Ever since I started regularly attending Burn Boot Camp (BBC), I feel like I cannot shut up about it because I love it so darn much. It is, without a doubt, my favorite group exercise class I’ve ever taken (if you can even call it a class – it feels more like a group personal/athletic training experience) and it’s a workout I truly look forward to on an almost-daily basis.
Why Burn Boot Camp?
So what motivated me to try it out in the first place? Childcare. Yep, the fact that Burn Boot Camp offers free childcare was all I needed to hear to try it out for the first time after Chase was born and I was cleared to resume a fitness routine again.
I also heard my friend Brittany rave about it and even though we don’t live close enough to each other to attend the same BBC location, all BBC locations follow the same workout schedule which is published on the BBC Facebook page every Sunday evening. (The workouts BBC trainers create are unique to each trainer and location but follow a similar format.) Brittany highlighted the fact that the workouts are never the same and that they are seriously challenging (but still scalable to all fitness levels) which sounded right up my alley. I love variety and a good challenge, so I was instantly intrigued.
Now that I’ve been regularly attending BBC for more than six months, if someone were to ask me why they should try Burn Boot Camp, I could list a myriad of reasons ranging from the quality of the trainers and the supportive environment to the challenging workout and the seriously motivating (and friendly!) women who attend.
(Also, I should note that even though Burn Boot Camp’s tagline is “A Community of Fit Moms” it is definitely NOT only open to mothers. While it is wonderful for moms who need childcare, there are tons of women who regularly attend BBC who do not have children.)
What to Expect at Burn Boot Camp
A Burn Boot Camp workout lasts 45 minutes and includes a warm up, challenging workout and a finisher.
- The Warm Up
All Burn Boot Camp workouts follow a similar format and begin with a warm up that focuses on dynamic exercises (think less stretching and more movement for an active warm up). Depending on the day, the warm up will include anything from push ups and high knees to running and lunges. All exercises performed during the warm up are bodyweight-only exercises meant to warm up the muscles and prepare your body for the workout to come!
- The Workout
Once the warm up is done, your trainer will explain the workout of the day. Burn Boot Camp workouts follow a circuit format so there are multiple exercises to perform in every workout. If you’ve been a PBF reader for a while, BBC workouts are very similar to the circuit-style workouts I’ve been sharing on this blog for years but with the added benefit of a trainer who is there to push you!
What exercises are included in the workout depend on the day and often include challenging strength training exercises and high intensity cardio exercises such as burpees, mountain climbers and tuck jumps. (Trainers are always available to offer modifications for any exercise.) Tip: When the workout protocol calls for Metabolic Conditioning or Athletic Conditioning know you will be sweating up a storm!
Workouts are spaced appropriately through the week to prevent injury (you won’t be strength training your upper body two days in a row, for example) and you have a head’s up about what to expect each day thanks to the workout schedule posted on the BBC headquarters’ Facebook page.
- The Finisher
As the name implies, the Finisher takes place at the end of the workout and is meant to kick your butt one final time before the workout is over. Finishers usually last five minutes or less and are often the most challenging part of the workout. I have yet to do the same Finisher during a BBC workout but know I can expect them to often include plyometric exercises, sprints or challenging isometric holds.
Burn Boot Camp Inspired Workouts
To give you a better idea about the structure of the workouts, below you will find a small sampling of Burn Boot Camp inspired workouts I’ve shared on PBF in the past:
- Burn Boot Camp 15 Minute Leg Workout
- Burn Boot Camp Pyramid Workout
- Upper Body Superset Workout
- Leg + Plyo Workout
What Does It Cost?
- Free Saturday Workouts
First, you can attend Burn Boot Camp for FREE at any location every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. This is a great way to see if the workouts are a good fit for you (and also a wonderful hassle-free way for current members to invite friends). For the most part, Saturday workouts are full-body and often have a cardio focus, so they’re a great way to see how tough BBC workouts can be right off the bat!
- 14 Day Test Trial
All BBC locations offer a complimentary two-week test trial. If you really want to get a good feel for Burn Boot Camp, this is a great way to immerse yourself in the workouts for two weeks to make sure it’s a good fit for you!
