Morning Crunch Boot Camp

I’ve done many bootcamps before and I was excited to do a bootcamp in Griffith Park to be outside and enjoying nature before most people are up in the morning. And that part is really great, but I have to say I’m extremely disappointed by the instructor, Ricardo, and the exercises we do. He sets up the exercises for the day and then has you do them over and over and over and over again. The same few exercises for the ENTIRE hour. No variety in the routine. And he doesn’t ever correct people’s form, even though he has the entire hour to work with everyone, he never does. That to me is a lazy instructor, he should at least be making sure people’s form is okay so they don’t get injured. And let me tell you, most of the form I was seeing was incorrect (I have worked with trainers in the past who have really focused on form).
I will say Ricardo does vary the routines daily, so one day you’re in the sandbox, the next hiking/​running up trails, the next doing sprints. But in that one hour, it’s the same 3 or 4 exercises the entire time and that is too much strain on one muscle group. We were in the sandbox for a workout, and it was challenging, but we did the same volleyball jumps for an hour and I literally had a pulled stomach muscle from overdoing it and was sore for 2 weeks. I am not exaggerating here, 2 full weeks! And that’s not a good thing, that is a sign of a pulled and injured muscle from over-​usage.
Listen, I am not saying this class is horrible, but don’t expect too much from it and definitely do not pay full price (look for Groupons). Or maybe go to a different instructor if possible.

400^th Review!
I hate working out. I hate the gym. I hate the concept of running. However, I realized that I need to do something about my lifestyle and enrolled in the bootcamp March 2013. It all basically started with finding a Groupon for $ 49 for a 5-​week session (which is a freaking bargain!). First step to turning my life around.
I must admit, waking up at 5:30am to get to a 6am class in pitch darkness at Griffiths Park does not sound enticing or fun at all. And at first, it was very hard getting used to. Actually, getting up and getting there is the hardest part. The rest is actually all fun and great. Everyday is a new challenge! Ricardo will never tell you what you’re going to be doing so it keeps it exciting and new everyday! Sometimes it’s sandbox, sometimes it’s hiking, sometimes it’s deathrow, sometimes stairs, sometimes tug o’ war (that was lots of fun!).
I sort of got hooked on this lifestyle of working out first thing in the morning. It felt so great to get moving and to be sore and to do all that before 7am! So I signed up for more sessions through the summer. It is really addictive. At first I was intimidated to talk to anyone or even Ricardo, but once you start becoming a regular, Ricardo will totally strike up a conversation with you. The other people are really nice too, it definitely feels like a team effort sometimes. I mean after all, we are all out there at 6am in sometimes really cold weather and sometimes really dark, it’s good to be part of this team that strives to change their own lives.
During my September session, I sprained my ankle during bootcamp which has definitely taken a toll on me and has definitely set me back. It’s frustrating to be doing so well and then to be down a month plus because of a stupid sprain. I basically had to miss the whole September session because of it. However, when I consulted Ricardo and Dulcie (the owner), they were more than accommodating and understanding about the injury and told me to come back after my ankle has healed.
I’ve been slowly coming back to bootcamp now in mid-​October and Ricardo is really the best. Not only does he look out for your best intentions, he will personally modify your workout to accommodate for the injury. How awesome is that?! The personal care and attention he gives to each student is amazing. I love being there because of it!
I can’t wait to heal and be fully back at this! This is really a great and amazing change in lifestyle. It’s hard in the morning, but nothing really beats fresh morning air and seeing the sun rise as you’re sweating and pushing yourself to your limits. Definitely recommend it!

I have been going to Morning Crunch Bootcamp for a while now and have seen tremendous results, made some great friends and found a whole new side of me that likes to work out. The instructor (Ricardo) is encouraging, but not over bearing and very knowledgable. He cares more about the students making it through the class injury free than pushing them beyond their capability just for the sake of dong one more, as many instructors do. He challenges students gradually and lets everyone work out at their own pace, considering the fact that there are people from all fitness levels in each class. I find that to be very challenging and he does a great job. The classes are different every day and in the months that I have been there, we have not repeated a workout.
Side note… Its very interesting that all previous negative or not stellar reviews come from people who have stated they had only been there a few times and everyone who has been there for more than a few classes seems to love it???

