For those who enjoy the outdoors and are looking for an alternative workout, Jessica Daly’s Outdoor Fitness Boot Camp may be a perfect fit. Officially called Ocean Blue Fitness, Daly leads participants of all ages through a fun exercise regiment at Pemaquid Beach in Bristol. Her classes are open to all ages, and the first class is free.
When thinking boot camp, images of exhausted soldiers going through a grueling workout come to mind. This image is far from the truth of Daly’s regiments, which are fun filled and geared to encourage camaraderie among the participants.
“Boot camp just means everyone works hard when they’re there. There isn’t any yelling or pushing people crazy hard,” Daly said.
There are no mirrors, no music, and no frills. Participants participate in group exercises including calisthenics, fun games and interval training. “It is a very athletic style,” Daly said of the boot camp workout which uses a combination of cardiovascular and strength training activities.
“They can work at their own pace. I tell people how to modify” their exercise to meet their fitness levels. “It is a fun-oriented workout,” she said.
“Boot camps are popular because they are effective and fun. Many of the people in my classes prefer to workout outside. I’m excited because I’m attracting a group of people who have not been involved in group exercise in the past. We play games and do partner activities as well as individual drills. Being outside changes everything. I think people are more comfortable and less self conscious than they are in the gym,” Daly commented.
Tuesday, a group of four women gathered at the beach at 8:30 a.m. to participate in the alternative workout. A gentle jog up the picturesque beach served to warm up participants for more strenuous activities. The women stretched, played toss with six pound balls, competed in a Survivor type interval relay, and used large elastic bands to do calisthenics.
Of interval style workouts, Daly said “evidence supports that with this type of workout you get results similar to much longer bouts of steady state cardiovascular exercises. One of my regulars just ran a 10K with almost no running training beyond what we do in class. We rarely run more than five minutes at a stretch and more typically we run only in intervals of 30 seconds to a minute. During each period of hard work in an interval, participants give it their all which varies widely depending on who is in the class that day.”
A lot of the activities “are good to do with a partners. It appeals to couples. Partner drills will have you laughing and connecting with people you enjoy, all the while improving your fitness level. Think of it as relationship therapy,” Daly added.
“I try to include strength training, balance and core work, and cardiovascular conditioning in every 45 minute class. Classes are always different so people don’t get bored and their bodies are being challenged in new ways,” Daly commented.
“This is a great work out for men as well as women. Participants at all levels can benefit. I’ve men and women ranging from beginners to a marathon runner in my class. The social component is a big motivator. It’s nice to be outside and not have to rush participants out of a fitness studio so the next class can start.”
Daly has a master’s degree in clinical psychology. “I believe exercise is a key to mental health,” her website Oceanbluefitness.com states. “Our outdoor fitness boot camps are an ideal fit for Maine residents who share a love of their natural surroundings and often prefer to exercise outdoors. I am very excited to bring the concept to this area and help people meet their fitness goals.”
“At Ocean Blue Fitness you will experience an amazing transformation both physical and mental as fitness becomes an integral part of your life. You are going to love the fun and variety of the boot camp workout. Having fun will keep you coming back and that is the key to getting results. Participants of all ages improve their fitness with this athletic style interval workout,” Daly’s website states.
Daly, who lives in Walpole, has taught fitness classes at the YMCA here and on Cape Cod. She has a group exercise background, and is a certified personal training and group exercise instructor. She taught spinning classes, aqua aerobics, and older adult fitness, before launching her Ocean Blue Fitness business in July 2009. Classes are offered Monday through Friday starting at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $9 per class, and the first class is free.
Daly also offers personal and small group training by appointment. She can be reached at 563-7865, or email info@oceanbluefitness.com.
