Ultimate Bootcamp

This review is not a reflection on the trainers of the South Boston bootcamp location (Kim and Katie are so awesome, I can’t stand it). This review is all about the way they run their company. I’ve been a member since March of 2012. In these two plus years, I have taken ONE session off (and did it in the winter in –10 degrees). I happily pay my money and off I go. However, this company changes their membership, ulti passes, ‘free offers’, ‘new programs (on learning how to run a 5K-​here is a FREE tip: read about how to do this on the internet), nutrition management, new locations, blah, blah blah. As members, here is what we’d like to see: one fee that does not change every month (or goes up but within reason), the ability to get a small discount if we choose to take a week of vacation, not being locked into a membership to get a junkie discount, not seeing you post pictures of Oscar Pistorius on your website as motivation-he’s on trial for killing his girlfriend. Ultimate bootcamp-​your workouts and their tough simplicity are on par-​your endless emails about promotions and new member options, barefoot bootcamps (ugh) that don’t make sense, are not.
If it weren’t for the trainers and the tough workouts, I’d happily switch to another game in town. Maybe one that still offered free t-​shirts.

Great, bare-​bones workout for 60 minutes. I have only attended the South Boston location. Instructors begin right on time and have you running around, squatting, jumping, crawling through sand, you name it. I have tried several varieties of bootcamps and calisthenics classes and I have found this to be one of the most effective workouts. The instructors keep each day unique and everyone who shows up, WANTS to work hard. All you need is sneakers and water, everything else is provided by them, but activities are typically those which use your own body weight and endurance. Kim from South Boston is ruthless and makes you work-​it and also has a great sense of humor. Definitely worth checking out/​worth the money – and when the weather is nice, can’t beat a workout on the beach! Note: You can’t be afraid to get dirty… a lot of time is spent on the ground in the dirt, grass, sand, snow…

Here’s how it works:
–You sign up online and pay through Paypal (for a streamlined process, do this before noon on the Thursday before your session starts or you have to go through some customer service ballyhoo to sign up.)
— You show up dressed in workout clothes, sneakers and a winning attitude. BRING H2O!
–You get in sick shape
I am in my fourth session of 2x per week Ultimate Bootcamp (with a 2 month hiatus between the 3^rd and 4^th sessions) and I’ve never been in such great shape. I craved going back to 6am workouts because of how strong i became, how mentally healthy I felt and how amazing I slept those nights! These workouts are legit! They are very challenging, but you can go at your own pace for everything and if there are some people who lag, the rest of the group just holds a plank or gets a longer water break!
I’ve had three different coaches so far, all women, and they are all understanding that people are at different levels, and two of the three have been very positive and encouraging. The other one is more intense, but she’s still a good coach. She reminds me of my middle school gym teacher, which caused a moment of moderate panic, but once I realized we weren’t doing scoliosis checks or playing softball, it was all good.
The reason I gave only 4 stars instead of five is the price. They recently increased their prices and dropped the «grad» and «junkie» rates. $ 165 is pretty steep for 2x/​week for 4 weeks. You can go 4x a week, which i think is overkill and way more expensive. They do have a variety of locations and times, which is convenient, but I definitely won’t be able to afford $ 165 per month every month. I hope they have a sale soon!
I highly recommend the outdoor bootcamps!

$ 165 for 8 (8!) classes… ridiculous

I attended a free Ultimate Bootcamp session as part of the SweetGreen passport program.
It was a great work out, and much better than I expected a free work out class to be.
The instructor said the class would accommodate all fitness levels. I fall on the low end of the scale when it comes to fitness, so I worry that I’ll be really hurting (or injured) if I try exercise programs, but that was not the case for Ultimate Bootcamp. It really was for all levels and no one yelled at you if you had to do the modified version of an exercise or couldn’t run as fast as everyone else in a sprint.
I was very surprised that the instructor remembered my name and encouraged me during a sprint.
For the SweetGreen program, we worked out in front of the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, even using the stairs in some of the work out. It was funny to watch tourists stop and take our pictures. The instructor was very motivating, even through jokes about Thanksgiving being around the corner, with food pushers as well.
I’d definitely look into the times of programs for Ultimate Bootcamp and would consider joining if the timing worked around my jobs schedule.