I noticed there is another Groupon for Morning Crunch so I had to review…
I would not recommend this boot camp. I arrived on the second day of the bootcamp, the instructor showed up and without saying hi to anyone lead us to the area we would be working out. There were two other newbies there and we had our forms, he didn’t even welcome us or really say anything to us. Honestly, someone should try and show up for free cause he wouldn’t notice. In fact the only people he did talk to were some of the women who definitely have crushes on this guy and kept telling him about their injuries. But he wasn’t initiating conversation/​friendly by any means.
On to the workout: we ran up some stairs and then jumped up and down off on a step. That is all we did, for an hour. The next day I was definitely hurting, but after talking to the other women in the class I found out that is how all classes are… you do one exercise for an hour! For example one day I guess they only did pushups, another day they just ran. People you can do that at home you don’t need to pay someone to sit and text while you work your butt off.
Save yourself some money and go for a jog in Griffith Park, it will have the same effect.

There was not much variety in the class. We stretched, did a warm up lap, and then Ricardo (the trainer), would have us do one or two exercises and then repeat them for the remainder of the hour. I got bored doing the same thing for forty minutes. I would prefer a full body workout every class. Also, for a bootcamp, I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t do a single lunge, jumping jack, or burpy. I hate burpies, but that’s kinda the point of a boot camp.
If you have not been active in awhile and you need an excuse to run around, then this bootcamp is for you. It’s fun to be in Griffith Park, it’s a nice community of people, and staring at Ricardo first thing in the morning is a great way to start the day :)
If you go, definitely do not pay full price. There are always deals on groupon and living social.

I joined the griffith park boot camp with ricardo about a year and a half ago– like most, through a groupon. i was instantly hooked and forgot all about how brutal it is waking up for 6am workouts. it sounds silly, but boot camp really changed my life. i needed a healthier way to relieve work stress than a second glass of wine with dinner, and boot camp is the cure! ricardo does an amazing job fully utilizing all the park has to offer, and if you go regularly you’ll see a wide variety of workouts and in different areas in the park. he keeps it interesting and intensely challenging even after all this time.
not only is it really fun (thanks to plenty of the other regulars too) and a great workout, but boot camp has helped me develop new confidence i didn’t know was possible and now i can accomplish things i thought were nuts before (pullups?!). ricardo is also really great about listening and pushing you to hit your goals — such as getting wedding-​ready! i never, ever regret waking up early after finishing one of his classes and i’m never bored.

I purchased a Morning Crunch Boot Camp almost a year and a half ago when looking for a change with my workout. I’m happy to say that it has completely changed my life. The classes in Griffith Park are amazing, rejuvenating and invigorating. I’m a different person because of Morning Crunch Boot Camp.
Ricardo is the trainer for this location and he is committed, talented, professional, supportive, motivating, fun and creates an awesome community in which to work out. His knowledge is above and beyond. It’s incredible to find a trainer that cares about each individuals growth. Ricardo is watching every move you make, to be certain you’re moving properly. I’ll be in the middle of an exercise and hear «Nothing on the Spine, Move Mindfully, Mindfully.» I’ll have on 2 layers and a thick coat and think how did he see that?!! Coming from an injury it is necessary to have a trainer with such attention to detail. Ricardo is a genius at what he does, very gifted. He’s alert and focused on each individuals needs.
The group is fantastic as well, have met some of the best people at this boot camp. Everyone is welcoming, friendly and supportive. There are many different classes to choose from which makes it easy to accommodate. If you can’t make one, you’re welcome to show up at another that works for you.
Ricardo has challenged me in so many ways and I am beyond grateful. I’ve lived in this area for 12 years and had never spent time in Griffith Park. To have the ability to experience this incredible park and get fit… what else can you ask for!
Thank you Morning Crunch! Thank you Ricardo! Can’t recommend highly enough.

