Operation Boot Camp

OBC is an incredible/​incredible way to jump start your fitness standards and régime. I love the team, the work outs are HARD and its amazingly empowering where you’ll be by the end of the month, fitness-​wise, whether you like it or not. I lost 8 lbs without really even changing my diet too too much (I found I wanted to eat better, saw it more as either fueling the work out later or making it harder).
The only question is how to maintain it! I LOVE the team/​group aspect of it so am definitely thinking of doing it again as I gained the 8 lbs I lost in a month back in 8 weeks after OBC. My only critique is to have MORE EVENING CLASSES!

Can’t say anything about their results as I haven’t tried their service, but I can give them 3 stars for politeness. I run into boot camps all across the south side of town in my predawn runs and the trainers are always considerate of me and other runners. Every time they see me coming they let their campers know and don’t just clog up the sidewalks and tracks like they own the place. Thank you for being polite and adding some etiquette to exercise. None of us will get anywhere if we don’t all get along.

I’ve been going to OBC in Grant Park for about 6 months now and have loved every minute of it. I’ve tried out all different kinds of gyms and work out programs and NONE of them kick my butt like this one.
I started back in the winter of 2009, and getting up at 6:00 in the morning in 5 degree weather was only the first challenge. Operation Boot Camp is so intense because for a solid hour you never stop moving, running, stretching, or working out. With no chance to let your muscles cool down, its a nonstop intense workout that leaves you feeling exhausted but incredible. My friend got me on to it, and at first I couldn’t see the appeal. After about two weeks, the intensity and adrenaline from that one hour became addicting, making it so much easier to get up early in the morning. With as intense as the workout is, even the cold gets ignored.
The instructors are amazing here! They are all former «boot campers» so they’ve been where you are and come out on the other side. They push you harder than you’ve ever been pushed, but are so encouraging that it makes you want to try as hard as you can. They are also very aware of the differences between people, so they will never push you beyond what you can handle and will always make sure you are pushing it to the max, even if that means you run an extra lap or do a few more sets than the others.
Knowing I have Boot Camp every morning, filled with instructors and campers that are all keeping me accountable, I’ve been eating healthier. Everyone keeps a log of what they ate and drank the night before, and before every workout, the instructors review over your log and let you know where you can improve your diet and eating. Its great because it helps keep you accountable the other 23 hours of the day that you aren’t working out.
The Grant Park location is great, because I can’t think of a more challenging place to work out than there. With all of the huge hills and steps, everything becomes a challenge that will push you to leave everything at the park when you leave.
If you’ve had problems in the past keeping at something and have lacked accountability and drive, I would really recommend giving OBC Grant Park a try. Between the location, amazing instructors, and butt kicking workout, you will NOT be sorry about this.

Operation Bootcamp at Grant Park is amazing! June 2010 was my second bootcamp at Grant Park following my first time as a camper in June 2009, and I have to say, both experiences have greatly exceeded all of my expectations!
This past year I was a full-​time student, sitting throughout much of the day, and by May I felt like a slug and my usual routine of weekly runs around the neighborhood had become very monotonous. Bootcamp changed all of that in just one month! I feel stronger, faster, and most importantly, healthier! It is a fantastic feeling to wake up in the morning and get an out-​of this-​world full body workout done by 7am. You work out every single muscle (some you didn’t even know you had!) and there are different (FUN!) workouts every day, so you never get bored! I have never sweat so much in my life, but I left Grant Park every morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day!
I have to mention that the instructors at Grant Park are some of the friendliest and most encouraging people I have ever met! They truly push you out of your comfort zone and help you to reach your own personal goals by the end of the month, whether they are to shave time off your mile, increase the number of sit-​ups you can do in one minute, or even lifestyle changes such as drinking more water or cutting down on sweets. They are with you every single step of the way through each workout cheering you on and helping with your technique and form to improve your muscle strength and tone. They are enthusiastic, full of energy, and excited about being there to work out with you, even though it is 5:45 AM! I just can’t say enough good things about them!
I am so impressed with OBC Grant Park that I decided to do another month in July 2010, I can’t wait to see what this month brings at camp and to see how my fitness level changes over two months of hard work. Thank you to all the fantastic instructors at OBC Grant Park, you have truly changed my life for the better!

I had been thinking about joining Boot Camp for a while. I have friends who are campers and instructors and they just rave about it. I came close several times but always found an excuse not to… I won’t be in town, it’s too cold, the day ends in a «y»… plus I was pretty happy in my little «gym cocoon»…same workouts, no accountability, go when I want, if I want. But a funny thing happened on the way to the forum… I was stuck, not happy with the way I felt or looked and that age old saying kept creeping into my head…“nothing changes if nothing changes.“
So I joined Operation Boot Camp for the June session and I can NOT say enough good things about it. Top to bottom. The workouts are intense, I won’t lie. They’re challenging and you sweat buckets but it is SO worth it and they’re all different! 4 weeks and we never did the same workout twice. Getting up early, getting your workout in and done is the best and the rest of the day is amazing as those endorphins kick in. PLUS, the eating program is wonderful. Fresh fruits and vegetables? Who would have thunk it? Watching my portions? Are you kidding me? You write it all down in your log book and it’s amazing some of the trends you’ll discover. I found that I like ice cream… a little too much and the instructors pointed that out to me… «gently» suggesting other alternatives while reinforcing my motivation with «encouragement.» And speaking of instructors… they’re great, ready to answer questions, have a couple of laughs with and push you further than you ever thought you could be pushed.
Bottom line– I feel better about myself physically, have much more energy and have made some friends along the way.
I signed up for the July camp which begins ⁷⁄₆. Come on out and give it a try, you will not be disappointed.

