ACTIVE TRAVEL
A new bootcamp is redefining the once strict military-style experience, says Georgie Bentley-Buckle
Standing in an idyllic walled garden that is saturated by sunshine and filled with pink roses, I find myself blasting out burpees, driving dumbbells above my head and strapping on boxing gloves. While I may be surrounded by pictureperfect meadows in the depths of the Kent countryside, this isn’t the typical English escape I’d expect to find myself on, as I discover a new type of bootcamp that is doing things a little differently.
The word ‘bootcamp’ conjures visions of punishment. From crawling through the mud in an uncomfortable camouflaged uniform, to being screamed at all hours of the day.
However, 1st Class Bootcamp (1stclassbootcamp.com) flips the script and revolutionises the concept to ensure they’ll bring you up, not break you down.
Founder Tom Brown and his team of professionals have come together on a mission to redefine the bootcamp experience. Across four nights and three days, from dawn ’til dusk, I dived headfirst into various types of challenging workouts as well as savoured bespoke, goal-orientated meals, listened to educational seminars and enjoyed blissful periods of recovery in the comfort of the converted barn, complete with pool house.
GETTING SOCIAL
Whether exercising in the garden, under the eaves of the barn or devouring one of the professionally crafted meals, team spirit is the name of the game at 1st Class Bootcamp. It unites people of all ages and abilities who pull together.
Understanding that changing habits is hard, my teammates and I are educated on how to implement small changes into our lives; as Tom says: “You can work out for one hour a day, but it’s the other 23 that count”. I not only develop new friendships, but spend time with a group of coaches that care and who take my wellness and fitness goals seriously. They do this by challenging me to find my best self, while providing tools to make a lifelong change.
FINDING YOUR WHY
As I step from my car I am warmly welcomed by Sophie, the bootcamp’s manager. Adding a feminine touch, her warm energy guides me around the spacious farmhouse, complete with a heated swimming pool, manicured garden, courtyard and contemporary open-plan living space. Stepping into my cosy en-suite room, Sophie leaves me with a welcome hamper filled with items to help me feel at home. I pull out items including a scented pillow spray, heated face and eye masks and a personalised note.
Digging deep to find the reason why attendees want to make last
