Morning Crunch

Dulcie is amazing! Every workout is always challenging — no matter what level you’re on! You definitely see a difference in your body at the end of each program (one program lasts 5 weeks). It’s outside, which I love, and the times that are offered in the morning or evening make it never too hot or too cold. Dulcie is always extremely motivating and is constantly incorporating new exercises, ideas and group «games» that make each class exciting and new. And unlike other boot camps, this one won’t break your bank account as it’s very reasonably priced and has a lot of specials for new members and returning members.

«I’m so unfamiliar with the gym, I call it James!» — Ellen DeGeneres
I bought a Groupon deal for this Boot Camp a couple months back. I was a little worried about the term ‘Boot Camp’ as that gives off some fairly intimidating connotations. And for me, someone that hasn’t been to a gym in a long time, I was a bit nervous.
While the work-​outs are difficult, it is nothing I can’t handle. I was expecting a very militant-​type trainer with a lot of yelling … this is far from the case.
I’ve been training at the NoHo location with Sean. He mixes his passion for fitness with a healthy dose of comedy. Through it all, he keeps us motivated to continue pushing through the work-​out. It’s clear he is dedicated to his craft and constantly coming up with new routines so that we aren’t bored, and we never know what to expect.
I can’t speak to the other locations, but the NoHo location is awesome.

I have been going to MC Bootcamp 2 – 3 times a week for almost 3 years for cross training on days I don’t run. My classes are with Dulcie and I love the workout I get. My body has gotten noticeably stronger since I started and I have never been bored. Dulcie is not «in your face», she encourages everyone to go at their own pace/​ability, and will subtly let someone know if they should correct form or dial it down (she does not make a spectacle of anyone). She stays current with fitness trends and information, which keeps her classes fresh. She’s friendly without being a butt kisser, fosters a fun, noncompetitive atmosphere and offers a great workout at an affordable price!

it’s been almost a year since I first joined Morning Crunch and I’m still a fan. Dulcie recently went to a fitness conference (I would say about 2 months ago) and ever since her workouts have become more intense and FUN! I only mention her going to the conference as an example of how she tries to make sure the workouts are fresh and fun — especially for someone like me who has been going for almost a year now.
Every couple of months she has monthly specials for us veterans who cannot benefit from groupon/​amazon local/​etc due to the terms. One month was buy one session get the next free and on top of that there was a 10% discount for being a returning student (the latter is offered every month but you need to register within a certain time frame)
As long as I am in LA I will continue to go to Morning Crunch.

I absolutely LOVE this bootcamp! I am a Groupon Bootcamp bouncer but stuck around after Dulcie’s great early morning workouts! I was not a morning person, but was able to rally for these. I have been working out for a long time, but really saw my body change after joining Morning Crunch. Each day is different, there were challenges for all levels, Dulcie pushes but doesn’t yell, and I LOVED starting my day in the park — I felt like I was a kid outside playing again. GREAT workout and terrific program — I highly recommend it. I found that a lot of people started with Groupon and chose to stick around.

THIS WAS THE WORST BOOT CAMP I HAVE EVER BEEN TO.
I’ve been to multiple boot camps in the LA area and the instructors are encouraging, knowledgeable, dedicated, friendly, and instigated camaraderie.
I went to the evening workout (6:30 pm in Pan Pacific Park) and was met with an instructor who almost seemed BOTHERED to be there. She was incredibly apathetic, the workout was uninspired, she didn’t bother to learn anyone’s name, she didn’t encourage anyone, and didn’t offer alternate ways for people to do certain exercises who may have had injuries – because she did not even take the time to ask if anyone had any special circumstances.
My 2 year old nephew could have come up with the work out. «Run to the trash can and back» «Do three reps of pushups, squats» «Do that again.»
It was really disappointing.
One girl told me she had been going to this bootcamp since January… now five months later, the instructor had no idea who she was and referred to her as «a returning student.»
The only encouragement I heard her give people who were lagging behind was «only ten more minutes of exercise» which is barely encouragement.
I honestly felt like she was cheating me, and felt like cheating myself on the number of reps I was doing just to see if she noticed.
Oh, she also never corrected anyone doing any of the exercise with poor form and risking injury.
On the PLUS SIDE: Since she clearly doesn’t care AT ALL or learn ANYONE’S name… just show up and she will probably think you already paid and you’re a returning student…

BEST online Morning workout! A BIG thank you from Miami Beach!
I LOVE that Dulcinea has soooo many different videos for a total body workout!
Great Work!