Their trainers are awesome; very motivating and if only for them I would have stayed.
What deducts 3 stars from my rating is the cost: excessively high, considering what is provided and customer service.
I had an issue I tried to resolve as a potential new client (I was on the introductory rate) and rather than return my numerous calls, their office manager sent me a general email.
After managing a gym for 4 years, I understand what it takes to run that type of business and how clients should be treated. UBC hardly provided good customer service.
In a city with so many options for people to choose from when it comes to fitness (and considering what they want you to pay) it would really behoove UBC to give potential new clients a better experience.

i signed up for an ultimate bootcamp class at the longwood location and really enjoyed it. i typically stay in decent shape, but i was a little nervous going into it since i did not really know what to expect or how difficult it might be. i ended up really enjoying the class, and the hour went by quickly. it was hard enough to be a great workout, but not so intense that it wasn’t approachable or enjoyable. i liked how everything was circuit based, so while we constantly changed what we were doing, we could see the pattern and know what to expect for the intensity level. our instructor was tough and encouraging but never made someone feel bad if they needed to rest for a few extra minutes or skip a cycle.
we started off with a few running loops that went up and down stairs, and we had to do either jumping jacks or lunges when we reached the end of each loop. we then did a series of circuits that included lunging uphill, bear walking, pushes, sit-​ups, high knees, and other exercises. after the cardio based part, our instructor incorporated bands for working biceps and triceps and we did a few things with partners. we also did burpees and shoulders.
i’m definitely feeling the workout, and would enjoy going back again. don’t forget to bring water!

LIFE CHANGING!
When I first signed up for Bootcamp 6 months ago, to say I was intimidated was an understatment. Morning exercise was a very new concept to me and until now, I never understood those people out and about walking, running and exercising as I sat in my car with my latte on the way to work. I LOVE that I’m now one of those people!
I initially signed up for Bootcamp via a Groupon as a last attempt at trying to drop a few of the 40 pounds I have gained over the last 2 years. 6 months in, I have dropped 25 pounds and ran my first ever 5K 2 weeks ago! When I first started, I couldn’t run one lap of Watertown park which is about .25 of a mile and I am still pinching myself over my latest victory, it just doesn’t seem real!
The trainers at Ultimate Bootcamp are incredible, non judgemental and with a genuine interest in bettering the health of their class members. Everyone is pushed out of their own individual comfort zone but not a level that isn’t achievable.
After my first week of bootcamp, I don’t think I could move off the couch for 2 solid days but every single minute has been worth it. As I sit here today ½ way to my goal weight, I am so thankful for the trainers, the opportunity and the amazing new friends I’ve made along the way. No diet or routine I’ve tried has given me the results I’ve seen here. It’s definitely worth the investment, I promise!

you will not be disappointed. you will work very very hard. you will be sore. you will sweat. you will get dirty. Is it worth it? heck yeah! It has been well over a year since I started going to Bootcamp. It becomes addictive, especially when you DO see the results. Yes the price could use to lower a bit, but there are many free clinics, weekend blast sessions, and discounts for Junkies, etc. Please try it, and you will be changed forever! Soooooo much better than a gym membership where you have almost NO accountability!

I started UBC this past April 2012 and I was the most out of shape I’ve ever been. I played sports all through high school and college and kept a pretty regular gym schedule through my twenties. I just got burnt out on the gym scene and switching gyms didn’t do the trick. I saw the Groupon for UBC and realized if I wanted to make a change and make a change fast, this was the ticket.
I have done 2 bootcamps down at Carson Beach in the morning (4x a week for 4 weeks). It’s a great idea if you wan to really jumpstart yourself back into fitness. No matter what shape you’re in, you can do it. I lost 7 lb in my first 4-​week session and went from no running to being able to run a slow but consistent 3 miles. The trainers at Carson beach (Jeanine, Kim and Katie) are great and the workouts are so varied that you never know what to expect so every morning is an adventure.
As far as price, it is a little steep BUT they always have ways of getting the price down like early bird pricing, graduate bucks, referrals, etc.

I’m writing this review based on the free clinic that I did with them at the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway near the North End. Overall, I think this is an okay program. They have done their research in terms of women psychology and in some ways, that’s why I’m a bit peeved off. Throughout the one-​hour workout, the trainer would shout phases like, «Your body is going to be like a furnace.» or «Who’s a rock star?» At one point the trainer even shouted, «Who’s getting ready for a wedding?» I’m not a fan of these gender-​based comments and every time the trainer shouted it out, I wanted to be like, «F*** you.» Also, the fact that they played the song, Man! I feel like a woman by Shania Twain kind of solidifies the fact that this program is targeted towards women.
The instructors spent a good amount of time making the participants work on their abs and a bunch of the exercises were done with a partner. I have to give credit to the trainers in this area because most of the team exercises were pretty fun and helped motivate people to keep going. I really enjoyed the shoulder game they had people play.
Ultimately, I wouldn’t sign up for them because it’s expensive and time consuming. A four-​week pass will set you back about $ 279. However, almost all of the money goes directly to the trainers. The work outs are held at a park or a beach, which probably means the venue is free. There’s no equipment that’s used so… ultimately you’re paying someone to tell you how you can use free space to work out. If you need someone to hold you accountable, go pay a friend $ 200 to call you four times a week and tell that friend to not hang up until you’re working out.