I’m not sure if all BBC locations have embraced Groupon as a great way to attract new members, but the BBC locations in our area are all about it! A Groupon is almost always available for $35 for a one-month trial or $55 for a one month trial for TWO people. (This is actually the route I went at first!)
- Membership
Membership prices vary depending upon location and contract duration but generally range from $99 – $199 a month. Definitely reach out to a location near you for a better idea of what a membership at your local BBC location would cost!
In full disclosure, my membership fees to Burn Boot Camp have now been waived, as the owner kindly offered to do so since I’ve been blogging about it so much. I have never been paid to mention BBC and this post is not sponsored in any way. I just love the workout SO darn much and wanted to answer reader questions and share a little bit more about something that has quickly become a highlight in my day with you guys! I hope this post helps you know what to expect at a Burn Boot Camp workout!
Questions of the Day
- What is your all-time favorite group fitness workout?
- Is there a group fitness workout out there that you are dying to try that you haven’t been able to experience yet?
Burn Boot Camp is my favorite though BodyPump was definitely my first major group fitness love. I’ve also tried Orangetheory (see here) and I would love to try Orangetheory and CorePower Yoga. And if you want to try my favorite at-home workouts, you can browse the entire library here!
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This sounds like such a great workout! Thanks for sharing this! It can be intimidating to start new classes.
Kim
http://bit.ly/23Bj9YM … a new take on a pencil skirt!
There is a new location opening up right down the road for me and they are offering a 30 day free trial. Since you seem to love it so much, I thought I would give it a try. I have kind of been a rut lately with my fitness routine, so I thought something more structured would be just the thing.
I love Bodypump and Spin class, but I feel like I need a bit more guidance on solo workouts.
I’d love to know what differences you see in your fitness with BBC. Knowing you were a big fan of BP, is there any physical changes you see with this format? I’d like to find a workout that motivates me to attend week after week!
I am doing the Commit to Fit challenge at the Huntersville location. My girlfriend and I are addicted. We feel guilty if we miss a 5:30a session. I’m also doing Orangetheory which is AMAZING! They offer a free first class to check it out! Thanks for the post 🙂
I’m an OrangeTheory enthusiast but a BBC is opening in my area on Monday so I’m doing the 30 day free trial. I’m just curious how you alternate between the two? Do you ever do both in one day?
I do a boot camp/insanity style class 3x per week at my gym. I love it! I wish burn boot camp was in the Boston area, boot camp style work outs are my favorite.
That is amazing they offer childcare along with their workouts! What a perfect thing. Thanks for sharing – awesome that you get it for free now.
Thank you so much for a detailed review of what to expect. I’m hoping a location opens up near me soon! I also want to try Orange theory because I’ve heard great things about it.
Wow, this looks like such a great workout class!! I am still obsessed with body pump!! I just love it!
Great post. I have to share my workout obsession with you – POUND!! I have been taking it for the past couple years, got certified last summer, and now teach it 2 times per week at a barre studio near me in Massachusetts. Pound is a 45-minute cardio jam session where you have weighted drumsticks and ROCK out! It is the best workout I have ever done – so much fun – and you leave the class dripping in sweat every time!!
Great short video to learn more about it – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlMaHd63HbU&feature=youtu.be&mc_cid=7f984657a2&mc_eid=2d62649052
https://poundfit.com/
You’re right Allison, it is awesome! My gym offers Pound Combo. I wish there was more cardio included (in the class I take) because those cardio sections really get my heart pumping.
I cannot emphasize enough how much I LOVE BBC. If I ever had to move to a place that didn’t have one, I don’t know what I’d do with my life. I look forward to working out every single day!
SAME!! I honestly have the exact same thought… I would be SO bummed to move away from it!
Ah thanks so much for telling us about it! BBC sounds like SO much and fun!! I love the varied incorporation of different kinds of pylo style workouts . Right up my alley! When does it come to Europe? 😀
Sounds similar to where I teach here in Chicago. Every day the workout is different and we have all sorts of equipment like treads, rowers, boxes, weights, KBs, etc. I fell in love with the high-intensity of it as soon as I took my first class and now I teach there! Glad you’ve found a workout you enjoy and that childcare is perfect!
