Jamaica Plain Fitness Brings Fat Loss Outside the Gym

It's 5:40am on the outskirts of Jamaica Pond. 

Ultimate Bootcamp Founder Jill Tomich gives the first instructions of the morning to a sleepy-eyed group of Jamaica Plain and Brookline residents.

"We're going to get a great Upper Body and Core workout today.  But first, let's warm-up.  Jog it up to the softball fields.  Get in groups of 3. Say hello, introduce yourself..."

While the very idea of boot camp workouts is enough to scare away the timid, Tomich says the reason why so many Ultimate Bootcamp participants return month after month is the group camaraderie.

"There are a lot of awful personal trainers who think a boot camp class is just barking orders as loud as possible.  But let's get real, participants don't care how obnoxious an instructor can be.  People care that they get results. Plus, I know their names and how to create a positive team atmosphere. It's like Cheers...sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name."

Ultimate Bootcamp workouts around Jamaica Pond begin every 4 weeks. Check out the morning and evening schedule.  www.ultimatebootcamp.com/brookline

Boston Fitness Events - "We Are One" Workout Benefits The One Fund

Boston, MA - On Saturday, April 12th Boston Marathon supporters from Framingham to Boston will be breaking a sweat to show just how strong Boston really can be.

Ultimate Bootcamp will be hosting two fundraising workouts at their Boston and Framingham locations.  The outdoor, one-hour classes - suitable for beginners and intermediates  -  will incorporate partner and group exercises to highlight the strength of the community.

"With a number of our clients running the Boston Marathon and so many of us being touched by the events of last year's bombing, we couldn't be prouder to use our fitness expertise to help raise awareness and dollars for The One Fund Boston", says Ultimate Bootcamp Founder Jill Tomich.

Tickets for the "We Are One" workout fundraiser are $25 each. All proceeds will be donated to The One Fund.

Purchase tickets:  www.ultimatebootcamp.com/onefund

Boston Runners, Are Traditional Marathon Training Techniques Obsolete?

by Jill Tomich
Ultimate Bootcamp Founder
Certified Health Coach & Mind Body Specialist

The 118th Boston Marathon is just around the corner. Whether you're an avid runner or recreational one, you know half the training battle is getting to the start line injury-free.

The most common injuries runners develop are caused by too many hours on the pavement and not enough hours cross-training. The best runners in the world cross-train. They know just how crucial a well-balanced body is for pain-free running and longevity in the sport.

In his mid-forties, Ultimate Bootcamp Cambridge participant Ed took a new approach to his recent marathon training.

Ultimate Bootcamp Cambridge participant Ed

"I did long runs on weekends, bootcamp Monday-Thursday for 3 months.  Much less wear and tear on my knees by reducing total training miles.  Much better stamina and muscle strength that allowed me to blow through the wall I ran into last year at mile 18."

With this new cross-training approach to his marathon training, Ed knocked 40 minutes off his marathon time!

Why should runners cross-train?

Matt Fitzgerald, running coach and author of "Racing Weight: How to Get Lean for Peak Performance" states there are 5 main benefits of cross-training for runners.

1. Fewer injuries
2. Faster rehabilitation
3. Greater Aerobic Fitness
4. More Power
5. Greater Efficiency

Whether you're chasing a new PR or simply hope to make it through 2014 injury-free, Ultimate Bootcamp workouts can help you cross-train your way to balanced muscles, increased speed and reduce the wear and tear of traditional long-distance training programs.

Check it out: www.ultimatebootcamp.com

Ultimate Bootcamp Kicks-Off 2014 Outdoor Season

On March 31st Ultimate Bootcamp launched it's 10th outdoor season in Boston.

"We're thrilled to bring Boston fitness options that are outside the box...literally!  Most of us have such cabin fever from the long winter that exercising outdoors - even in the cold - is a welcome relief" says Ultimate Bootcamp Founder Jill Tomich.