I echo everything Olaf G. and Christie G. said in their reviews below. I felt exactly the same way, and I never went back after the first couple sessions for the same reasons. It was a sink or swim, and the staff was rude. Certainly not a pleasant feeling…

For the early riser, this is the BEST one hour work out I have ever experienced. Its 60 minutes of cardio, exercise, weights and running. The first few days are exhausting, but NOT the hardest you will have, it’s the first two weeks, it takes 2 – 3 weeks and then you see results in every part of your body. I have never felt as overall strong, health and in shape. I have seen people drop 15 – 20 pounds and start to look amazing because of this class. The instructor Dulcie can seem tough at first as she runs us through about 30 different exercises in just an hour so you have to keep up. I have been going to the 6AM Pan Pacific Park class, and even after 8 months there are exercises she throws in that challenge and exhaust the strongest people in the class.
If you looking for hands on, personal one on one training, this is not it. This is a class that moves fast and does not wait for the laggers. The goal is to come often, get in shape so you can run with the class, just as would be expected in a real Boot Camp.
If you are board of your gym, finding the jogging is just not doing it any more and really want some results, give her 5 weeks, you should go 3 times a week at least and by week 3 you will be amazed at the results. It will kick your ass the first week, but I have seen that look of satisfaction on so many faces after the second week as they are feeling so much stronger.
This is not for the wimpy, the ‘don’t like to sweat, and do push ups on wet grass’ person. This for the person that wants to push themselves to their physical limit for 60 minutes, to do the exercises as they are called out, and do not stop until Dulcie tells you to, this is it. It’s called BOOT CAMP for a reason, it’s hard and its amazing.
A bit of advice, on your first day you better have the registration form filled out and be on time or she won’t let you start. And she has weights and mats you can borrow so all you have to do is get there and be ready to work out. Also since it’s early people just go to the spot and get ready, this is not a chat fest, get to know your neighbor class. Come ready to sweat.

This boot camp was FAR FROM what I expected. The guy who previously rated this boot camp (Olaf G) with 2 stars wrote exactly everything I had to complain about.
I understand that by offering a groupon, more people are going to want to try it and the class size is going be larger than usual but this session only had about 15 people and not once did she try to help anyone with an exercise. Sure, she did the exercise herself but without instruction on proper form, someone can really hurt themselves.
The instructor was very apathetic and impersonal and didn’t bother to get to know anyone’s name on the first day. No introduction of herself or of the program. She was only talking to the returning clients. She didn’t seem to care about the fitness or goals of the clients and seemed like she was doing it just to get the hour over and done with. I honestly felt like I was in a PE class rather than in a boot camp. This boot camp had no structure whatsoever. All she said was «everyone do 20 push ups, 20 squats, and 20 dips» and I left like everyone was being rushed, watching each other, trying to hurry up because the person next to them was on the next exercise. I highly doubt everyone was doing the full 20 reps because they didn’t want to be behind. EVERYONE’S form was wrong, and I mean EVERYONE, including the instructor’s and that’s when I knew that this was joke.
Save your money because this boot camp is a waste of money and waste of time. The groupon I bought was $ 50 for 5 weeks and I was planning on doing it 3x a week. I can’t imagine going back here. Thank God Groupon gave me a refund. I’m going back Extreme Boot Camp where they are so attentive, they know your name after the 1^st session, and literally, every push up counts.

I first signed up with Morning Crunch almost 4 years ago, took the boootcamp class twice a week in Cheviot Hills. Loved it, but at that point I wasn’t fully into fitness so I struggled with various things. Stuck it out for over 3 months. Then I drifted away. About a year ago I happened back on Morning Crunch and saw that they had a small women’s only fitness group, went for a trial and well lets just say a year later I’m still there and each new workout routine makes me feel challenged. Dulcie kicks your butt. The workouts are great, I love having a small class so you get a lot of personalized attention.

