By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



Residents in the Gardendale area will have a chance next month to take part in an intensive method to lose weight and get into shape.

Romen McDonald of Beach Body Boot Camps will host a fitness boot camp at the Gardendale Soccer Complex starting on Aug. 4.

McDonald said that people are sometimes intimidated by the term “fitness boot camp,” but he said there’s no need to worry.

“We’re not wearing military clothes and blowing whistles and shouting orders,” said McDonald.

He said, however, that the fitness camp is intense.

It focuses on metabolic strength training designed to boost one’s metabolism, according to McDonald.

He said that participants usually complete the fitness camp stronger and leaner.

“Women tend to like it because they lose weight,” he said.

Classes usually consist of men and women of all fitness levels, “from beginners to marathon runners,” said McDonald.

He finds fitness camps, which he usually conducts in parks or similar outdoor settings, to be successful because of peer support.

“It helps people be motivated and be accountable,” McDonald said.

He said he likes to see the changes in people as the camp progresses.

“Their confidence increases. They smile more and have so much more energy,” said McDonald. “And their clothes start to fit a little baggier.”

McDonald has conducted fitness camps across Birmingham. This is his first in Gardendale.

He said he chose Gardendale because there is not a similar program in the area.

“It’s a good area,” he said. “All they have is gyms around there. People tend to get tired of the same old gym routine. Most people sign up and go for a week, and never go back.”

McDonald, who has a degree in nutrition, said he has been a fitness professional for more than six years. He is a certified fitness trainer.

The boot camp is for adults or for teens 16 and older with an adult participating with them.

For a fee of $250, participants will work out three days a week – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – for six weeks.

The boot camp will begin Aug. 4. Classes begin at 5 a.m. and will last about an hour.

To sign up or to learn more, call McDonald at 835-9770 or visit www.beachbodybootcamps.com.