Ultimate Bootcamp Watertown - Arsenal Park

This year Ultimate Bootcamp is hosting workouts in 8 neighborhood parks throughout the spring, summer and fall, including their newest location in Winchester, MA.  Check out their new workout packages at www.ultimatebootcamp.com

Ultimate Bootcamp Stair Workout

What a beautiful Boston weather weekend we have in store!  Get outside and enjoy a stair workout in your neighborhood. Check out this stair workout video from Ultimate Bootcamp Founders Peter Lavelle and Jill Tomich for ideas.

Ultimate Bootcamp Stair Workout

Warm-up 6-8 minutes.

30 Alternating Leg Step-Ups
30 Alternating Leg Step-Ups with a knee lift
10x Run Up/Down one stair at a time
Active Recovery: 60 Second leg extension
10x Run Up/Down one stair at a time (knees high or skips if you want to increase intensity)
Active Recovery: 60 second tricep dips (increase intensity by lifting one leg off the ground)

Repeat this set 2-6 times for an awesome stair workout!

 

Spring Clean Your Diet and Your Kitchen

Laura Hartung, MA, RD, LDN

www.laurahartungrd.com

Today's Guest Post is from Laura, a Boston-based Registered Dietitian and exercise enthusiast. Read Laura's bio here. As part of our blog series to spring clean your life, Laura's post below details how you can pack more veggies into your diet and go through your cabinets to clean out the junk!

 

Let’s face it, a healthy and happy home starts in the kitchen!  Do you know what’s in your cabinets and refrigerator? You know how great it feels to get the junk and garbage out of your closets, car and storage spaces, but now it’s time to spring clean your EATING!   

YOU CAN DO IT!!! 

First and foremost, you need to GET MORE VEGGIES, people!  Fresh, frozen and canned are ALL great choices!  How many of you are getting 9-13 servings of fruits and vegetable per day, as recommended by the American Cancer Society? Most people get enough fruit, but it’s the red, yellow, orange, purple and green veggies most people lack! 

HOW DO YOU GET Em’?

• Fresh: buy local veggies when you can, they are even better than going organic! Find your local farms and load up weekly on seasonal produce!  Spring brings in broccoli! 
• Canned: pumpkin and tomatoes canned are chocked full of vitamins and antioxidants that aren't as available when uncooked.  Add canned plain pumpkin (chocked full of vitamin A) and canned tomatoes (loads of lycopene) to your daily diet!
• Frozen: stock up on the plain frozen veggies that are on sale so you can make stir fry and veggies side dishes in minutes!  Get some green bean and veggie medleys.  Don’t forget about frozen blueberries!  They are cost effective and can be thrown into smoothies, salads, yogurt and your morning oatmeal!

Note:  Rinse canned vegetables to reduce sodium content by 40%.  Buy frozen veggies without added salt and frozen fruit without added sugar.  

Research show that people who eat more vegetables and fruit are have smaller waistlines. You also gain a plethora of plant chemicals and antioxidants, which help keeps inflammation and disease at bay.  Make sure your produce is in sight and not out of mind!  I call the refrigerator “crispers” the “rotters” because veggies usually go in there to perish!  Make sure you keep your greens and other vegetable in plain view so you can eat them while they are FRESH!!

 

A serving of veggies = 

• 3 cups green leafy veggies (kale, spinach, romaine)
• 1 cup chopped veggie (cabbage, carrots, tomatoes)
• ½ cup cooked vegetables (green beans, zucchini)
• ¼ cup canned plain pumpkin

CHECK OUT YOUR CABINETS!

Did you know that people who read the nutritional information on food labels are generally thinner than those who don’t read labels? April 11th was recently appointed National Read Your Nutrition Labels Day by the Citizens for Health advocacy group. Some things to look out for include:

• SUGAR FREE – More and more consumers are looking for products that are low in sugar; however, beware of sugar-free claims as these foods typically use artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols which often cause digestive issues.
• Label Lesson: Be on the lookout for ingredient lists that include artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols such as aspartame, saccharin, sucralose and erythritol.
•  LIGHT – A product claiming to be light must have one-third fewer calories, fat or sodium than the regular version of that same product. Be on the lookout, though, as a light ice cream, for example, may have less fat but around the same calories.
• Label Lesson: Before piling up on what you believe is a ‘light’ snack, be sure to read the label to see which category the food has less of and more importantly, stick to the serving size! 
• NO TRANS FAT – Any products with less than 0.5 grams of trans fat – an artificial ingredient that leads to increases in artery-clogging bad cholesterol (LDL) – can be legally claimed as having zero trans fats. If you happen to eat several servings or a few different ‘trans fat-free’ foods a day, you can wind up consuming a measurable amount. 
• Label Lesson: Avoid products with partially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats, listed as an ingredient. 
• MULTIGRAIN– Many of us confuse the ‘multigrain’ claim on our bread, pretzels and even chips to be the same as “whole grain” or “whole wheat” – both of which are associated with reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. Don’t be fooled – multigrain means the product is made from several types of grains which can include refined and less nutritionally-positive varieties.
• Label Lesson: To make sure the product is made primarily with whole grains, check the first ingredient listed on the label – it should have the word “whole” in it.
• SUGAR –  Americans are averaging 88 grams of added sugar per day or 22 teaspoons!!!!  Health experts cap added sugar intake to no more than 40 grams (some say even lower @ 36g  for men, 20g for women and even less for kids) or 10 teaspoons,  per day. Although the food industry is going for 50 grams.   Too much sugar can crowd out more nutritionally dense foods and cause inflammation in the body, which is the root all disease.
• Label Lesson: Check grams of added sugar to see how your favorite sweet can fit healthfully (or not) into your daily eating plan!
• SALT –  Let’s decipher- salt is comprised of about 40% of sodium. The risks to your health: Too much SODIUM can cause high blood pressure- a known contributor to CVD and stroke. Nearly all of our sodium intake is from salt added to food. The vast majority is already in processed and restaurant foods. A small amount of sodium in food occurs naturally (e.g., fruits, vegetables, and whole grains). More than 75% of the sodium we eat comes from restaurant, prepackaged, and processed foods. Only 5% of dietary sodium is added during cooking, and only 6% is added at the table. The remaining 12% occurs naturally in foods. So: THE SALT SHAKER IS NOT TO BLAME!
• Label Lesson: If you must buy a processed food, check to see if it is 250-300 mg of sodium per serving.

So, get out there and take control over your diet!

Freshen Up Your Spring Workout Wardrobe

You've been working hard all winter, so give yourself a treat! Purchasing new workout clothes is a great way to both reward yourself as well as incentive yourself to continue working out. When you feel good about yourself, you're more likely to keep it going. And, a good pair of running shorts and a new top is the perfect way to boost your confidence and show off that body you've been working so hard on!

Today, we've put together a few of our favorite spring workout gear picks that will bring you through the season!

Marika Tek - Poly Long Sleeve Hoodie
This long sleeve hoodie will add an extra layer of warmth before the spring season comes for good. Pick one out in a fun, fresh color like pink!

Lululemon Speed 1/2 Zip
For you men out there, check out this long sleeve zip up, with built in reflectors for running in the early morning or evening. It's a nice enough workout piece that you can wear it outside of just running or those early Ultimate Bootcamp mornings.

Timex Ironman Sleek 50-Lap Watch
This slim, lightweight watch will help you keep time and track your workouts, and look great with your new spring season workout clothes! 

Ello Glass Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during your workout with this fun, fresh water bottle. Not only is it nice to look at, but it’s made of odor-free, stain-free, clean-tasting glass and only made with eco-friendly materials.

 

So, go ahead and splurge a little and enjoy your workout time with your new gear! Happy Spring!

Taste of Spring: Chicken with Sugar Snap Peas & Spring Herbs Recipe

Stacy Schwartz, Health Coach

At Ultimate Bootcamp, we love cooking up recipes using seasonal ingredients and spring is the perfect time to do just that! To help keep you on your nutritional track this spring, Stacy Schwartz, a nutritional health coach in Boston has shared a quick and easy healthy spring recipe to add into your repertoire. You can read Stacy's bio here.