THE LOS FELIZ BOOT CAMP ISN’T FOR EVERYONE.
If you want to grip a sweaty handrail on a machine inside the gym you had to wait for, this isn’t for you. If you prefer a predictable routine where you do the same exercises every day (like a DVD), or you don’t want to put your hands on the dew-​covered grass because they’ll get wet, you should probably stay indoors. If you’re looking for someone to pamper you and stay on top of you every second, please consider a personal trainer. And if you want someone to yell at you as a motivating force, I hear the Marines have an excellent camp. (Pendleton, I think?)
FOR EVERYONE ELSE:
For those striving to have stronger bodies and lighter spirits. Those who are independent once initially guided, those unafraid to say «I’m gonna give this a shot» — even though it doesn’t seem possible to step up onto a picnic table unassisted 50 times (at first). Those who understand that getting sore is how you gain muscle and don’t mind a little sand in your shoes on days we run inside a sandbox.
For those seeking an instructor who assumes the BEST of you rather than the worst. An instructor who trusts you to challenge yourself rather than standing over you like a child — but who challenges you to try a more difficult resistance band or just one more set — and without missing a beat, will point out the majestic blue heron or coyote pup steps away. An instructor who will modify and tailor exercises to accommodate your injury, ask how it’s healing AND recommend an incredible acupuncturist and additional exercises for home… if you ask.
The Los Feliz boot camp is for those who prefer their crunches take place in the crisp morning air filled with bird calls peppered with camper giggles and grunts and «Wooo!» noises, with the park practically to yourself in breath-​taking locations that you can’t believe were here all along (?!). Those who aren’t afraid of getting encouragement from and sharing laughs and celebrating your successes with your new «boot camp» friends.
If this is you, then Los Feliz is your boot camp and we (the many devoted regulars because we can’t imagine not having these incredible workouts) will be cheering you on every step.
WHO THE HECK AM I?
In my 7 years of doing various boot camps, I’ve had more than 15 different instructors, every one with their own unique twist on the boot camp concept. I’ve been with Ricardo’s in Los Feliz for the last two years, and unless something happens to Ricardo, I’ll be coming back for his training, the other amazing campers and location (location, location) for many, many more.

Morning Crunch Boot Camp literally changed my life. I have now lost 40 pounds from my heaviest weight. Ricardo, the trainer who runs the boot camp, helped me reach the fittest state I have ever been in for my whole life. I never ever thought I would enjoy getting up in the mornings and going to exercise, but somehow it works. There’s tons of flexibility in the schedule, so even if you miss your regular time slot, you can just show up at another session. Ricardo is the BEST. He motivates you without yelling. The atmosphere is super laid back and very social. I used to feel totally self conscious and judged about going to the gym, but at Morning Crunch, everyone is very friendly and supportive of each other, and you get to work out with the same gang every day. The way the class is structured, it’s no problem to go at your own pace, so people who are super fit will still be challenged, while those of us on the less marathon-​runner scale can still keep up with the exercises. Starting out, the first week or so of boot camp can be pretty brutal, especially if you aren’t in shape to begin with (as I COMPLETELY wasn’t). After my first boot camp class, I pretty much just lay at the bottom of my tub and let the hot shower run over me for at least an hour. But I PROMISE that if you just stick with it and go regularly, within a few weeks you won’t be able to believe the difference. I had no idea how far I could come and how quickly my endurance, strength, and muscle tone would skyrocket if I just pushed myself.
I’ve never been a runner, even when I was a kid and relatively in shape. All the other kids could just run around and around in circles, while I was winded and cramping after 100 feet. I still don’t think I’ll ever be in love with running, but from my training at Morning Crunch, I have finally reached a state where I am capable of running (albeit slowly) without stopping for several miles, which kind of blows my mind. Happily, we don’t run too much at Morning Crunch, though, since it’s still not my favorite activity. The workout usually starts with stretches, followed by a warm-​up jog, generally about ½ to ¾ of a mile. Then we’ll head off into different areas of the park for a variety of workouts that changes every day. Ricardo keeps mixing things up, so even if you come every day, you won’t repeat the exact same work out for several months. The areas of the body that are targeted also vary from day to day. Some days we’ll hit arms, other days legs, other days abs, sometimes a combination. Around once a week we will do a hike up to the top of the Griffith Park mountains, which is always my favorite activity. There’s nothing like watching the sun rise over Glendale and the Angeles Mountains while spotting Coyotes out for a morning rustle through the trash to make you feel brisk and awake and alive. Honestly, after a year and a half working out in Griffith Park, I have sworn NEVER to work out indoors again. I’m just over stinky sweaty gyms filled with mirrors and judgement. I don’t want to jog to nowhere on a treadmill next to some size 2 blond wearing matching work out clothes and full makeup at 7:15 am. Not anymore. So yes, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that Morning Crunch has changed my life. I totally, completely, without hesitation 100% recommend it to anyone, of every fitness level. I urge you not to be intimidated by the word «bootcamp» or the description of the workouts. Anyone who wants to improve their fitness level can move towards that goal, no matter what their initial pace. And the first step is signing up for Morning Crunch. Hope to see you there.

