Camp Gladiator urges motivation during exercise sessions around Shreveport-Bossier City
Gladiators are rising up all over Shreveport-Bossier City in a battle for fitness.
In the fast growing, total body boot camp, Camp Gladiator, provides a workout experience unlike any other camp, gym or club. Each four-week camp session is designed to motivate and challenge campers based on their personal fitness level.
Five years ago, Ally Davidson created Camp Gladiator in Dallas after winning the title Grand Champion of the television program “American Gladiator.”
Three years ago, the CG movement made its way to Shreveport-Bossier City with eight trainers and 16 locations.
CG is not your average boot camp.
“When people think of a boot camp they think of military style but we’re not military style at all,” Amy Maranto, CG primary trainer, said. “The energy is so dynamic. We’re always high-fiving each other and encouraging each other.”
CG campers range from gender to age to fitness levels and physical capabilities.
Maranto said campers range from seniors to teens to marathon runners from beginner to advance fitness levels. “We have runners and marathoners who have come to us and their marathon times shortened,” Maranto said. She said the in Week 1 of the camp, campers typically take a timed fitness test, which is repeated in Week 4. Maranto said many campers’ time drop time dramatically, showing an improvement in their fitness. Many of the campers are preparing for the upcoming Camp Gladiators Games, a crossfit competition.
Trainers also work with campers to cater to their individual needs and situations. Orie Dyas Jr., CG primary trainer, said he worked with a camper who was diagnosed with a medical condition and given the option from her doctor to either take medications for the rest of her life or exercise. “She chose to exercise,” Dyas said. “She started off in a gym attempting to do her own workouts, but it wasn’t elevating her heart rate high enough. She found out about Camp Gladiator, and since starting camp she hasn’t once passed out. It has strengthened her heart. CG is her medication.”
Camp Gladiator provides a different experience with total body boot camp sessions around Shreveport-Bossier City.
CG works for different fitness levels in several ways.
“A lot of the workouts may be timed or have a time limit,” Dyas said. “If exercise is one minute, you may do 35 pushups in that one minute and someone else does 10. But you’re both pushing yourself. You’re able to work at your own level.”
Maranto said the exercises may also have modification options for every level.
Each CG class is one hour, which Maranto said is called “60 Minutes of Amazing.” The total body workout could include interval training, sprint and agility drills, stations, plyometrics, body weight strength drills, cardio mix and more. The mission of CG is to increase camper’s functional strength, speed, stamina. And Dyas said no two classes are the same.
“It’s a boot camp so we’re doing everything we can do work out your entire body,” Maranto said. “I love cross training where we do everything, especially now that I have three kids because I need something that’s going to be really effective in the one hour I have to work out.”
Class times, days and locations are scheduled by trainers to meet the convenience of campers. Campers also have unlimited access to all locations and trainers locally and in participating cities. “I encourage campers to go to all of the trainers,” Maranto said. “It’s the same class structure, but all trainers put a different spin on things and have a different style and personality.”
Most camps take place outside of local parks, churches and schools. “Classes are outside where we can use a lot of space,” Dyas said. “We can use different equipment and the environment.”
Weather isn’t an issue, as a rain plan is always in place and classes are never canceled. Don’t sweat the heat, in the summer months trainers find shelter in the shade. Dyas said campers may also choose to an indoor location or to attend an early morning session.
Campers have the option of purchasing a class package or may pay per class. However, the longer the commitment, the deeper discounts.
There is no limit to how many classes a camper can attend each week. CG Shreveport trainers offer the first class free for newcomers. Information about promotional discounts may be obtained by contacting a local trainer.
“You can do a camp for four weeks, and you’ll get great results, but this is a lifestyle commitment,” Maranto said. “We want to see what you can do not just in six months or a year but beyond that. We’re asking you to commit to your health and yourself. Consistency is the key.”
“We want to always challenge and grow,” Maranto said. “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you – and you can’t spell change without CG!” To find a class or learn more information go to www.campgladiator. com and download the free, official Camp Gladiator smartphone ap.
–Tiana Kennell