Quick-cooking chicken cutlets are paired with an elegant but easy light sauce of sugar snap peas and artichoke hearts. This dish can be made without the sprouted beans, but is especially delicious with them – if you have extras, try them on a salad.

Chicken with Sugar Snap Peas & Spring Herbs 

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 35 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon flour, divided
• 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast cutlets
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 ounces sugar snap peas, cut in half (2 cups)
• 1 14-ounce can quartered artichoke hearts, rinsed
• 1/4 cup sprouted beans, optional
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh herbs, such as chives, tarragon or dill
• 2 teaspoons champagne vinegar, or white-wine vinegar

Preparation

1. Whisk broth, mustard, salt, pepper and 2 teaspoons flour in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the remaining 1 tablespoon flour. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in two batches, adjusting heat as necessary to prevent burning, until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate; tent with foil to keep warm. 
3. Stir the broth mixture and add to the pan along with snap peas, artichoke hearts and sprouted beans (if using). Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the snap peas are tender-crisp, 3-5 minutes. 
4. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the vegetables, and simmer until heated through, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in herbs and vinegar.

Enjoy!

Dragging This Morning? Working Out After Daylight Savings Time

Happy Monday Morning, Indeed! No one likes waking up on a Monday morning after "springing forward" during Daylight Savings Time. It's darker out, it feels earlier then normal and not a great way to start off the week! At Ultimate Bootcamp, we embrace the weekend that we move the clocks forward! For us, this is the start of the spring season and an increasing number of daylight hours moving towards the summer. We understand that the timing transition can be difficult for some, especially helping you stick with your exercise routine, so we've put together a few tips to help boost your workout routine with the recent time change!

Think in Real-Time
Forget about Daylight Savings Time! Don't wake up, look at the clock and think, "So, the clock says 6am, but it's really 5am..." It doesn't matter what time it was a few days ago. Accept the fact that the time has changed and put the rest out of your head. The sooner you stop living in the past, the easier it will be to move on. Yes, we get it might take a day or two, but by Wednesday, you'll be loving the fact that you can drive home before sunset!

Stick to Your Schedule
A one-hour time difference is no reason to alter your schedule. Whether that means going to bed at night so you can wake up for your morning workout routine, or having a daily snack at 3pm so you can make it to dinner, try to continue your usual daily activities like normal.

..But Vary Up Your Workouts
It's a pretty well known concept that mixing up your workout routine is key to sticking with a fitness regiment. At Ultimate Bootcamp, we vary up our workouts to keep things interesting and keep those muscles guessing. Spring is the perfect time to try something new. Whether that means taking your first Ultimate Bootcamp class for the first time, or heading outside for a run after work instead of your usual morning gym treadmill run, this week is the perfect week to try out something new.

 Head Outside


To most, 50 degree weather might not seem like a heat wave. But we're New Englanders that have toughed through multiple blizzards this season and it's finally starting to be bearable outside. So, whether it is walking a few extra blocks before hopping on the T, or going for a hike on the weekend, take advantage of the time and just go outside. Getting sunlight and the fresh air will help make that time transition that much easier, because you'll be thinking ahead to the summer!

Spring Clean Your Workout Routine

Spring is almost here and at Ultimate Bootcamp, to say we're excited would be an understatement! We want to share our enthusiasm with you and that's why we're inviting you to spring clean your workout routine! We've put together a plan to help you get out of those winter doldrums and get ready for the swimsuit season.

Try Out a Free Workout
Join Ultimate Bootcamp for FREE Bootcamp Basics classes on March 11th, March 13th, March 23rd or March 24th. Choose from a variety of workout times and locations at www.ultimatebootcamp.com/basics. Enter the code SpringClean13 to claim your first spring workout for free. 

Sign up for More (at a discount!)
Take advantage of Ultimate Bootcamp deals to start working on your summer body. The first deal starts now and will only be available for the first 100 people through Thursday, March 14th. Login to your account and check out the extra discounts on UltiPASS packages now! Deals will continue throughout the spring available on www.ultimatebootcamp.com.