In LOVE with this bootcamp. I have tried another bootcamp class before and let me just say that this one by Far has been the best. I purchased a deal through livingsocial and boy am I glad I did (: Everyday the activities change it’s never been the same thing throughout the who 5 weeks. It’s beautiful in the morning to workout and see the sunrise as your finishing up your hour workout.
Ricardo is by far the best trainer I’ve ever met and trust me I’ve been struggling with my weightloss for about 7 years now. And it wasn’t until I joined this group and met Ricardo that I now believe I can do anything. Let be honest I am not a active person I literally went from the couch to bootcamp over night (pretty crazy huh?!) My first day at camp was crazy hard I wanted to vomit it was intense, but I got through it. Ricardo is very movtivated in helping you succeed and always has positive feed back and he knows what your limitations are and will help you reach your goal.
Well, my goal was to try to love working out because for the last 7 years I’ve hated it, I me REALLY HATED IT. Today was the last day of our 5 week session and this girl that started of from the couch no activity what so ever signed up for another round. My starting weight 5 weeks ago was 218 lbs (crazy! I know) and today at the end of 5 weeks I weighed in at 205 lbs a total of 13 lbs gone (: My goal was to get through the 5 weeks and I did it. Thanks to Ricardo (: I’m so happy i joined the group and love how Ricardo uses the whole park to workout. You will be amazed on what workouts you can do at Griffith Park.

I have been to a lot of different trainers and bootcamps these past few years. This had to be the biggest waste of money I have ever spent and I only bought a Living Social deal… imagine if I paid full price, eeek. Anyway, I purchased a month worth of classes for the Los Feliz location. It is the only one that offers evening classes closest to where I live and work.
Since it’s winter, it’s already dark by the time the latest class starts — and Griffith Park is not lit up for evening events. I had no idea where I was going and although the directions that are emailed are pretty clear — the signs that it says to look out for are reallllly hard to see in the dark. If I wasn’t driving super slow, I would of past the turn points. Anyway, when I finally found where I was supposed to be there was no actual «meeting spot». I was hanging out in the middle of the parking lot until someone spotted me and waved me over. I walked over to the car, gave Ricardo my paperwork and he proceeded to school me on how to tie my sneakers. That’s cool, probably the only thing I took away from the whole «bootcamp», So, as I’m retying my sneakers the right way, he clearly sees me on the ground fixing them — he says «Ok, let’s go» and walks away. I found it a bit rude, as there was only one other person there — but whatever, I’m a big girl — I can catch up.
After I catch up — we start to stretch… more of static stretches than dynamic stretches… but I didn’t think much of it. Then he told us to run. OK, remember I said it was DARK, and it was just one other girl and I. He proceeds to warn us that it’s dark (no shit) and the ground is uneven (duh.) and TELL us where to run… giving us key turn points and figuring we’ll find our way thru the darkness. Two females, off on their own for a jog in the park. nice. I wasn’t scared, but this left a bad taste in my mouth anyway. Aren’t you our trainer? Shouldn’t you at least show us the way, if not HALF the way until we get back to a lighted path? This was Strike 2.
When we get back it seems that another person had arrived, a regular bootcamper he knew. He was chatting with them. Then he tells me and the girl to do some partner work. Up and down the hill. Up and down the hill. Up and down the hill. Up and down the hill. A few different ways, one time run, another backwards, another walk… etc etc. but, up and down the hill we went. I had no idea if I had the proper form, he seemed to have to interest in if I did. There were no words of encouragement or guidance… he just sent us to keep going up and down the hill and he would go back to talk to his other bootcamper. It was the most BORING and UNMOTIVATING class I’ve EVER taken. We did some burpees in between, every trainers go to (how creative.)…nothing else.
After, he told us to stretch… not how to stretch — what to stretch — he wouldnt dare SHOW us how to — just told us to and said «well that will get your heart pumping, huh? see you tomorrow or next time».
Anyway, the other reviews are right — Ricardo does not seem to have any interest in what he does. He’s not motivational, he doesn’t guide or show you anything, he doesn’t TRAIN you… He has no passion for his work. He shows no interest in your goals, strengths or weaknesses. He just tries to keep you busy for the hour and send you on your way.
Usually, after a good workout (even one on my own) — my body hurts the next day… I can feel the burn. Not this time… I walked away as if I wasted an hour of my life and $ 50 I could’ve spent on better things.
I never went back, if you’re new the bootcamp thing — do not go here. You will be so turned off from bootcamp you’d never be motivated again. I was so disappointed and discouraged after this — it was sad. I ended up going back to my other bootcamp in downtown LA (I only stopped going cause it was a little far for me to travel to 3x a week in traffic, but I now realize it’s worth it)…now that is the BEST bootcamp in the LA area. The trainer here actually CARES about every person, takes the time to sit with you and discuss your goals with you, shows you how to do every move properly, pushes you but wont make you work harder than you can, and I walk away every day — FEELING THE BURN, and feeling GREAT about it.