Giving my honest opinion… this is based on my second bootcamp experience from trainers that use the same park.
I would have given one star had I actually paid the $ 200+ dollars for a normal 5 week session. I bought a living social coupon and paid $ 39 which for me was ridiculously cheap for 5 weeks. I went religiously for 2.5 weeks and decided it wasnt for me… even for that rate much less to pay full price. The classes started off with around 25+ people and started winding down which i assume is their goal in selling as much of these coupons as they can and have people just drop out slowly.
Negatives:
1.The workouts were basically the same everyday with a new one here and there…
2. You had to mimic the trainer… she never explained how to do the exercise.
3. There was no orientation on the first day, it was like a sink or swim.
4. The trainer Dulcie gives the impression like this is a chore for her… she basically waits at her car to give you your mats and dumbbells, forces a smile… starts the workout, runs through them, at the end walks to her car to collect everything…
5. Form is Extremely important and NEVER once i saw her correct someone’s form, when i couldn’t do something id stop and observe people doing their own weird version of what the trainer was doing. I thought it was strange that she never corrected even the people right infront of her.
6. I still had lots of energy after the workout which i found weird.
7. There is no way you can get personal attention or correction with that many people.
8. If you are slower they will move on to the other workouts since they move quickly and you get caught behind .
9. After i was missing for several weeks not a single email… you are just a nameless face… maybe that’s different if you pay full price?
Positives:
1. I only paid $ 39 bucks…
2. Its in the evenings and the area is nice for working out.
3. She supplies the mats and weights…
4. This would be perfect for someone who is really out of shape and wants to start getting back in shape and doesn’t have the willpower to workout at home or follow a dvd.
5. Classes start on time and end on time usually.
6. They often have the groupons so you can safely spend a small amount of money to see for yourself what ive seen…
i called my old bootcamp trainer Damon and asked for forgiveness… i did kinda feel guilty but the deal was too good to pass up i guess… He hooked me up with a good deal and i went to back to him kicking my ass… which i hate but appreciate very much… you can search for him under La Vie Fitness…

We’re going 2 years with Dulcie. We have no intentions of stopping. I’ve recently had a wrist injury and continued to workout with a brace on. I was able to work around it. Dulcie was kind enough to show me exercises I can do with only one hand working. This boot camp encourages you to push yourself but doesn’t force you to do something you can’t. Exercise at your own pace. Remember this is not the Olympics. Some students are faster than others but that shouldn’t discourage you. We all start from somewhere. Consistency is the key!

Just finished a 5-​week course today and my next 5-​weeks are starting Monday! This class is fun! Nobody wants to get yelled at at 7am on the morning and this does not happen in this BootCamp. You work out different body parts each day, my favorite days were by far the ones that had a total body workout since they include more cardio than the other classes.
It was the first time ever that I worked with weights and my boyfriend is already getting scared that my biceps will soon be bigger than his. haha!
But jokes aside, I definitely toned all my muscles, and I was always sporty so it’s not that I started from scratch in this class. If you are sporty don’t expect to get home completely worn out, coz it is meant to be doable for all fitness levels. Some classes were harder than others and I feel that I was not at my limit each day, but it still always felt really good to get home in the morning after a lovely workout in the sun with loads of fresh air!
Can totally recommend Morning Crunch!!!

I just finished a 5 week course and added another 2 weeks right before the holidays. At first I thought I was going to die, but it got easier. She doesn’t yell at you which is nice, but I do agree with a previous poster that she could be a bit more vocal and motivational. I liked that I saw the same people every morning and I knew who was close to my level so I could challenge myself against them. Without a doubt I came out of that class every morning feeling like I got my butt kicked. I didn’t exactly see all the physical results I wanted to SEE, however I did notice a big difference in my stamina when I went back to the gym. Everything seemed easier, so obviously I was healthier overall. I do recommend waiting until the weather gets nicer. It was really hard getting up and going when it was 42 degrees and DARK out! However, on the flip side, the freezing weather woke me up a bit.
All in all I think it was a great experience. I loved it and will definitely be taking it again!

Working with Dulcie was definitely an experience, and one I recommend with one small caveat.
I started out with virtually no stamina or endurance and after 5 weeks am now at a healthy fitness level and addicted to exercise! :)
Pros:
–the support network of great people — sweating next to you– holding you accountable and pushing you onward
–the variety of workouts!
–the weho location was great, the amphitheater seems to have been made for this bootcamp
Cons:
–the ad states this is perfect for all fitness levels but I would recommend that all participants do their own cardio work outs first to have a modicum of endurance & fitness before starting
ie: if it’s been a while, work your way up to Morning Crunch or find yourself struggling to keep up and missing out on some workouts
one memorable moment for me was when I had to sit and rest during one session and Dulcie reassured me that it might take a bit, but that I would be back in shape in no time! At the time, that reassurance meant the world to me :)
–Thanks Dulcie!

