, improvements in body composition, leadership qualities, and attitude will all be considered in choosing the Most Improved Camper. Usually, but not always, this person is also the "biggest loser" in terms of body fat percentage lost.  The Biggest Loser/ Most Improved Camper will be awarded the next month of Boot Camp for FREE!*

*Winners must agree to allow their before and after pictures to be published for promotional purposes.

What is the Referral Rewards Program?

For every full time Boot Camp member you refer, you will receive a $50 credit towards your next month of Boot Camp. (To qualify for the referral fee, the new member must sign up for a minimum of 3x’s/week for one month, or else 2x’s/week for at least two months.) If your referral signs up for an annual membership, you get a $100 credit towards your next month of Boot Camp. So tell everyone you know, let them try it out for a free week, and you could be training free for a month or more!