Mind reader! My husband and I are moving to Charlotte in two weeks and I recently looked into Burn Boot Camp since you mention it so often but was turned off of it because I had the impression it was for mothers! I love Orange Theory and was planning on joining one of the gyms in South Charlotte but will definitely give this a try too before I make my choice 🙂
I really wanted to include that in my post because I texted two friends who live in Virginia to let them know they HAVE to try it when the one that is set to open near them officially opens and they both thought it was only for moms. Defintely not the case!
I teach Zumba and love it! But I also love taking Body Combat, Body Attack, Les Mills Griit and R.I.P.P.E.D. I’m temporarily living somewhere else and I am going to really MISS being able to access these classes when I leave.
Classes I am dying to take but that will never be offered where I live: PlYojam, OrangeTheory, TurboJam, Les Mills Body Jam, and Barry’s Bootcamp.
Sounds fun! Also you should definitely try out Orange Theory Fitness! I started going a couple of months ago and really love the added benefits of knowing your heart rate throughout the workout and being coached to hit certain ranges during different points of the workout. Having some data really helps motivate me through the tougher parts of the workout. I think you would really like it!
I love these style workouts. I wonder if there are any around in PA right now. See, just another reason i should move south 😀
Ashburn, Virginia – my town! Nice! Although I love my current gym, I will definitely check out this location when it opens!
I’ll have to see where the location is in Wisconsin! I would love to try it out! I love your blog. Where do you get the motivation to work out everyday? I really want to make it part of everyday life but it’s hard to be motivated.
The BBC location in WI is in LaCrosse! As for motivation, I think a lot of it comes from finding workouts I really enjoy doing! I really LOVE BBC workouts so I truly do look forward to going every day… And it also helps that they have childcare so it’s pretty much the only 45-minutes of free “me time” I get when I’m not in mom mode either, so that definitely helps me feel motivated. Personally, I think the key is finding a workout you LOVE and then the motivation comes much more naturally. Oh! And before Chase, I always found that working out first thing in the morning worked well for me since nothing ever got in the way on my calendar then! And thanks so much for the kind words!!
Sounds like so much fun!! I am on a huge Pure Barre kick currently! I just love it!
Pure Barre is great! I loved it so much but have a much harder time making it there without childcare. :/ It’s a great workout!
A burn bootcamp recently opened less than 5 mins from my house! (I live in madeira beach, fl) I will have to check it out. I currently do orange theory and absolutely love it!
I got SO excited when I read that there will be BBC in NY…except, it’s only downstate! I’ll have to spread the word to my friends though so I can live vicariously through them :p
Question: Do you like it more than Body Pump?
Ah I just realized they’re coming to Richmond! I’m so excited and it’s near my house which is awesome! Thanks for letting us know Julie! 🙂
Wow – this sounds amazing! Hope that they get over to Denver shortly. There’s a gym in Chicago that sounds similar called SWEAT, but I haven’t found anything similar in Colorado quite yet.
P.S. Today’s my first day of full time blogging. I’m about to hop into your “Blogging” area to check out your tips, but let us know if you have any new learnings. 🙂
My first experience with Group Exercise classes were in college where our campus offered unlimited group exercise classes for the year for $20! I loved Zumba and step aerobics even if I couldn’t always keep up!
I live in New York now and your posts about BBC have me very interested and nervous! I just signed up for th free 30 day program they are offering to people in NY so here’s hoping it inspires me to kick my butt into shape!
How old was your little guy when you first went to BBC? I’m only 12 days post-partum but already miss my exercise and can’t wait for my 6 week postpartum check-up to get moving again, but I’m a little nervous about leaving him in a gym nursery – I don’t want him to get any germs or anything. I’m sure I’m being paranoid as a first time Mom, but just wondering!
Thanks!
I honestly can’t remember but I want to say we first went when Chase was around 8 weeks? I went two times by myself to check out the childcare (when my mom was in town to watch Chase) and speak with everyone before I felt comfortable bringing him with me! Also, BIG congrats to you, Ashley!!! <3
I havent done many strength training group fitness classes but I think I might try some in the future. I might move to the carolinas in the next year so I will definitely check out if BBC is around me to switch up my workouts. I love zumba classes. I usually weight train on my own and I also teach yoga.
