Ever wonder what being in the military is like? Yeah, me either. I already spend at least an hour at the gym every morning. So when a friend asked me to join her for a morning of “Boot Camp,” I thought, Pff, how hard could it be?

She warned me that the workout would begin promptly at 5:30—yep, in the a.m.—so I woke at 4:30, sipped some coffee and arrived at the modified warehouse of Altitude Peak Fitness a few minutes early. Those already there ranged in body type, while I tend toward the slim, athletic side. Again, I thought, how hard could this be?

The Few, The Proud

As promised, we were out the door on a warm-up jog right on time. I’m not accustomed to running around Coors Field while the moon is clearly visible, but getting the blood flowing in the cool April air proved invigorating, and we were back at the fitness center within ten minutes.

A quick round of introductions and Melinda, the instructor, began. 

“All right, we only have time to explain the stations once, so listen up!”

She quickly demonstrated each of the various exercises, which by the end of the session would work most major muscle groups, from shoulders to calves. Piece of cake, I thought. She set a timer and off we went. 

Half the class powered through strength-builders like one-legged squats, bicep curls, wall stands (repeated handstands against a wall) and reverse scissor kicks for a minute and a half before moving to the next station. Melinda, meanwhile, coached the other half through front kicks, side kicks, squat kicks and reverse lunges, her eyes on each “camper” to ensure proper form and an effective tempo and to commend those doing well.

By 6:45 a.m., my legs were quivering, my arms were trembling, and my shirt was ringed with sweat. And it felt great! Melinda guided the class through a series of cool-down stretches, again careful to ensure everyone’s correct form. As we left, adrenaline and endorphins were streaming through the body, sending all campers on a pre-workday high like no coffee can do.

Cassie Ward, who initially joined a six-week Boot Camp program, was ready to sign up at an annual rate after her first week. “What I really like is the accountability. It’s a small group and everyone’s really cool, so if I don’t show up one day, they’re like, ‘Where were you yesterday?’”

Nicole Chiantello, another committed annual camper, commented, “The morning trainers are all really good. They’re energetic, motivating, and fun to work out with.”

Though Altitude Peak Fitness recently began to offer an annual rate, their focus isn’t on annual contracts like other gyms.

Yes Sir, Thank You Sir, May I Have Another, Sir?”

“Membership isn’t a thing with us,” said Tiffinie Wyers, Altitude’s owner. “Most people sign up for one camp at a time and come back. We have a maximum capacity of 30 in any one camp, up to 120 [between all Boot Camp classes]. We have to make sure you like it because you’re there for six weeks and then you can go somewhere else.”

Campers range from age 19 to 52 and span the spectrum of fitness levels. To accommodate everyone, Altitude also offers “Base Camp,” a cardio and weight training program that’s less intense than Boot Camp, as well as Pilates, which focuses on breathing, balance and core strength. And keeping with their practice of fitness both indoors and out, Altitude coordinates the Altitude Running, Hiking and Ski/Ride Clubs.

“I always wanted to have my own business,” said Wyers, “and I have a passion for fitness.  It’s a great way to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Commenting on Altitude’s philosophy, Wyers added, “We’re more ‘real fitness for real people.’ We don’t tell people they always have to eat healthy or can’t miss a day of Boot Camp.  We work with people to be more realistic. If 80 percent [of the time] you’re eating healthy and doing your workouts, you’re going to live a healthier life.”

While Altitude’s Boot Camp may not be as militaristic as the Army’s, don’t be fooled, it’s challenging—as challenging as you want it to be. But if you’re like thousands of other people, paying monthly dues to a gym you never go to, or just wishing you were in better shape, Boot Camp may provide the supportive atmosphere and workout program to turn your good intentions and abandoned resolutions into results.

Photos courtesy of Tiffanie Wyers