Boot camp for a sissy

July 12, 2006 by karen

This morning I decided to try out boot camp with Matt Hayes. I have always wanted to go to boot camp or do basic training. Whenever I hear of a celebrity who needed to go through “basic training” to get in shape for a role, I get all kinds of jealous.

Our meeting started at 7 a.m. in Washington Square Park, but my morning started with me running out of the house at 6:12 a.m. frantically trying to catch one of the few F trains that run before rush hour. I looked like a maniac running down 7th ave with my purse and giant water bottle. Did I mention I was wearing black socks with white and orange trainers?

I was expecting to arrive at bootcamp, do a few bicep curls, maybe some push ups and call it a day. Unfortunately, Matt had other plans for me. I made the mistake of telling him right from the start that I have run a (singular) marathon and that I like to race (sometimes). I did not however, mention that I am no where near any sort of training shape. Ugh.

I mentioned to Matt that I like to do yoga push ups instead of the real ones “because they are easier” and he said “Easier isn’t always better.” I know. Then he noticed my bocce t-shirt and asked about it. I said “It’s a good sport to play when you drink.” Which, in hindsight, is probably not the best thing to tell your boot camp instructor, and he responded with, “As the wedding gets closer, slow down on the alcohol, it won’t help stress, and will get you drunk.” I know. Where’s the problem?

Because I work across the street from the park, I was certain someone from work would see me wearing boxing gloves, but thankfully my colleagues don’t roll in until 9:30 a.m. The workout included a gazillion exercises with a gazillion reps as Matt would never start counting until I had already done 40 or so reps it seemed. We did everything from squats, to boxing, to running, to some sort of shot put exercise. It was a miserable experience and I realize all the working out I have been doing pre-wedding has been void of any real work. When we were done, my face was dark crimson and I was sweating more than Alex (for people who know Alex, you know he sweats a lot).

After we wrapped up, I grabbed my work clothes and headed to the gym to shower. On the way to work, I stopped at Think Coffee, which is my new favorite coffee shop. Everything is organic and delicious, which is why I decided to off-set my morning workout with a gigantic Pumpkin Spice muffin and an iced coffee. Not exactly the “fresh fruit” Matt suggested I eat this morning.

Overall I give bootcamp a…… B+. Matt was super nice and chatty, and not too lenient with the breaks, which I suppose is the point?

Posted in Sports