Keep the Motivation Going
Start following Ultimate Bootcamp’s Spring Cleaning program to kick start your workout routine and encourage you along the way. We’ll be featuring tips, tricks, videos and workouts absolutely FREE on the website , blog and via email.

Get Outdoors and Celebrate
Save the date for our Ultimate Spring Workout! Ultimate Bootcamp’s spring cleaning will culminate with the Ultimate Spring Workout on the Greenway on Saturday, April 27th. This fun-filled day will feature a variety of different workout classes for FREE, plus the chance to try some delicious and healthy snacks, win giveaways, grab swag bags and more. Stay tuned for more information at www.ultimatespringworkout.com.

Ok, let's get started! Who's in? If you're not already in the loop, make sure you join the Ultimate Bootcamp email list and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

FREE Ultimate Bootcamp Basics Classes To Kick Off the Spring Workout Season!

March can be a tricky month for your fitness routine, when you're itching to get outside in the warm weather and waiting for winter to be over. Have we had enough of these winter storm threats yet? At Ultimate Bootcamp, we want to keep you in the fitness zone! We're excited to announce our spring schedule, which includes some new locations that have been tucked away during the winter! To celebrate, we are hosting a bunch of FREE Bootcamp Basics Classes in a variety of locations on Monday, March 11th and Wednesday, March 13th.

Whether you're new to Ultimate Bootcamp and want to try it out for the first time, or maybe you're a junkie Ultimate Bootcamper and want to get in an extra class during your off-week, Bootcamp Basics is a great way to boost your fitness momentum in March in a fun, non-intimidating environment. Get a full-body workout and burn 500-700 calories in only one hour by combining resistance training AND calorie-burning cardio drills. Bootcamp Basics is great for beginner fitness abilities and challenging enough for intermediate.

Bootcamp Basics Locations:

• Brookline - Jamaica Pond
• Boston - Boston Common
• Cambridge - Cambridge YMCA
• Charlestown - Paul Revere Park
• Framingham - Maple Street Field
• South Boston - Carson Beach
• Watertown - Arsenal Park

Click here for the full schedule with date and time options.

Sign up for your FREE Bootcamp Basics Class today ($18 value) with coupon code SpringClean13, expiring April 30, 2013. Click here to register now.


BONUS:  
Don't miss an exciting spring discount deal that we're emailing out to our newsletter subscribers later in the week. If you aren't already on our email list, join today and be the first to hear about our great offers!

Kick Start to Summer Swimsuits- Prue's Ultimate Bootcamp Success Story

Best Kick start to the summer!

When I first registered for Ultimate Bootcamp, I think it was a combination of dreading yet another summer in swimsuits and already making excuses as to why I wouldn’t make it to the beach this summer.

After 1 month of Ultimate Bootcamp, my outlook has completely changed and I don’t remember a time I’ve felt so motivated!

I’ve already registered for my 2nd month of Ultimate Bootcamp and I push myself harder than I ever have before. I’ve even started training for my first 5K!

Registering for Ultimate Boot Camp was the best decision I could have made this year.

Thank you UBC! You have completely turned my life around.  :)

To start your own Fitness Success Story, go to:  www.ultimatebootcamp.com

 

 

 



Dropped a Dress Size - Alicia's Ultimate Bootcamp Success Story

                    

 Reached My Goal to Fit in a Smaller Size Dress

After working out everyday, (spinning, gym boot camp classes, Brazilian Butt Lift, Zumba), and adding a new relationship into the mix (you know that always out to dinner stage), I could not get my body into the shape I wanted it to be. I officially hit a plateau. We both decided to try Ultimate Boot Camp.

I never thought I could be that person to get up at 5:30am to work out, especially in the sand with Kim. After 1 week of UBC I was hooked and I can’t stop. I feel stronger all around, my clothes fit better, and I actually feel that my body is changing, not to mention you can call me a “morning person” now.

Being a part of UBC makes you feel like you can achieve anything, maybe running that marathon isn’t just a dream after all!

