Then: Military Boot Camp Now: Feminary Boot Camp

THEN:  Military Boot Camp

NOW:  Feminary Boot Camp

Back in the sixties (and earlier)  Boot Camp always meant those intense months of initial training given to new military personnel.

As the years passed it also became known as a correctional facility for adolescents who found themselves in the penal system.

Jump ahead to the computer age.  Boot Camp is now a utility software used to help Macintosh users install Windows X or Vista on their computers.

Take another jump, literally, and you’ve landed in a group of women gathered in the park – running, jumping, stretching, lunging, plunging.  You are in the middle of  the new fitness craze:  The Boot Camp.

This encompasses strength training, cardiovascular exercises, flexibility, mind-body disciplines and even some nutritional counseling.  We women love to stay in shape. But let me tell you, this is not a quick and easy thing.  This takes work, perseverance, strength, dedication,  Bengay and I might add, a little vodka to relieve the muscles.  You know what they say:  “No pain, no gain.  Feel that burn.”

I remember Cathy Smith and then Jane Fonda shouting that mantra at me a million years ago while I did my workout listening to their albums.  Yes, I did say listening.  I used to play Jane’s record on my stereo and listen to her counting out my sit ups, encouraging me to keep going.  Work till it burns!
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That record got a lot of play and became so scratched that 50 sit ups turned into 150.  You know how records would get caught in a groove and repeat…repeat…repeat.

I soon graduated to Jane’s VHS tapes, which did make doing the exercise a bit easier, since I could watch what she doing and not have to guess if my legs were at the correct angles while doing leg lifts.

Throughout the years I’ve tried many different forms of  exercising.  I even tried the Crutch Method – twice.  Each time I built up my arms and tightened my stomach muscles.  But I wouldn’t recommend breaking a bone as the preferred method of getting in shape.

And I’ve joined various gyms, including those belonging to the eternally young Jack LaLanne (rest in peace) and more recently Curves.

In my past life I even went to see Richard Simmons, but that memory is so embarrassing that when I think of it my minds shifts into a senior moment.

I haven’t yet joined a boot camp, but I’m fairly certain I will, especially now that my daughter is a personal trainer.  Thing is, she is harder on me than most of her clients.  My daughter has become a slave driver.  Literally.  Working my muscles to their limit.

The other day she asked me what I was doing as I struggled to stand upright while the weight machine pulled me forward like it was my long lost friend. Some friend!  “Are those too heavy?” she asked.  Well, duh.  “What do you think?”  I said, as my feet skidded across the floor.

But I love working out and I know I’ll sign up for her Boot Camp.  I just have few routines I’d like her to add to the regiment.

1. Fan Flickering – to strengthen the wrist for use with  that ever-handy “Hot Flash” fan
2. One Arm Sweater Removal – to help with agility when removing clothes during the onset of a hot flash while driving
3. Mind Maneuvering – to help control tears brought on by hearing a certain song

And then of course, all workouts must be followed by a leisurely lunch and an extra-cold, extra-dry martini.

Anyone care to join me?