I’m in my 2^nd week of my first UBC. As a former athlete (15 triathlons, 2 marathons and countless 5K, 10K and half marathons) I know and appreciate experienced and effective trainers. These guys are really good. They keep you motivated and for the most part, modify and instruct so participants won’t get injured. I’m only giving 3 stars because of my experience with one of the trainers. FYI — should a client attempt to incorrectly modify an exercise, the appropriate (and appreciated) response would be to 1) ask why they’re modifying 2) show them the correct modification. Screaming «you’re doing it wrong — if you get hurt don’t try to sue me ‘cuz I never told you to do it like that!!!» really doesn’t benefit anyone.

I have been going to UBC since the August Session. My home bootcamp is Cambridge but i aso did the Advanced bootcamp in brookline and am planning on doing winter bootcamp in Oak Square.
I have always had a hard time motivating myself to workout and having a class full of people and a trainer serves as great motivation. The trainers are all awesome and you always have at least 2 different ones per session to encourage variaty. When i started bootcamp i couldnt even run ¼ a mile and now a 1 mile warmup is no big deal! Go bootcamp!

I have had a gym membership for years. YEARS! Went pretty consistently, did the treadmill/​elliptical, weight circuit, crunches, etc. The occasional class. Was in OK shape, but slowly put on weight. Thought about getting personal training, but couldn’t find one I liked.
Signed up for the first 4-​week session based on a discount — I love it! We meet at 6AM, rain or shine, and I cannot believe how motivated I am. Yes, you could probably do all this on your own, but would you? The answer for me is NO. Also, this is so close to my home that I don’t need to think about what clothes to bring to change into after (I go back home) and it takes me 10 minutes to get there. I am almost through my second 4 week session, and am strongly leaning towards a third (it’s like an addiction now). One of my hesitations is starting out in the dark (and it’s only getting darker now). The other one, as other reviewers have mentioned, is the price. But, again as others have said, if you need a kick in the butt, it is worth the price (isn’t good health and well being priceless?) UPDATE: I am now halfway through 3^rd month, still addicted. And the price is worth every penny.

I just completed my 3^rd week of bootcamp… in Brookline at Jamaica Pond.
This class is awesome… it motivates me to push myself hard… which I totally wouldn’t be doing without this class.
I’ve lost a few pounds and I am watching my muscles tone right before my eyes.
The instructors are educated and watch you to ensure you are maintaining proper form at all times, as to not hurt yourself.
You also learn that everyone has a free membership to the gym of the outdoors! Who really wants to be on a stinky treadmill indoors anyways?
BTW, it’s a lot of fun… just watch out for the occasional dog poo.

Day 1 of a 12 day Ultimate Bootcamp. So far… I wanted to throw up last night. Not because it was that difficult, but because I am so out of shape. Day starts with a jog around the track, then runs, stretches, jumps, and squats around the rotary area. I am already out of air! And my lungs are burning — and we are 10 minutes into this thing. But somehow I survived… squats, basketball court drills, more running, jumping, and more squats. I couldn’t breathe for a while and felt like I was going to cough up a lung… but I woke up this morning with a slight body ache which was taken care of by ibuprofen. Tonight… day 2.

I worked out with them for 3 months, 4 days per week and it was amazing. I got the training during summer and it was outdoor. We went to JP pond at 6 am and worked out for 1 hour. It was brutal and the focus was more on cardio and endurance which was great.
Early in the morning in summer the air is crisp and wonderful by the pond and it was an amazing workout.
The training was rain or shine. So, if you sign up for this class make sure that you are prepared for anything :)
Highly recommended.

