Adventures in Boot Camp: Week 2 Baby, it’s cold outside…

Yea right!!!  It is cold but when you are sweating, sprinting, and running in temps in the low 20s, that cold is actually quite comfortable.

I am now in Week 2 of Extreme Fit Training with Rachel Hunt.  I am sore. My body is tired. BUT I FEEL GREAT! Seriously!  There is something amazing about doing what she has us do. For instance, have YOU ever climbed a mountain on flat asphalt with plastic plates? I have. And it is not easy but it CAN be done.

Have you ever ran backwards around a football field? If you really want to work those thighs and hips, this is a fantastic way to warm up.   What about planks?  I did not even know what a plank was until I met Rachel. Once you experience a few planks, side planks, and hip planks, then you will know why those jeans become a bit looser in just a few days.

I never knew any of these exercises and quite honestly, would never have tried them if it were not for the enthusiasm and determination of Rachel Hunt. 

When I showed up to boot camp on Monday, the temperatures were in the low 20s. I was wearing one pair of leggings with sweatpants, long sleeve t-shirt, fleece pullover and fleece jacket complete with gloves, hat, and fleece scarf. It was cold and for this Southern gal, my body really wanted to be at home under blankets with heat going full blast.

Rachel had us warm-up then broke us down in groups. Each group had individual exercises to concentrate on various areas of our body.  Using 8lb hand weights, my arms began to warm up with the lifts and stretches that Rachel taught me.  Within 10 minutes, layer #1 came off!

Then we began to work on our legs using cardio techniques to gain maximum heart rate. Within 15 minutes of this, layer #2 came off! Did I mention it was 20-something degrees outside? 

By the end of the one hour session, my legs were a bit shaky and I was quite comfortable with just leggings and a t-shirt but my goodness, my energy level was incredible. As sore as I was, I really believe I was so hyped up on endorphins, I could have taken on the world.

There is something quite addictive about the power of endorphins. I don’t believe there is a drug or substance out there that can replace the natural hormones God instills in us to do remarkable, healthy activities.

So tomorrow will be the end of Week 2 of Boot Camp. And I LOVE IT! I feel better. My mood is quite cheerful even if my body may feel sore. And my jeans, feel just a bit looser this week.  Stay tuned for more!