I’m a group fitness class junkie! My favorite is Jazzercise, followed by Group Power and HiiT classes at my gym. I’d really like to try Pure Barre but the closest location is 30 minutes away and super expensive. BBC sounds like a fun class. I’ll definitely check it out if it ever comes near me.
This looks like such a great workout! I wish this was around me! High intensity training is great and I really really like circuit-like workouts like this.
Hi Julie! First, I have to say thank you for your BBC recommendation. My friend and I live in South Charlotte and split the 2 person Groupon in March and have continued on through April doing the Commit to Fit challenge because we immediately became obsessed. I agree that it a great workout and easy to motivate myself to go to because it is so enjoyable yet a guaranteed sweet session that leaves me sore and feeling accomplished. However, unlike you, the childcare at our location isn’t great. I try and go to the 615am class before my husband goes to work as much as possible but he travels a lot and the two times I have taken my 1 year old daughter to the childcare there have been awful. The last time I tried it when I went to get her out of the childcare room she was in the middle of the room crying all by herself looking so pathetic (<—I seriously tear up just thinking about this). So while I LOVE BBC and would love to continue on year round, at know it is not feasible for me at this point in my life when childcare is a definitely must for working out. I am so happy that your location's childcare is awesome though!
Oh no!!! That is awful! Have you emailed headquarters? I think this is definitely something you may want to tell them about! I have only had the most wonderful experiences with our childcare and would hate to think it’s not the same for other moms at other locations!
So wish I had a BBC near me!
Where are those leggings in the first picture from?! (The gray ones)
Lululemon! I got them last year 🙂
I would love these workouts! I feel like my gym doesn’t offer enough circuit training, they need to expand their franchise! Right now I’m obsessed with attending Body Pump, I’m still sore from doing the new release last Thursday, lol.
Oh man I wish they had something like this in Canada. I have always wanted to try Orange Theory but with a gym membership that offers great classes it’s hard to justify! I’m a total BodyPump/Spin gym rat but love all the Les Mills classes. I also got into Barre Workouts but again a membership fee to a boutique class plus a gym membership is tough. Luckily my gym has a daycare (not free though..you’re sooo lucky!) so that helps and Sully loves it there so at least I get an hour of me time and he’s having some great social time!
Thanks for the information Julie! The location in Greensboro is offering a 30 day free trial so I thought i’d give it a try! 🙂
Hi Julie
I am currently part of a crossfit community. I am not your typical crossfit athlete by any means however I love the community and feeling accomplished after the workout regardless of how scaled it may have been.
Is BBC scalable? I am not able to run unfortunately. Outside of that I can do most anything I just have to scale it around a bad knee and now my low back.
Love to hear your thoughts.
I plan to try out Burn Boot Camp but I’m not a mom and I haven’t worked out in over 6 months. I prefer a single sex environment when I work out so that’s why this caught my eye. Would I be able to keep up given my beyond sub-par fitness level? 🙂
I am a 49 year old woman who is really interested in BBC. I’m out of shape at this point, would I still be able to keep up or do they accommodate for those of us who are not ready to do the full amount at full tilt?
Absolutely!!!! I am currently 37 weeks pregnant and still going to boot camp and we have a ton of women of all ages attending any given day. The trainers are WONDERFUL at modifying exercises and so encouraging of all fitness levels. I cannot recommend it enough! If you’re at all apprehensive when you arrive, I’d get there a little bit early so you can speak directly with the trainer who will immediately put your mind at ease.
There is a new location opening near me in PA. I am considering trying it out. Do you happen to know the time(s) of day the classes are generally offered? I work full time and have a baby and am wondering if it will fit into my schedule.
this is my first full week at BBC. I ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT!! I was the best decision I made. The atmosphere and support from everyone is what makes it so awesome.
isn’t it the best!?!? my fav workout i’ve ever done without a doubt!
Thank you Julie for your wonderful blog about burn boot camp.
I live in Centerville Ohio and a new location opened up 3 weeks ago and I am truly obsessed!
They are doing a 30 for 30!
I have done various workouts;Cycling,body pump, pure barre, grit,
Burn is by far the most challenging and rewarding of all.
Thank you for your awesome blog!
Your burn sister
Julie ?