Portland Adventure Boot Camp for Women

There are some events and places that change my life. Portland Adventure Boot Camp is one of them. It’s not easy — but change isn’t easy. And transformation is a process. I began in August 2012.
I’m amazed at how much better I look, how much fitter I am and how mindful I am of what I’m eating. AND I’ve lost 15 pounds (SO FAR!) Daniel and the team are not anything but positive and constantly watch out for each woman’s fitness and ability level. I love my foam roller — I love feeling strong again — and I love remembering what I’m capable of when surrounded by strong women who won’t settle for average.
Thanks PABC — you are rockin’ it!

After a 11 month hiatus due to an stupid car accident it’s so nice to be able to crawl back to boot camp. Even working a slower and less intense level I am still getting amazing results. I also love the new trainer Molly and the expanding schedule!

I’ve been kind of reluctant to write this review, because everyone seems to unabashedly love this boot camp. I’ve never done another one, so I can’t compare it to anything besides high school track practice (side note: if you’re looking for training on the cheap, you could crash your local high school’s sports team and ask them to include you).
The good:
* The trainers seem really nice, they know their stuff, and all the people in the camp are pretty friendly.
* The exercises are varied and I was sore as hecks after I went to class. I felt pretty pumped the first few times and was ready to kick ass for the next three weeks.
The bad:
* I attended an evening class, so we didn’t actually go to Mt. Tabor (which was fine, the weather has been awful). Instead, we worked out at their gym, which is… hmm. They’re remodeling, so that’s good. It’s a bit ghetto, to be honest. There’s not a great place to change except for some shared bathrooms in the middle of the building, and they always smelled terrible. For as much money as this costs, you’d think the gym would be nicer. I got a skin infection from a gym once (I know, gross), and everything here is shared, seems kinda dirty, and there’s no time between exercises to realistically put down a towel or a mat. For germophobes, this could be an issue.
* Don’t take your good yoga mat! You will be jumping all over the one you take, it will be dirty and gross, as well as ripped to pieces.
* I have some old sports injuries, so this was way too brutal for me. I should have realized that before I signed up, but if you’re looking for something to ease you into shape whilst protecting your joints and tendons, this is not the place. I have been creaking around since I stopped going — arthritic ankle aching all the while. This isn’t really anyone’s fault, but I honestly have no idea how older women do this camp.
* The price. Ok, it’s supposed to be personal training, so I get it. But you can get a good gym membership with classes or even join a yoga studio AND a gym for less than half the price. Some women seem to have been coming here for months/​years, and I honestly don’t know who could afford it for that long.
* Except for the people who clearly did other activities (yoga, bicycling), it seems like this camp burns calories and builds muscle, but there isn’t much toning or… lengthening of the muscles. I noticed everyone who had been going for months and months looked kind of… blocky. You may want to add some Pilates or yoga if you’re planning to do this for a long period of time.
Overall, if you want someone to kick your butt and you don’t have any lurking knee injuries, go for it. You’ll lose weight. But if you’re a self-motivator…well.

When I called to inquire about PABC, I had several worries and concerns (read: excuses): that I would be the fattest, oldest, and least-​fit person in the room; that I didn’t have the right clothes or gear; that I wasn’t sure how many days per week I wanted to sign up for, etc. Beth addressed all those concerns in that first phone call. By the end of the call, I understood that all I had to do was show up and commit, and that everything else was flexible. The stellar reviews had prompted me to make the call, but that first impression of PABC as a fitness program and as a business, thanks to Beth, was what persuaded me to join. I highly recommend this boot camp, which is the only fitness program that has produced results for me. Love it.

I was reasonably fit for a 55 year old but each year it was getting harder and harder. And the weight was creeping up slowly. I thought it was inevitable until I discovered Portland Adventure Bootcamp. I’m in better shape now than I have been for 20 years. And I’m having fun doing it! Daniel’s workouts are varied, his enthusiasm and encouragement are amazing and the other women are so motivating. My new levels of fitness, weight and health make everything in my life better. And, the best of all is the fun of running the hills and stairs of Mt. Tabor with a really great group of friends.

