The inevitable happened.
Winter is over, and the chunky sweaters we’ve been nestled under must be exchanged for summer ensembles and bathing suits. Before the temperatures scorch us with Dallas’ typical summer heat, hit up some outdoor boot camps. We’ve scouted the best ones, and – Better yet – some of them are free.
My very first boot camp experience was with Johnson. I vividly remember my alarm going off at 5 a.m. and shaking in my laced-up tennis shoes, nervous to face the drill sergeant himself. I had seen Johnson on CMT’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, and he was rough and tough. To this day, his remains one of the hardest fitness classes I’ve ever attended. You can expect to see ab gliders, heavy poles for carrying while running, and many other torture-inducing apparatuses. Jay Johnson’s Boot Camp has several camps throughout the North Texas, so you can find one close to you. The camps are at varying times, accommodating the early birds and night owls. There are several opportunities for price breaks, so check out their website before paying the full $195 for the first-time session.
Register for a class here.
Omni Dallas
If you’re looking for a less expensive and less frequent Jay Johnson Boot Camp option, Omni Dallas has you covered. Every Monday and Wednesday, from 5:30-6:30 a.m., the hotel offers military-style workouts led by Johnson. It’s $10 per class and no signup is required. Just show up in the main lobby and be prepared to run throughout the hotel, pool deck, and 23 flights of stairs. My glutes are hurting just thinking about it.
Lorna Jane
Lorna Jane apparel can be spotted at any studio or gym in town. The Australian brand is gaining traction and becoming a prime choice for workout wear. But they go beyond clothing. Attached to the West Village location is a fitness studio. They have two free boot camp classes each week. Wednesday is the Bikini Boot Camp and Saturday is the Bridal Boot Camp. This camp has some indoor elements as well. The trainers get very inventive with their usage of West Village elements in the various workouts. Expect to do box jumps on ledges and push-ups on sidewalks.
Bikini Boot Camp
When: 5 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Lorna Jane West Village
Cost: Free
Bridal Boot Camp
When: 11 a.m. Saturdays
Where: Lorna Jane West Village
Cost: Free
Camp Gladiator
When I think of the boot camp experience, I think of Camp Gladiator. They are mighty in numbers, but their classes also pack a huge punch. One thing to know with this boot camp workout is you need to bring your own mat and dumbbells. When you sign up, you get unlimited workouts. Also, you aren’t restricted to one location, so feel free to mix up your workout routine. If you want to sign up for 12 months, it will cost $69 per month. If you’re looking for a shorter commitment, you can do six months for $79.
Sign up here.
Nike+ Training Club
This free outdoor boot camp takes place in NorthPark Center’s courtyard and welcomes all fitness levels. The boot camp meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays. This boot camp evolved from the Nike+ Training app, where participants could do their own workouts at home with the guided programming. The format of the NorthPark Center classes has many parallels to the workouts you can find on the app. The bonus is that the Nike team provides any additional workout items, such as mats or hand weights, needed for the workouts.
Learn more here.
