Practical Action

As I sit here, unable to walk, I reflect upon yesterday’s new experience: Boot Camp.

In September, one of my best friends is climbing Kilimanjaro. To raise money for her chosen charity, Practical Action, Gabs decided to organise a charity boot camp (or ‘booty camp’ as I prefer to call it- its just cuter and honestly, its the only part of me that doesn’t hurt, which brings me some happiness).

I can’t say that I was thrilled at the prospect.

Don’t get me wrong, as a dancer, I love being active and fit. However, I prefer to do so in a way where I don’t actually realise that I am exercising- the lesser-known ‘indirectercise’.

So, when I dance, I’m focused on the music and performance. When I swim, I can pretend I’m on an exotic beach somewhere hot and fabulous. And during those long, romantic walks that I take, generally in the direction of the kitchen, I am focused on the treat that I get at the end.

Organised exercise for me, however, tends to end like this:

But as it was for such an amazing cause, I said yes.

(I’m not entirely sure what we’re doing here, but I am positive that it hurt)

Much to my amazement, I really enjoyed it! Our friend and qualified personal trainer, Domi Saffrin, took the 2 hour session. I think we all arrived with the impression that she would take it easy on us. Oh, how wrong we were.

We circuited, we drilled and we bunny hopped (?!) our bodies into total (yet satisfying) exhaustion.

A note to all aspiring personal trainers: when you’re able to keep a group of relax-orientated, 21 year old girls smiling, whilst working out in the boiling sun, as opposed to reclining on sun loungers with a glass (pitcher) of Pimms each, you’re doing a bloody good job!

So, following a delicious lunch, I was able to tick boot(y) camp off of my never-ending list of things to do. Whats more, I even intend to do more in the future…even if only to see my friends unbecoming attempts at ‘squat jumping’ once more.