Around Columbus Day of this year, I was watching The Biggest Loser while snacking (as was my custom). I watched the workout segments and got to wondering… was there a place in Portland that I could get a similar (ropes, bags, medicine balls, etc) workout?
I’m one of those people that thinks you should lose 2 lbs for every pair of Nike’s you have in your closet (and gym bag, and workout clothes, etc) just for having them. I love to exercise, but hate the gym. I’ve done Pilates, yoga, hot yoga, power walking, lap swimming; used treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, Nautilus; even had 2 gym memberships at the same time… but, I rarely went. Half the time I was content to walk a mile after work and leave it at that. But my body wasn’t strong and I could easily fall asleep at 1pm each day (except my principal wouldn’t like that too much), but catch a second wind at 10pm and needed Ambien to sleep! (whaa-​aaa?) I knew I needed to do something.
I Google’d «boot camps Portland» and up popped Portland Adventure Boot Camp for Women… I read the site’s information and it looked interesting. Scary, but interesting. I thought, I’ll sign up for one month and evaluate the experience at the end of November. Even better, I’d make it a birthday gift to myself (I turned 52 on Oct. 29). If I didn’t like it, I’d just bow out gracefully (like everything else).
It has been the greatest gift, ever. The workout is a ton of fun, the women are great, the music keeps me motivated, and did I mention? It’s FUN!!! Who knew?
Every workout is different, never boring. I don’t think I have sweated so much, but I have a big stupid smile on my face the whole time. The atmosphere in the gym is non-​competitive. Relaxed. Most of the women look like me (no supermodels here!). Everyone says Good Morning, or Hello! or How are you? And if you need a breather, people ask if you are OK. (Never happened to me at ANY gym!) There are lots of modifications available for the exercises; everyone goes at their own pace and respects their body’s limits.
Did I mention how fun it is? The hour flies by!
Daniel is a terrific coach & instructor (no shouting, only encouragement and lots of jokes), and Leilani (who instructs the afternoon workouts) is graceful, supportive and friendly. They both know their «stuff.» I get regular emails from Daniel with tips and encouragement; that means a lot.
I am hooked. I feel better, I am stronger, and I don’t need Ambien any more. I make it through work clear headed. I eat a little better. I have lost 5 lbs so far.
I look forward to the workouts now (I drive from Hillsboro to the 4:45pm class) and investing in myself. It’s the best hour of my day!
If one of your New Yr’s resolutions is to get healthier, come to boot camp. You will not be disappointed.

I could rave on and on about how much I love Portland Adventure Boot Camp!
I am not even sure where to begin…
first of all, R-​E-​S-​U-​L-​T-​S! You really get results with this workout! Clothes are fitting right again, I feel stronger and healthier. I am only doing the 3 times a week, but I have lost 17 lbs in about 5 months.
second, Daniel is an amazing coach! He knows his stuff and no two workouts are ever the same, so you will never get bored. Also, his energy and silliness makes working out fun, fun, fun! Daniel cares deeply about US feeling good about ourselves and what we can accomplish.
third, the other women!!! I was very nervous about boot camp when I started. Intimidated by the thought of it I think. But there are women of all ages and all sizes and the workouts are made so that everyone can work to the best of their abilities without ever feeling like there is a competition. We joke, we laugh, we encourage each other, and we sweat!
I have done all kinds of work outs, but Portland Adventure Boot Camp for Women is the best thing I have ever done for myself!
Yes You Can!

I was always the girl that would join a gym, do really well for about 1 month then let it slip of my radar never to return… this was never the case with Daniels Boot Camp. I have been returning every month for 18 months now!
The workouts are intense but never boring. Suited for ALL shapes, sizes, ages and fitness levels. Daniel’s energy and enthusiasm never fails to put a smile on my face and sets me up to positive and energetic for the rest of the day.
I can now run a mile in under 10 mins (without stopping)
The comradery that develops with each class keeps you accountable to return.
It will be a rewarding and fun experience, if you choose to take the healthy leap!

I was so intimidated to join bootcamp given that I haven’t exercised regularly since grade school gym class and had morphed into the Pillsbury Dough Girl. Now two months later I look forward to hopping out of bed and heading in for my workout, at 5:30am no less. The camp is fun, challenging and geared for all levels. The other women are so supportive, but the best thing about the camp is Daniel, who is incredibly knowledgeable, funny and motivating. He makes me laugh and sweat every day. Laughing and sweating, a heady combination… invest in your health and join one of his camps. You will love the results and will be surprised at what you can do.

Daniel is great at what he does. He has a motivating energy unmatched by most 5 year olds. I lost 15 lbs in the first 2 months and gained energy, and vitality. My jeans are falling off! The other women in the group are kind and supportive. If you’re looking for a workout that will actually make a difference, this is the best one I know of.