Well… I just finished my first ‘boot camp’ with Ricardo @ Griffith Park location.
I recently moved from Orlando, FL where I had the best boot camp trainer. First thing I did when I moved is find a boot camp. I found the groupon for Morning Crunch, read the reviews and decided to give it a go.
Got there no problem, gave him our papers and then stretched as a group.
Then he told everyone to run around, except the new people which he checked our shoe laces were tight before the run. By the time we got back from the round of running all the veterans already started doing the resistance band routine so we all hurried to get the bands and looped them around the bars of the merry go round.
I had no idea what on earth was going on, by the time the newbies figured it out he finally came around our way and told us to skip to the exercise the group was doing… Which was??? He seemed more into chatting with the vets of the group rather that teaching the new people what we were supposed to be doing. There was about 25 – 30 people so we couldn’t even hear we were so far back. He did come around a couple of times to make sure we were all doing something.
The resistance bands exercises were 4 exercises, 20 reps each, 5 rounds. Then water. Then run up the hill 6 times then stretch on your own, and that’s it.
Didn’t feel like i worked out at all… and it certainly didn’t feel like a group boot camp either. It seemed like his mind was elsewhere and didn’t enjoy what he was doing. I’m going to keep going so I have something to do until I find somewhere else.
On the bright side, Griffith Park is really nice, and the newbies were helpful!

This class is awesome. The other reviews are totally correct when they say you get out of it what you put in. Just get there, try your hardest, and before you know it the hour is over! The workouts are always different and always great! Ricardo is very nice, supportive, and motivating. Its so nice to just get outdoors after a day at the office. Griffith park is beautiful, way better than the gym! I can’t imagine going back to a regular gym or working out on my own after this. Ricardo pushes you to be your best and the other people in the class are really awesome!

After reading the reviews here on Unilocal I decided to try Morning Crunch out only to be completely disappointed. I purchased a good deal on LivingSocial and then purchased some additional weekend warrior boot camps through the Morning Crunch website. After registering for a weekend warrior boot camp, I received instructions on where to meet. I went to the location 20 minutes early and there was not anyone from Morning Crunch there. I asked several people in the parking lot if they were with Morning Crunch and they said no and did not know what I was talking about. I drove around to two other parking lots and did the same thing. I never did find the correct location after searching for over an hour.
When I got home I contacted Morning Crunch through their website and told them about my mishap. I did not receive an apology instead, they immediately blamed me and said that the reason why I did not find the group is because I was probably late, even though I was there 20 minutes early. I told them that they should have signs or a better, more specific meeting place than a busy parking lot with crowds of people. I never heard back from Morning Crunch and had to go through Paypal in order to get a refund and contact LivingSocial to cancel the deal and get refunded.
Morning Crunch seemed like an exciting alternative to a regular gym workout. I went with the expectations of meeting some new people and getting a good workout, that was not the case. When I want an alternative to the gym I will stick to my P90X or a hike at Griffith Park without having to pay an absurd amount of money and have to deal with an attitude. With the excessive rates they charge you think they could put some of that money to good use and make a sign or something. I would strongly reconsider attempting Morning Crunch unless you want to go on a wild goose chase looking for the meeting location, have to deal with the rude office staff, and have to open a Paypal dispute to get your money back that the company scams you out of.
This is solely my opinion based on my experience, other Unilocalers seem to have had a good experience, unfortunately I wasn’t so lucky. Just something for you to consider, I hope to save you the aggravation I went through with Morning Crunch and having to roam around embarrassingly asking strangers if they were with Morning Crunch and have them look at you funny.

