Berlin Boot Camp Aiming To Change Local Lives

BERLIN -- Pamela Green, a certified personal trainer, has used her ingenuity, in both form and location, to create a “Boot Camp” to fight the war on fat.

“The term ‘Boot Camp’ is associated in the minds of many people as an outdoor military camp, with lots of sweating and strict discipline. We provide sweating and discipline, but in a fun, encouraging environment.  Campers may have the goal of losing weight or just the goal of keeping in shape,” Green said. “We try to structure every workout around the needs of our boot campers. Some have previous injuries or health issues and some need to stay in shape for school sports. Our campers range in age from 16 to 60.”

To provide the outside environment, she has chosen Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin.

“Many people are intimidated by a gym environment, so I chose the park, since it is ‘user friendly’ with over a mile of framed walking trails filled with recycled rubber pathways circling the park,” she said. “They are perfect for low-impact exercises.”

Workout stations are strategically located throughout the park, with instructions on how to use them in a variety of strength challenges.

“In addition to these permanent stations, we use the tennis courts, racquetball courts, park benches and anything else we can find to make the exercises more fun and exciting,” Green said.

By utilizing the outdoors, Green is able to keep her fees reasonable, structuring them as “daily drop-in,” “12 workout punch-cards (good for either camp)” or “one-month sessions”.

As a mother of two young boys, Green understands the rigors of life often make it difficult for men and women to find workout time. Consequently, she schedules two daily classes, one at 7 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, for the early working people, and another at 6 on Mondays and Wednesdays for the after-work group. Currently, she has about 30 “students” enrolled.

Green holds certifications from ACE (American Council of Exercise)” IFPA, SCW, AFPA, Cycle Reebok and Cardio Kickboxing. She started her first camp in April, and weather permitting hopes to continue it throughout the year.

“We had some cool days in the spring and some hot days in the summer, and dressed accordingly,” she said. “If the winter weather, with snow and/or sub-freezing temperatures occur, we will be prepared to move indoors. She includes cardio workouts, strength training workouts and boot camp style games to keep the workouts fresh and surprising.”

Some days the programs are individually tailored and some days we work in groups and or pairs.

“I consult with each student to establish a personal goal and then we discuss weekly his/her progress in reaching that goal,” she said.

To enroll or obtain more information, call Green at 443-880-8885, email pgreen63@gmail.com or like Berlin Boot Camp on Facebook.