Well, here is an update. I never went back. The pain that I have in my knee 10 days later is ridiculous and surgery is now inevitable. (When I stand from a seated position I can actually feel something in my knee slide together to cause an additional shot of intense pain. While trying to sleep I’m constantly being woken up in pain which is why I’m up at 4 in the morning writing this update.)
I signed a lot of paperwork on day one promising I wouldn’t sue if I got injured as well as paperwork stating that I had knee problems (meniscus tear and arthritis). As I mentioned in my earlier review, I didn’t receive any guidance as to safety in form or lower impact options based on the info that I gave them on the form.
You all see the owner response and I say if you cannot safely handle a class of 40, then you cap it at 20. Case closed. Safety is more important than profit.
Funny too, she was so quick to respond to my Unilocal review yet I got no response from my email sent on September 27^th asking if there was any way possible I could please get a refund or at least give the remainder of the sessions to a friend (who’s in better shape and has done bootcamps) since I only got to use it one day. I’ve gotten emails from her address before and have checked the spam folders. Nothing.
Morning Crunch should change the FAQ section on their website where it indicates they accomodate all fitness levels. That’s an out and out lie. It also states on the web site that the average class size is 8 – 10 students, not 20 as Dulcie states in her comment back to me on Unilocal.Again, that was a lie.
Thanks for listening… time to pop some more ibuprofen…
PS: an hour after writing this I thought to call Amazon Local directly to make my case for a refund. They apologized for all the trouble I went through and said my refund should show up on my card in 2 – 3 business days. Just thought I’d pass that info along in case anyone else feels they were misled by the website.

Where would I be without Morning Crunch Bootcamp with Dulcie? A slovenly Happy Hour Tourist indeed! Luckily, after a bit of research and a push from a friend who goes to the Sherman Oaks location, I joined Morning Crunch bootcamp in May 2009 and haven’t had an interruption in fitness since!
What’s great is that the small class sizes lend themselves to a personal trainer feel at fraction of that cost. And Dulcie’s the perfect trainer for it — she encourages you to do what you can, but won’t push too hard; my other classmates have become bootcamp buddies and they’re just as encouraging. Even though we’re all operating at different fitness levels, Dulcie’s able to find a middle ground for our workouts so that everyone feels challenged and worked out by the end of our one-​hour sessions.
I applaud anyone looking to join a bootcamp — journeying into the unknown isn’t always easy. With Morning Crunch, I definitely feel like it’s worth the journey!

For the past 5 years I’ve been looking at joining Morning Crunch Bootcamp. I visited the website numerous times, even searched them on Unilocal and finally this past November I had the wonderful opportunity of attending the bootcamp.
I love it!
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Dulci, the leader of the West Hollywood Bootcamp, doesn’t yell or scream at you. She is encouraging and motivating so you always want to do your best. Classes move along nicely. You’re constantly moving, but if you’re a beginner or need to take a breather (and I often do) you can and your not scowled at or looked down upon. They supply a mat, weights, etc. but if you have that stuff you will want to bring your own. Definitely bring water and a towel! And don’t be afraid to get dirty — you’re in nature (well, kind of) and if you’re really working it dirt and grass should fly.
Dulci mixes up the exercises on a daily basis, even the workout locations in the park. It is so nice to be out in the open air instead of being in a stuffy gym fake-​running to nowhere on a treadmill.
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN:
The prices for Morning Crunch Bootcamp really are reasonable! I’ve researched many other bootcamp’s and believe me, they are the best around.
As it says on their website — your mood really does improve and so does work and sleep! My boyfriend even commented on how happier I’ve been after Bootcamp each morning. I’ve even been sleeping better.
So really you should do it for your health — you owe it to yourself. And ultimately isn’t good health priceless?
Oh one last thing, Morning Crunch has great customer service. My emails have always been responded to within a business day and my calls have always been answered. Unlike other bootcamp’s that I’ve called and inquired about.

So I used to be in really good shape, but with school and work I kinda stopped doing anything involving sweat, stretch pants or weights (at least, not at the same time). I was looking for a trainer but, still being a student, was on a budget. Enter Morning Crunch and Dulcie! The classes are very reasonably priced (it works out to about $ 15 per class if you sign up for the 3x per week) and Dulcie is always mixing it up. I’ve been going for 10 weeks now and she still has new and excruciating workouts waiting for us.
Unlike a lot of group classes Dulcie keeps us moving the whole time, but you can modify your workout or stop and rest when you need. The best part is that she gets results! I’m in such better shape and have probably lost about 6 – 7 pounds. Starting your morning off with Morning Crunch will definitely motivate you to keep making healthy choices throughout the day!