To start your own Fitness Success Story, go to:  www.ultimatebootcamp.com

 

5-mile Race Challenge - Cristina's Ultimate Bootcamp Success Story

After 9 months with a personal trainer, I decided I needed something extra and started Ultimate Bootcamp as well.  (Yes, I am insane, especially on the days I have one class in the morning and one class at night!)

I have never been a runner, and this was a good challenge for me. I signed up for a 5 mile race on Memorial Day weekend and did no training other than the running we did in class. I not only completed the race, but did so sprinting across the finish line. 

Without Ultimate Bootcamp, I don’t think this would have been possible!!!

To start your own Fitness Success Story, go to:  www.ultimatebootcamp.com

Over the Hump - Dave's Ultimate Bootcamp Success Story

I had hit a wall in my personal health and was constantly hovering around 210 pounds for the last 3 years and couldn’t get below that weight. I had tried altering my workouts, different diets, etc. 

Me with my Dad on Vacation

After signing up for Ultimate Bootcamp, I am now under 200 pounds for the first time since college and it has strengthened my commitment to living a healthier lifestyle.

To start your own Fitness Success Story, go to:  www.ultimatebootcamp.com

No More Couch Potato - Alison's Ultimate Bootcamp Success Story

I was so out of shape, that I could barely walk and talk on my cell phone at the same time. “He boo! (wheeze) What’s up? (wheeze)” I knew I needed to do something serious to change that. 

Me Before - Busting out of my coat on Europe Trip

Now excited to get dressed up now that my clothes fit better!

I signed up for my first bootcamp in April and even though I was scared to go, I am so glad I did. I was last in everything, but I finished and I felt like there was light on the horizon. I have now completed 2 bootcamps and I know I will do more. The fear is gone and now I look forward to pushing myself. I’ve also lost 7 lb which isn’t too shabby for this former couch potato. 

Dump the fear and go for it!

To start your own Fitness Success Story, go to:  www.ultimatebootcamp.com

Having Fun Working Out - Mili's Ultimate Bootcamp Success Story

Ultimate Bootcamp has shown me that I can attain my work-out goals while having fun and making good friends.

When I started, I was the definition of a non-morning person, but over the three sessions that I’ve been to, I have learned to love getting up to go work out. The instructors are down to earth people who work with you to meet your goals and treat you like a friend. I have found myself being able to do exercises that I have never done before and it doesn’t even seem like it was a difficult process.

To start your own Fitness Success Story, go to:  www.ultimatebootcamp.com

"I did it!" - Sameer's Ultimate Bootcamp Success Story

In spite of my less than perfect attendance, I’ve lost over 20 pounds and have gone from huffing and puffing through a quarter mile, to breezing through 2 miles last week.

Before - Me with my little boy

Now a work in progress and 20 pounds lighter!

 Visited my previous place of employment in NYC to compliments left, right and center! All I wanted was to be fit for my myself and my family - but I can get used to this!!

To start your own Fitness Success Story, go to:  www.ultimatebootcamp.com

Sleek Physique - Liza's Ultimate Bootcamp Success Story

To say that I am a Bootcamp Junkie would be an understatement. I feel and look better than I have in YEARS! 

Before: Unhappy and unhealthy

Big Smiles on 4th of July

I have so much energy and strength now it is amazing. I cannot wait to continue my journey with Ultimate Bootcamp and the friends that I have made along the way!

Thank you UBC!

To start your own Fitness Success Story, go to:  www.ultimatebootcamp.com

I'm an Athlete Again - Katie's Ultimate Bootcamp Success Story

In high school and college, I competed on the track and crew teams, but in my senior year of college, a foot injury had me on crutches for three months. My fitness deteriorated and when I could finally exercise again, it wasn’t fun anymore because I wasn’t fit.

I found out about Ultimate Bootcamp in May, signed up, and was hooked! I’ve been bootcamping ever since. Bootcamp has brought back a love of exercise for me, and I have met so many wonderful people!


I look forward to waking up early to sweat four mornings a week!

To start your own Fitness Success Story, go to:  www.ultimatebootcamp.com