Gumsaba Fitness Boot Camp

Gumsaba is the best bootcamp in the area! I was a client for 3 years before moving to another state and I was incredibly sad to leave my Gumsaba family. Michelle along with her coaching staff, are dedicated and have nothing but the best to offer their clients. They bring knowledge, variety and commitment to every class. I noticed a huge difference in my athletic ability going to bootcamp 3 days a week and was inspired to get my personal training certificate and become a bootcamp instructor myself. Now, every time I am in the Bay area I make sure to get to a class!

I can’t say enough good things about Gumsaba Boot Camp … and I didn’t even end up joining! But please read on …
Other than my regular walking routine (4 – 5 days per week of 4 miles each), I haven’t done any regular exercise in years. I’ve done the gym thing — several times — but it always eventually got boring and I stopped going. I was drawn to the Gumsaba classes for a number of reasons: very early morning so that I could easily attend before work; less than a 5-​minute walk from my house; outdoor activity; class structure led by an experienced coach; and varied exercises that can be tailored to different levels.
Before scheduling the introductory Danville Men’s 5:30 a.m. Boot Camp class, I had a few emails with Michelle, and was immediately impressed with her flexibility and desire to ensure that this would be a good experience for me.
I attended the class led by Allen. He did a terrific job of getting me started, explaining things, and modifying routines for me (a first-​timer). However, it was soon clear that this was a little too intense and fast-​paced for me, and I didn’t finish the session. Shortly after, I received an email from Michelle saying that she had heard I had left early, and asked if I had any feedback for her. I told her all of the above, and she understood completely. She asked for me to contact her should I want recommendations for other suitable exercise programs. I did so, and she immediately suggested another in my area. I have already checked it out and plan to try one of their introductory sessions.
BOTTOM LINE: Here’s a wonderful example of a person and an organization that truly cares about people who are looking for a suitable exercise program, even if it doesn’t turn out to be theirs. Should I work myself up to a level where I think I would feel comfortable in a Gumsaba Boot Camp class, I would MOST DEFINITELY try it again.

MICHELLE IS THE BEST WORKOUT INSTRUCTOR EVER!!! Michelle really cares about each and every boot camper. She is motivational and top notch.

I started this 5:30 am boot camp a few weeks ago after taking an almost five year (yikes) hiatus from a regular exercise routine due to kiddos. Let’s just say I was NERVOUS about attending. Michelle set my mind at ease (a bit) with her kind and responsive e mails to start. I loved her class instantly. She’s a great, energetic, knowledgeable instructor who’s made me sore all over, in a good way! Her creative classes, never cease to amaze me, I love it and would HIGHLY recommend!

Best Ever! Michelle is a huge inspiration and a great coach. Lost 40lbs!!!

I’ve tried just about every workout out there and none has compared to Gumsaba. The class is fun and motivating… something I wouldn’t have said about any other workout. It is an amazing and addictive mix of cardio and strength training. It is something new and different each time so we never tire of the class. I can’t imagine ever going back to working out indoors. Being a working mom with two kids, the time I spend at Bootcamp is the daily recharge that I need!

I joined Gumsaba boot camp in the fall of 2010, and it was the best fitness related decision I’ve made in my life… no joke! I’ve joined gyms in the past, tried other indoor boot camps, and tried running around my neighborhood on my own. None of these ever stuck though because I got bored FAST. The coaches provide no-​nonsense hardcore workouts that are different EVERY SINGLE DAY. I’m never bored, and I never have to design a workout. I just show up and get going, ending an hour later knowing that I got a much better workout than I ever would get on my own. And while our class includes people at every level of fitness, the coaches structure the workouts so that all of us are able to push ourselves, no matter what level we’re at. The coaches always have good music playing (which I LOVE) and working out in the great outdoors is amazing. Yes, there are those cold or rainy days (we work out under cover when it’s raining), but knowing that the coaches are up and out there waiting for us every day with an amazing workout planned gives me the motivation to get out of bed and head to class. For the first time in my life, because of Gumsaba, I actually enjoy going for runs on the weekends, and I feel more energized than I ever have before.
I HIGHLY recommend this boot camp for anyone — whether you’re just starting to get back into shape (like I was), or are already in shape and looking to switch up your workouts.