I love this workout. It’s fun, dynamic and each day is structured to work out a different part of your body. It’s only an hour commitment each morning so if you give 100% you will receive 100% of the benefits and then you don’t have to think about it the rest of the day!
Ricardo is the instructor and not only is he a reason to get up early every morning (lets just say he’s easy on the eyes), but aside from the superficial eye-​candy, what makes his workouts great is that he creates a supportive and gentle environment while still pushing you and empowering you to push yourself. He is knowledgeable about exercise and caters to each individual’s needs (even in a class of 20). If you are a beginner or don’t feel comfortable working out you will feel welcomed and encouraged. If you are advanced and a workout junkie you will not be held back from getting a kick-​ass work-​out. You really do get what you give, so if you chose to slack then that’s on you, but if you chose to commit and trust Ricardo and the class you will see a transformation in your physical body as well as in your emotional state of mind. Since i have been doing the boot camp i not only see that my body is stronger but i also feel more confident about the way i look and about my endurance/​physical strength.
I like that classes are small (usually 2 – 10 people depending on the time you go).
I love how the instructor utilizes the space in the most creative ways. You’d never think that tables and benches (aka Death Row) could be used to build your leg muscles, or how a small raised island with planted trees (Bermuda Triangle) could be used to work out your thighs, etc. running the stairs, hills, around the tennis court, you will not be bored in the space!
The only reason it gets 4 stars vs. 5 is that it is very expensive. You will often get deals through Groupon/​Living Social/​Yelp/​LAWeekly but otherwise you kinda have to bite the bullet and make the financial commitment for your health.
The workout times are great.
Mon, Wed, Fri: 6am, 7:15am, 8:30am classes
Tues, Thurs: 6am, 7:15am
I believe there are also evening classes on Mon and Wed for those who cannot commit to early mornings.
The title of BOOTCAMP can be misleading, while you do get an intensive workout you are not talked down to or shamed if you are having a hard time; but rather encouraged and supported through your physical challenges. I thrive best in this type of environment vs one where there is a drill sergeant character that spits in your face when you can’t do the 99^th push-​up; that is not what you will get here.
I highly recommend this workout. i don’t personally like working out, but prefer dance classes, yoga and Zumba type activities to raise my heartbeat, however, i DO LOVE Bootcamp. Time flies, and not only do i get my cardio going, but i also build all the muscles in my body!

I’m used to taking free group exercise classes from the University I went to for grad school. Those completely spoiled me as I’ve had some of the best fitness instructors I’ve ever encountered.
Now that I’m all graduated and have a big-​gal job though, I had to bite the bullet and either get a gym membership or join some group program. Morning Crunch was what I decided on.
I’ve been going for three weeks now, twice a week. I couldn’t exactly pinpoint what it was I didn’t like about the Los Feliz Morning Crunch but I finally figured it out– Ricardo, the instructor. Now, he’s a great guy and all, but I personally feel he lacks the passion for what he does. It’s like someone pulled him off the street and said, «Hey, you look like you’re in shape, want to lead boot camp?»
He’s not mean and he definitely won’t push you farther than you can physically go. To me, he’s just okay. I’ve had some fitness instructors who are really excited about what they do and are enthusiastic to share it with people. In comparison, it seems like Ricardo has other things on his mind.
The good stuff: it really motivates me to get an early start to my day since I’ve been going to the 6am ones. It’s also nice to watch the sunrise in Griffith Park. And after a few weeks, you start to recognize people and you don’t feel so alone… for the most part, my classmates are friendly and helpful!

I’ve only attended class twice, but I’m a fan! I’ve always avoided «bootcamp» classes because I hate being yelled at — it simply doesn’t motivate me. This class has been perfect for me — a butt kicking workout with lots of positive reinforcement. The trainer pushes you to your limit, but respects the limit and encourages people to take breaks when necessary.
The two workouts I had were very different from each other. If I wasn’t moving away I’d be back for more.