I first learned about Ultimate Bootcamp through my sister. I tested out the program by doing a Saturday class at the Boston Common in a warm Spring day back in 2006. In that 90 minutes, I exerted every ounce of energy I had through the motivation of Jill and Peter, and even though I was sore the next few days, it was the inspiration I needed to get back into a fitness routine. I immediately signed up for the upcoming Outdoor Session that was starting at the John Pope Park location. From that session on, I continuously did every Outdoor Session until I relocated in the Fall of 2007.
In early 2009, I returned to Boston, and the first thing I did, was sign right back up for UBC. I have been doing the Outdoor Session at South Boston since April 2009, and have completed many Bootcamp Basics and Blasts on Saturdays.
It’s a great for folks who like working out in a group with other people, you really do motivate one another. You’ll use your own body weight for many of the exercises and it never gets old. It’s always new and exciting and different! Whether it be doing an indian run, running the stadium stairs or the beach, push-​ups, sit-​ups, lunges, squats, burpees, mountain climbers, dog sleds, etc., the fun never ends!!!
Because of the skills I learned at UBC, and through the motivation of all the wonderful UBC trainers I had the pleasure to train with, I ran my first half-​marathon in 2008, and a full marathon in 2009. Without UBC, I wouldn’t have had the confidence or strength to believe in my fitness capabilities.
I’m so excited to be back in action in a few weeks, come join in the fun! It’s great for all fitness levels — you tailor the exercises to your needs!

I’ve done three Ultimate Bootcamps, and I was actually a little disappointed because they DIDN’T yell at me.
It’s basically a core and cardio program with semi-​personal trainers (2 – 3 trainers per class of about a dozen). You show up in a public park at 6am, run laps, obstacle courses, pushup, sit ups, etc, etc. You do this for four mornings per week, four weeks in a row. It’s basically a more intense version of my high school gym class.
The instructors are very gentle, they don’t push you, and if you’re not in the best of shape, they have ‘alternative’ exercises you can do. It was very laid back — not at all what I expected with a name like «Ultimate Bootcamp.»
I also noticed that the program was directed mainly at women. The classes were 70% women, and the exercises seemed to be a little more geared towards women.
In the end, I found the programs to be very effective — my conditioning at the beginning of the second session compared to the beginning of the first session six weeks earlier was like night and day.
However, I think the program is VERY over priced. Cost can range anywhere from $ 170 to $ 290 for a four week session, depending on the season, location and how many sessions you’ve attended — that’s four months of membership dues to my gym (which also offers a free bootcamp class).
Besides, I could easily do everything they had me do by myself or with a partner in the park across the street. You’re really just paying for the structure and motivation.
But if you need a kick start to your workout regiment, or just need a change of pace from your regular routine, the Ultimate Bootcamp may be just the thing you need.

Last spring I was feeling blobby after a winter of gluttony and sloth and needed something to jump start my fitness routine, so I signed up for Ultimate Bootcamp at Jamaica Pond. I figured, 6am for 4 days a week for a month? I can do that. The first two weeks kicked my ass (again, the winter of g&S…) I was exhausted by 9pm, it hurt to lift my arms, and getting up at 5:15 was cruel. But I kept going. Because it felt great to be outside at dawn, running and crabwalking and doing pushups. The instructors were encouraging and supportive and challenged me to do more than I thought I could. Every class was different, usually focusing on one or two body parts so that not everything ached every day. Each class also included lots of cardio and stretching. By the end of the month, I felt fitter and stronger. And signed up for another month. And another.
Ultimately, I did UBC for 5 months, and am still feeling the results despite a typical holiday season of fitness slackerdom. Of particular note is that in this winter of icy sidewalks and streets, my core strength and agility are such that I am almost immune to icy danger. Take that, winter! Argh!
Sure you could achieve similar results at a gym, but if you’re a gym hater like me or if you keep paying for a gym membership but don’t actually go, a month of UBC might be just be the kick in the pants you need.
Also, you have to be willing to get wet and dirty and know how to dress appropriately, particularly when it gets cold. The only time my class was canceled between July and November was the morning of a thunderstorm. In other conditions – downpours, sleet, frost – class was still held. Although this sucked at the time (in November, leaving the house at 5:40am in the dark and 20 degree weather was a challenge), it made me feel hardcore and resulted in annoying braggy behavior at work. Me: «Guess what I did this morning at 6? I crabwalked down a hill and then bearcrawled up it. TEN times. In freezing rain». Oh yeah, wimp.
UBC moves indoors in the winter. They also have 90 minute «blast» classes for $ 20 at various locations that you can use to either try out their model or get in a good workout if you’re a graduate.

Ultimate Bootcamp is like all of the best parts of recess, gym and team sports rolled into one. Unlike a gym class, you can’t hide in the back row. There’s a lot of partner and group work so you can’t not meet and get to know others in the class. This means, if you aren’t there, people notice. So that right there is a motivating factor. No two days are the same and the trainers tailor the workouts to the different fitness levels. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran you get a challenging and safe workout. I am starting my second four-​week session and told myself I’d do it until I get bored — but I am thinking that may not happen.
After hit or miss experiences with private trainers at various area gyms, I am really impressed by the expertise that these trainers offer. Also, the hour is a FULL workout — cardio, strength, stretching and warm-​up included.