I am a Gumsaba Boot Camp devotee, maybe even a groupie! I’ve worked out for years, with and without trainers, have run the Boston marathon, done triathlons, you name it — I’ve tried it. I’ve never found a more complete and comprehensive total body workout than that offered by Michelle and her boot camp program. She has found the recipe for the perfect mix of cardio, strength, weights and core training. I started out with the original boot camp owners, Tim and Liesbet, for whom Michelle originally worked. The difference she brought as an instructor was immediately noticeable. Her eventual acquisition of the boot camp program was a benefit to all of her «campers». I can’t believe that I look forward to getting out of bed at 5:00 am daily Monday through Friday to attend this outdoor class; rain, shine or freezing weather. Her energy inspires me to push myself hard everyday and I can’t believe how much she can get me to do beyond that I had imagined. She is inspirational, varies the workouts daily, makes them fun and creates a spirit of community where we all help each other achieve major milestones. Michelle not only talks the talk, she can walk it as well — her fitness level is inspirational and amazing. Not to be outdone, I’m in the best overall shape of my life in spite of being 15 + years older than her. I’m fit, strong and confident. This is echoed by the comments of my doctors (regular physician and chiropractor). Come join us for an amazing workout and an even more amazing sunrise!

I went to the initial FREE Bootcamp class and immediatly signed up for more. This is a great workout and challenges me to do better each time. Michelle is a great instructor and makes the workout fun, I love there is an alternative time to a 5:30 am class — smile

It takes a lot to get me out of bed at 5am and this class does it. Michelle is the best instructor, she keeps it interesting and gives you a great all-​around workout. She incorporates cardio, weights, strength training, stretching, and much more. I love that the class is outside and yes, there are some cold mornings, but it is so worth it. There’s nothing like watching the sun come up knowing you are doing something good for yourself and it’s early enough that work, kids, etc. can’t take it away from you.
I’ve done the gym and several other boot camp classes and this is hands down the best class I’ve found in the area. Michell and her team are amazing. I couldn’t recommend this class more.

Allan Parco is my coach. Allan has orchestrated really great workouts, and I have lost 13 pounds in the first month. There is considerable variation in the workouts. You never get bored.
Allan is very engaging and personable. He never misses to observe when your form starts to slip. He provides feedback in way that you just simply want to work harder. He is outstanding at adapting the workout for those that have injuries or physical limitations.
Bill McDaniel, first time boot camper

Listen up, ladies: GUMSABA is awesome! I had an amazing time as a GUMSABA boot camper and would encourage anyone to join. The hour-​long classes consist of high-​impact, high-​intensity strength training with cardio mixed in. Every day is different, and Coach Michelle Brown does a fantastic job at making our work-​outs fun, interesting, and challenging. Michelle is a brilliant instructor — a dynamic, focused, motivating leader, and an all-​around down-​to-​earth, fun, wonderful person. She has a very natural and genuine way about her that makes her instantly relatable and much beloved by her boot campers.
This is a fitness regiment made for women, by women, and it is designed to tone your muscles, improve core strength, and elevate your overall fitness level — all while having a total blast and enjoying the outdoors. GUMSABA is about community, it’s about nature, it’s about health and fitness, it’s about strong women. The work-​outs will challenge you mightily, but won’t break your spirit or leave you limping. (Additionally, Michelle can easily tailor exercises around individual needs, such as weak knees or prior injuries.) GUMSABA is basically like working out with a personal trainer five days a week — that is the level of rigor and one-​on-​one attention you’ll get.
Having said that, it’s no surprise that I saw GREAT results after just one month with GUMSABA. I became a fitter, stronger, and healthier version of myself, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled. But what was most meaningful to me about GUMSABA was the friendships and community that I experienced with my fellow boot campers. The women were so friendly, encouraging, and helpful; they made me feel welcome from Day 1. It was truly inspiring, and something I will carry with me for a long time. I’ve since moved out of Contra Costa County, and I miss the women of GUMSABA often. Overall, I found the experience to be very inspiring and rewarding on many levels, and would highly recommend GUMSABA to you.

I have done a lot of personal training and classes in my 20+ years of working out and Michelle Brown is by far the best trainer I have ever had the pleasure to work out with. Her approach is fun and motivating, and her bootcamp classes are amazing. I always get a great workout and am never bored. In addition, she excels at tailoring the group class to each individual, whether you want more intensity or if you need an alternative exercise to accommodate an injury. And finally, Michelle is one of the most principled and ethical people I have ever met. She makes a difference in the lives of so many people and animals, the planet is just a better place with Michelle Brown on it!

Ms. Brown is awesome! My two sons are working out with Gumsaba in the teen classes and are having a blast! They’re worked hard, taught a lot and really enjoy the challenge. Keep it up!