January 7, 2018
With the changing of the calendar year, many of us set New Year’s Resolutions. While these resolutions cover a range of positive intentions, the new year often represents a time when people recommit to their personal health and fitness. Some resolutions stick, while more probably fall by the wayside – and I’d be lying if I said I had never set my own fitness focused resolution or two over the years that, just a few short weeks later, was long forgotten.
This year, I didn’t put a “fitter lifestyle” resolution on my list. Why? Had I already given up on myself before the year had even started?
Quite the contrary! A couple of years ago, after holding memberships to several different “standard” gyms and dabbling in lots of different exercise specific boutique studios, I discovered Basecamp in Burlingame, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
What is Basecamp?
While Basecamp offers broader gym access during normal operating hours, it’s basically a class-based studio focused on high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The 45-minute class includes 35 minutes of alternating 1 minute strength training and cardio training intervals, followed by 10 minutes of core. That’s it! So simple! The workout changes daily, and you determine your own level of difficulty.
Why do I love it so much?
- In. Out. Done.: This is one of Basecamp’s slogans, and it’s one of my favorite parts of the workout. You only need to fit in a 45-minute workout into your day, and the workout moves quickly.
- 1 Minute Intervals: If I’m being most honest, one thing that drives me crazy about some other fitness classes I’ve taken is that I never know how long I’m doing something or what’s coming next. Basecamp solves this for me by a) making me only do anything for 1 minute, and b) showing me what’s up next on a big screen tv for all to see. I can do anything for a minute!
- Standardized Format: Every class has the same format, so, while the workouts change, you always know what to expect from a Basecamp class.
- New Workouts Daily: Each day of the month has a different workout – including a different body focus (either muscle group or full body) and different workout tools (e.g., all barbell/dumbbell, TRX, plyometrics, etc.) so it’s tough to get bored. Plus, if you’re like me and there are some types of exercises you personally would never do in an independent workout because you kind of hate them, the revolving workouts ensure that you get diversity in your workouts. Plus, if you’re really looking for something different they do pepper yoga and boxing classes into the class schedule as well.
- Community: The Basecamp community is AMAZING! Everyone is super friendly and it’s not uncommon for folks to stroll over to Starbucks, Peet’s, or Phil’s on Burlingame Avenue after Saturday/Sunday morning classes. Plus, there’s not really a “standard” Basecamper – we cover a range of shapes, sizes, and fitness levels, and we all workout at our own level.
The most important part of any workout is that you show up and do it. Between the great workouts and the community spirit, Basecamp gets me in the door day in and day out.
If you’re looking for a new workout or gym to call home this year, come join me at Basecamp in Burlingame! We’d love to have you!
Note: This is not a sponsored post, and I have not been compensated in any way for sharing my thoughts today – I just love Basecamp that much!