I am currently ending my 6 month of Boot Camp in Grant Park & I just wanted to throw a positive review their way & thanks for everything! I did 3 months in Summer of 08′, 1 month in Spring of 09′ and 2 months in Summer 2010 with 1 more month left to GO in July! All the sessions have been at Grant Park with a few free weekend sessions at Piedmont Park scattered throughout…
Where to start? First of all, I can’t say enough good things about the instructors at Grant Park and the people that attend. Everybody goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and to help you with anything you need from nutritional tips, encouragement and «off day» workout recommendations. The people that attend the sessions are typically a diverse group in age, race, size, shape and athletic ability which lends itself to a unique atmosphere each day.
Whether your goal is to loose weight, build stamina, get in better shape, break old habits or just eat better & get on a more strict schedule, you will have the opportunity to do so. I have managed to loose anywhere from 10 – 15 pounds over the course of 2 – 3 months each time. It’s a perfect program for those that work the old 9 – 5 because you can get up early, get in a challenging workout & eat a decent breakfast all before 7:30 AM. The rest of the day is a breeze because you invariably have much more energy & enthusiasm about your day — even if you hate that job!
The sessions last for 4 weeks — 18 total days at the park with self monitored workouts on your off days — from 6AM-​7AM during the week. I would say that after 2 weeks of the program you will start to notice real changes if you follow the program & diet. After 3 weeks you will be smiling & receiving compliments from friends, etc. & after the 4^th week you will want to come back for more! I suggest doing a 3 month package to maximize results and save money…
I will tell you that if you stick to the plan you will achieve your goals — you will run faster, jump higher, feel and look better in no time at all, in fact I just snagged a fly out of the air as I was sitting here at my computer to write this review…
Thanks OBC Grant Park!

When Brooks S told me that he wanted to do bootcamp at 6AM, I looked at him as if he were crazy! Two months later… I am happy that I did it! Actually, i’m more than happy… I eat, breathe, and sleep bootcamp!!! :)
Operation Bootcamp has changed my life! I have more energy, i’m eating healthy, and I’m living a more positive and happy life! I’m a faster runner, I have more endurance, and I’ve trimmed down a bit. Before bootcamp, I usually worked out everyday by lifting weights or going for a run. Bootcamp has helped me change my workout around and get me out of the usual pleateau that most people hit when doing the same routine over and over again. The workouts are challenging, but fun! All of the instructors are AMAZING and MOTIVATING and your fellow campers are AWESOME. Hearing all the stories at the end of the month long camp on their results are just incredible!!!
There are two camps available… one at 6AM and one at 6:30PM. In addition there is a free Saturday Bootcamp workout the first Saturday of every month!
Even if you do not live in the area, it’s soooo worth the trip to check out the Grant Park Team! The Team is amazing, the park is challenging and the people are awe inspiring… you just can’t beat the experience you will get!
Finally, thank you soooo much to the Operation Bootcamp Grant Park Team for helping me live a more healthy and positive life! Plus you got me back into my passion of running again and I just signed up for a half-​marathon in September! HOO-​RAH!

Where do I begin!!! After 2 full months of training I have seen some AMAZING results in my fitness, health, appearance, and happiness.
If any of you out there are looking for an excellent way to get in shape and challenge yourself physically and mentally I recommend you attend a month-​long bootcamp in the Grant Park location!
This coming Friday will mark the completion of my 2^nd month of training and I cannot thank the amazing people that have made it possible for me to see these results. My friend Jon (one of the instructors) got me interested in the camp and told me to be ready to commit to the plan and thats what I did.
Using the nutrition information and workouts I have lost almost 15 lbs and gone down over a pant size. I got my friends Joel and Katherine involved and they have also seen similar results and both came back for another month.
The program lasts for a month, and on the first and third weeks you meet 4 times a week and the second and fourth week you meet 5 times a week. There are different times offered throughout the year however, I recommend the early morning 6am class.
Wait… I know… 6am!!! I can hear you all now — «I’m not getting up that early.» I say… why not? It can be hard the first week, but you get in a routine and it becomes a lot easier to do! Plus, you gain a lot of time your day and you don’t have to worry about working out at night when you are already tired from the day. All my ‘chores’ get done before I even get to work and thats an awesome feeling.
I can also hear you all say… «I’m too busy for that.» Believe me, I thought the same thing. When I started I was taking a full course load at GA Tech in my Masters Program and working full time — but I found that I actually worked harder and got things done a lot faster than I did before I started camp.
Ok, so what is the catch? There really isn’t one! It’s all about you and your body and your health! The program works great for all different fitness levels and most people see great results after the first month.
Lastly, why Grant Park? They have the greatest instructors EVER! They have great energy and I am very happy to be a part of the program with them. They challenge you when you need it most and they also are willing to help you and modify things if you need something done a little differently! They are also very accessible and helpful to any questions.
Hope to see you out at the park soon! Can I get a HOO-​AH?!