This review is for the Griffith Park Location.
Two stars because it’s close and convenient. And yes, it’s a decent workout, BUT…
It is practically the same workout every single time. Run a lap, come back, use the the resistance bands, run again, resistance bands again, run again, resistance bands again. Again and again. ugh. Creativity, PLEASE! Apparently they went on a hike one time I was absent, but other than that, the times that I was able to force myself to go, it was literally the same thing.
Also, way too much high impact joint pounding. If you tell him «I am going to make a modification for my knee,» he doesn’t mind. However, you’d think he might remember who has knee problems, etc, and give some tips about what modifications they can make.
It also, seems like all the workouts are figured out on the fly. «Ok, go run a lap, now do butterfly press, uhhh, ok, now do bicep dips.» Cmon’ dude, people can sense this and it rubs off on morale. Put some effort into planning your workouts.
The trainer, although a really nice guy, is not motivating. The other boot campers were more concerned and motivating about/​for each other. Another thing I noticed was that he was late on the first day (though he was on time all other days), did not ask to collect release papers (we had to remind him) AND, he failed to introduce himself to the new boot campers and chat it up with them. I’m not asking for entertainment, just some communication.
Nice guy, decent workout, really repetitive/​boring/​predictable and high impact.

I signed up for the North Hollywood bootcamp and it was amazing. The instructor, Sean, is great at pushing you to your limits without getting in your face or going too far. These workouts make a great start to the day — getting up is the hard part but once you’re out and moving about, the whole entire day is just better. I’ve lost weight and gained muscle. I’ve also found its easier to stick to my diet when getting such great results. I can’t wait to go back!

So the plan was for me to meet up and try the bootcamp with two of my girlfriends. We wanted to find something we could commit to, so that we can get ourselves in better shape. That was the plan. The plan.
So I get to the park alone, and it seems like everyone else knows each other. They’re all regulars. They all seem friendly enough, but of course friends have their conversations and inside jokes. One lady comes, and she said she was returning after a year sabbatical from the bootcamp — she’d had a baby. This made me feel better.
The park had this really sweet, fresh scent. Probably the smell of 6am. The grass was dewy and cool. I was a little worried about slipping, but most of the area we used was pretty level.
Everyone’s stretching out, so I follow suit. There are around 20 of us in total. Our trainer, Tammy, walks up, and she checks in the people that came for the free day. We had to sign a waiver before starting. Then she tells us to take a lap around the field. So after the first bend, I’m already wheezing like a professional asthmatic, and my calf immediately cramps on me. And not like one of those cramps that goes away after a few minutes, this one wanted to stick around and play. Then the arches of my feet begin to cramp, and by the end of the lap, I’m slowly hobbling to catch up with the others, who’ve started a deeper stretch.
There were different kinds of squats, lateral movements, pushups, situps, yoga moves, resistance bands for arm workouts, and a lot of heavy breathing on my part (and not the sexy kind). The trainer was really encouraging, and she told us all to go at our own pace, and not to worry about keeping up with some of the regulars (one in particular I expect to see in the next senior iron man competition). She showed me some stretches that would help alleviate some of the cramping.
The lady who had the baby smiled at me, and told me that it gets easier. She said she left the first time cramping and with a fever. Some of the others were really encouraging too. The lady I was partnered with for situps was nice. I did my situps a little slower, because pressure on my feet was causing the cramps to tighten up more. So we did them five at a time. That’s doable.
I did a lot of stretching. I tried to keep up with the squats and the situps, but the cramping didn’t really let up. I can definitely say I tried. I felt kind of bad, because Mr. Senior Iron Man seemed like he was annoyed that I wasn’t keeping up with him, but even the trainer said to him that it’s a progressive thing for beginners. I appreciated that, and she even had me stay a little after to help me stretch out my calves even more. She said it could happen to anyone, anytime, and she said she hoped to see me again.
The bootcamp was challenging, but I liked the supportive and nonyelling atmosphere that Morning Crunch offers. I can tell that I’ll really be challenged, especially for the first few weeks while I’m building up the stamina to keep up, but I think this was what I was looking for.