Code Pink Women’s Fitness Boot Camp

Terrible, abysmal, maddeningly slow and completely unapologetic customer service. I purchased a Living Social deal, but when I tried to redeem it I could not get a response from anyone at Code pink for days. When it seemed like everything had been figured out and I asked for confirmation of my reservation, I never received a reply. I finally got a refund from Living Social. Have no idea what the training is like, which I had been looking forward to as a jump start to my routine. Bummer.

So I took Code Pink’s mantra: «Even if your not in shape you can do Code Pink Boot Camp!» to heart. I have slowly been packing on the pounds the last couple years and wanted to get back into a workout routine. Now let me be clear, other than the occasional dog walk I was not working out. I was a total slacker. However, I had NO existing injuries (not an ache or twinge). I was just lazy. OK, got it? Then here you go!
I start Code Pink with wild anticipation. It was over at a country club in east Aurora and the first few meet ups were in the ballroom (it was freezing outside). The work out was all about girl power. Lots of nice people and a great trainer (Cindy). The first week majorly kicked my butt. While this is what I wanted, I was surprised at how high impact the work out was and how many exercises I was having trouble with and needing to modify. Still, I was pumped and ready to power through!
The second week, we were outside. This is the week that broke me. If you can not run up and down stairs and steep hills and do quick movements in obstacle courses you are gonna have a hard time at Code Pink. One workout we did so many stairs/​hills/​obstacles I literally almost couldn’t walk to the car (seriously). I came back a couple days later still really sore and Cindy suggested I modify a little. I did and was actually in so much pain I couldn’t do even some of the modified stuff.
Long story short? I got over use injuries in both knees. I didn’t blow them out, but the doc said I did WAY too much WAY too fast. So here is my dilemma. If I was in better shape, Code Pink would have been a great way to kick it up a notch and add variety. However, me being in horrible shape actually caused injury. So I think they need a BIG FAT warning (pun intended) and people really need to know this isn’t a one size fit all kind of program. So I am giving it 3 stars — it maybe be for some, but definitely not for everyone!
Some other notes about the program if you do it:
— Legs are worked EVERY workout, that means: Squats, lunges, sprints, hills, stairs and an obstacle course — some of these are HIGH IMPACT (so know if your body can handle that).
— When they say bring a PADDED mat they mean it! Sometimes they have you laying on a cement tennis court and a yoga mat just won’t do!
— I wore a body bugg armband and my average caloric burn was 500 calories give or take for the hour. I was kind of surprised it wasn’t more, but this workout is more about variety than overall burn.
I would recommend Code Pink only to those who have at least a moderate exercise régime already in place. It really isn’t for everyone.