As you know, Wahanda loves all things health and wellness. So as February is National Heart Month, we thought it was high time we found out more about fitness regimes that work to keep you and your heart in ship-shape. Ben Davis, co-owner of Sussex Bootcamps, tells us how he’s made personal training easy and affordable for us all.
How long have you been working in personal training?
I first qualified as a personal trainer in early 2002, so nearly 7 years now. My first job was working in the Olympos Gym in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. There I would train all sorts of people on a one-to-one basis, from businessmen and women, school mums, mothers-to-be, semi professional sports people and those interested in achieving weight loss and body toning.
When did you set up Sussex Bootcamps and why?
We set up Sussex Bootcamps in September 07 with our very first camp starting on 21st January 2008 in Haywards Heath. Since then we have expanded to two other locations – one in Horsham and another in Crawley, as well as offering different time slots through the day. We started the business because we felt that a lot of people were and still are not getting the fitness and health results that they want. Importantly, we felt that they also often don’t get true value from the money they pay each month in gym membership fees.
How does it work?
Sussex Bootcamps is a four week fitness programme, running every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 45 minutes. We have a number of different people who attend our Bootcamps; clients range in ages from 16-65, and they all attend for different reasons and have different fitness levels. Some join temporarily but 70 % of our customers stay with us and commit to the programme on an on-going basis. They see the value in investing in their own health and fitness and they also see clear benefits and results in a very short time.
How many sessions do most clients do before seeing results?
This ranges from person to person but many start to see results just after the first week. From our experience after the first week people are sleeping better and have more energy each day.During the second week people start to notice a difference in their muscle tone, by the third week people are feeling fitter and by the fourth many have lost pounds and inches.
How does it differ from one-to-one personal training?
The main difference is the price. Twelve one-to-one sessions with us would cost over £500; to do the Bootcamp, which is also twelve sessions, it costs £110. With one-to-one training we are able to work with the client on any individual problems they might have.
Can people of any level of fitness participate?
Sussex Bootcamps is for everyone, any fitness levels and any shape and size. You just take it at your own speed and level. We have people come to us that previously have not exercised for 15 years and we also have fitness enthusiasts who just want to take part. There is a great environment at Bootcamp as everyone gets to know each other and they all encourage each other as well. There is a great camaraderie and team feeling about Bootcamps.
What are most of your clients looking to gain from joining Sussex Bootcamps?
It’s a mixture really; some join to lose weight, some for toning, some to improve their fitness, health and wellbeing. We have a lot of young women who are brides to be- they are planning their weddings and join so they can get in shape, which then helps them to feel and look good for their special day. We also have people that join for a blast of fitness and weight loss in time for their holiday.
What does an average session involve?
On the first day everyone has measurements of their chest, hips, stomach, and upper leg. They then do the same at the end of the four weeks to see the difference. In our Bootcamps, we start with a warm-up that involves dynamic movements to get everyone ready then we move into the session, which can involve anything from boxing, skipping, squats, press-ups, short sprints or runs. All in all the sessions go quickly and everyone has fun.
What kind of advice do you offer?
We have a members-only site that all Bootcampers get access to. On it we give advice on everything they need to know to get the best results possible. We talk about mindset, nutrition, and lifestyle. We have a life coach that also gives advice on the site.
What are the most common problems that clients have?
I see a lot of people who are confused by all of the information in the media about weight loss, fitness and health. Most of the information I see or read is wrong or misunderstood. To get results with any fitness programme, you must apply four important principles- accountability, coaching, support and motivation. Without these four principles many will fail. Being held accountable is key to success, because if no one is asking after you or meeting you for a training session it’s easy not to do it. If you’re not being coached by a professional you may be doing it wrong and wasting your time. If you are not given support and guidance again you may not reach your goal or may do something that may cause you pain or injury. You must be motivated to exercise, and having someone train you by attending a Bootcamp or fitness class can do that.
Do you have any plans to expand the business in the future?
Yes, we’re getting fantastic results with all types of people and we want to help more, so we will be expanding in the Sussex area.
To find out more information on Sussex Bootcamps and to download your free report “The 5 Common Fitness & Nutrition Mistakes That Are Stopping You From Losing Weight” visit the website.
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