Boot Camp Workout for Teens

The days of physical education classes in schools are long gone. Like most non-reading, writing and arithmetic subjects, they have been cut back. Participation in PE classes has plummeted at a time when one in four school students is obese and with the number of overweight schoolchildren doubling in the past 30 years.

According to government statistics, children's participation in physical education classes across America went down from about 42 percent in 1991 to 33 percent in 2005. And with over 12.5 million of the nation's children overweight, doctors and educators are looking for creative ways to encourage young people to adopt healthy habits. But it's hard enough to get adults to take responsibility for their weight and health. How do you inspire kids who are also dealing with their teen years to succeed at weight loss?

Many physical education advocates believe that boot camps for kids and teens are exactly what's needed to motivate them. Of course, when we think of boot camps, we start to generalize and imagine military tough and harsh conditions. But the reality is, today's teenagers are less and less motivated because of the 24/7 culture of computers and television, leading to overeating and lack of physical exercise. Experts point out that teens cannot succeed at weight loss alone. They need supportive parents who create healthy home environments and who serve as good role models. And since that's not always possible, boot camps become the place where teens learn proper nutritional habits and how incorporate well balanced meals they can prepare at home along with daily exercise.

Boot camp instructors name five reasons why boot camp workouts are more successful for teens than a regular gym membership.

- Boot camps create a fun environment to burn calories and lose weight - They are more efficient - you work your whole body in a short period of time. - Boot camp fitness classes challenge the mind as well as the body, each exercise is different so you don't get bored. - The confidence teens gain in boot camp class helps them take control of other aspects of their life. - The interaction of a boot camp class is not only emotionally satisfying, but helps people push themselves physically.

Instructors say that teens get inspired through boot camps and meeting and connecting with other teens makes them feel better about themselves. No computer or TV program can be a substitute for this interaction and connection to other teens.

Jason Kozma owns a Santa Monica Boot Camp program in Southern California. Jason and his High Performance Personal Training Team are helping residents all over Southern California lose weight and get in the best shape of their lives. Find out more by visiting Santa Monica Personal Trainer

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