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Ultimate Boot Camp

It became clear fairly quickly that Ultimate Boot Camp owner and instructor Peter LaVelle enjoyed the art of deception. After collecting each of the Ultimate Boot Camp’s 30 participants’ bags and keys in the middle of the Boston Common, the red-headed Irishman delivered his first cliffhanger.

“You’re all going to run all the way up to the top of this hill until you reach the Fox News studio, and then you’re all going to turn around and run all the way back down,” LaVelle said. (10 second pause.) “And you’re going to do that four times.”

The only other male in the class, marketing coordinator Kevin Milhomme, and I ran the four repetitions together. Two girls, who we convinced ourselves had to be Division 1 college athletes, decidedly beat us. When we returned to the starting line, Peter quickly moved us to an open grass field. He then demonstrated techniques that reminded me of third-grade field day: crab walks, wheelbarrow races and jump-skips. He split the class into groups of four, and we held relay races incorporating each of the new exercises. Before long, my arms and shoulders burned, and the only parallel with elementary school field day was that I had freshly mowed grass all over my arms and legs.

Next we paired up in groups of two and did timed sit-ups. When our abs were spent, Peter mapped out a course for suicide sprint relays and again split the class into groups of four. There would be no standing still, Peter ensured, even for the three members of the relay team not running. As the non-runners waited for their turns, they did simultaneous lateral pull-downs and knee raises. Returning to his love for the art of suspense, Peter often pushed back the final suicide line, demanding that a particular runner sprint an extra 10 yards.

That day’s workout was the finale of a four-week cycle, and Peter, as he had all morning, provided encouragement for continued fitness.

Sweat factor: A sweat-soaked shirt collected the Boston Common’s freshly cut grass.

Most humbling comment: “Turn around and finish your run, boys. The girls are already finished.” –Ultimate Boot Camp owner Peter LaVelle.

Pluses: A full-body workout with constant encouragement from an instructor and peers.

Minuses: It’s always outdoors regardless of the weather conditions.
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Read article in its entirety at newenglandsportsmag.com

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