21 Bootcamp Lessons for Personal Trainers

The first time I did a group training bootcamp was back in 2001 or 2002…and not surprisingly, I’ve gotten a lot better over the years. Today, I want to celebrate my 35th birthday by giving you 21 tips to help you have the greatest bootcamps ever…so here we go:

#1 – You have to bring the ENERGY.

#2 – Watch your client’s form like a hawk.

#3 – Give your clients structured workouts. Not just random workouts where you jump from one exercise to another without a plan.

#4 – Create an amazing social support group.

#5 – Follow up with your campers during the day and week by email, Facebook, or text message.

#6 – Get all clients to pay in advance to AVOID billing hassles and uncomfortable situations.

#7 – Incorporate a transformation contest into your camps to maximize their results and participation.

#8 – Recognize and reward your campers as much as possible.

#9 – Just say NO to any type of long, slow cardio (including a jogging warm-up) in your bootcamp. People don’t want to pay $20 for something they hate and can do on their own.

#10 - Specialize. Be the “best bootcamp for moms”, the “toughest bootcamp in town”, the “Beginner Bootcamp Boss”, or something that sets you apart from all other bootcamps in town.

#11 - Give all bootcampers a nutrition BONUS.

#12 - Never stop learning and improving your bootcamps.

#13 - Run your bootcamps like a business, NOT a hobby. Get serious!

#14 - Be a role model. Show up on time. Be prepared. Lead by example.

#15 - Ignore the temptation to rely on “gadgets” and “gimmicks” in your bootcamps. If you can’t create an amazing bootcamp with only bodyweight exercises, you need to work on your skills.

#16 - Find a permanent location, preferably indoors. This avoids all the hassles of training outside (i.e. bad weather, humidity, etc.)

#17 – Train safe. Yes, you need to push folks, but you also have to remember that they have jobs and families that are more important than being able to do crazy exercises. And again, watch their form like a hawk.

#18 – Run a holistic bootcamp. Don’t just bring them in, crush them with a tough workout, and send them on their way. Show your clients how to eat right, reduce their stress, and avoid injury. Make their entire life better.

#19 - Inspire your clients to change their lifestyle. Bring the energy and be the best role model you can  be.

#20 - Never, ever, ever give up. This goes for you when you’re first getting started building your bootcamps…or when another big bootcamp company comes to town to compete with you…and it’s also a message you need to remind your campers everyday, that no matter how tough things are, YOU and your bootcamp are always there for them as social support. Stay strong!

#21 – Learn from other bootcamp experts – such as Steve Hochman, Leanne Ellington, Bedros Keuilian, and Chris McCombs on how to create the world’s best bootcamp and get more clients. Just one of those workouts will PAY BACK your investment 10x’s, I guarantee it. Plus, you’re only investing $2 per workout…less than the amount you probably spend at Starbucks or on your cellphone bill each day.

Hope you’ve enjoyed my bootcamp life lessons.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Author, TTBootcamps Workouts