If you were to gauge the mood or vibe of a new fitness bootcamp, or poll new members on how they felt about starting their new fitness program, the results would probably be remarkably similar; most people would be highly motivated and excited about the bootcamp, and a subset would express doubt towards their goals.

Fitness Bootcamp Instructor Motivates Student

It is only natural, and healthy, to feel a little reticent about a new venture, especially one where the initial learning curve can be a cause of concern. However it is important to be prepared for self doubt and not allow it to hamper the progress that will eventually lead to the success that is being targeted, be it increased fitness, losing weight or toning.
The motivation for joining a fitness bootcamp will vary from person to person, but usually fall into one or more of the following six categories:

• weight loss
• toning
• fitness
• general health and well being
• look younger
• increase confidence

A fitness bootcamp can help with all of these goals, if the participants fully commit to a regular and sustained training schedule. The level of motivation is likely to be maintained if the participants in the bootcamp can see progress, i.e. a drop in weight, being less tired through increased fitness levels, and toning of fatty areas.

Additionally, after a few sessions at fitness bootcamp, new motivation can develop thanks to the team spirit and camaraderie that occurs as members of the bootcamp become more familiar and friendships form. In part, this motivation aspect will come from the fitness bootcamp instructor or instructors. Care will be taken by astute instructors that nobody is being left out or made to feel inadequate. In this way members of the bootcamp can maintain or even find new motivation towards their goals.

Unfortunately not everyone will find or maintain motivation at a fitness bootcamp, and doubt can creep in leading to a lack of enthusiasm possibly leading to failure and leaving the bootcamp, disillusioned and feeling depressed.  Doubt towards achieving goals can eat away people of all ages from all walks of life, the main reasons for such doubt can be categorized as follows:

• Excessive criticism
• Being over critical of oneself
• Low self esteem
• Negativity
• Self limiting beliefs
• A lack of acceptance

These six factors can mold people throughout their lifetime; however they may also manifest themselves during a fitness bootcamp.

A lack of acceptance within the group can be a primary reason for early quitters and it will fall to the instructor to encourage new members to mingle with existing groups.  This can be achieved through group games, or pairing up to encourage natural barriers to fall and new friendships to be forged.

Similarly the bootcamp instructor will seek to encourage class members to be positive about themselves and avoid being critical of members who perhaps progress at different rates.  In this way low self esteem and self limiting beliefs can be overcome.

One way an instructor can help avoid doubts towards goals is to recognize and celebrate success. Class goals and individual goals should be celebrated by either acknowledging them with verbal congratulations, or perhaps by moving on to a new routine.  Class members suffering with self doubt will find it difficult to be proud of their achievements and in the interests of maintaining enthusiasm. It is an instructors job to make sure this mistake does not go uncorrected.

Through identification of participant’s motivation to attend fitness bootcamp, and a good understanding of possible reasons for self doubt, an instructor can expect good success rates within the camp. And participants can look forward to meeting, and exceeding, their personal goals.

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