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Park La Brea News/Beverly Press Boot Camp LA Inspires a Healthy Lifestyle |
Miracle Mile's Hancock Park is known for families enjoying a stroll through the sylvan setting, and doting couples picnicking under trees. The recent appearance if camouflage-wearing drill instructors and cadence chanting recruits may seem a bit out of place in the normally serene park, but as the smiles on the sweat drenched faces of the recruits show, this boot camp is right where it belongs.
Founded by Jay and Marcella Kerwin, Boot Camp LA was a way they could combine their fitness backgrounds with his military background and try to help other people live healthier lives. Jay Kerwin – "the Major" finished first out 500 soldiers at what is considered the worlds' toughest bootcamp. The Major attended more than a dozen special operations camps run by all branches of the armed forces. According to Kerwin this experience not only gave him the structure for Boot Camp but also taught him a lot about how to succeed.
Three days a week, the Kerwins hold hour-long morning and evening camps at Hancock Park. The Month long sessions take “recruits” from the very basics of working out through a complete regimen of individual and group exercises. The first camp helps the instructor’s gage where each individual is physically. According to Jay, the recruits range from people who are seeking to increase their physical workouts to those who have never worked out in their life.
Fashioning a program that helps both the more advanced and the first time recruits, the Kerwins combine cadences and calisthenics with team drills that incorporate running, obstacle courses and weights. While the military concept can be fun for the imagination and help motivate recruits it also instills discipline. Recruits pledge to abide by agreed upon rules, which include not foul language an no saying those terrible words “donuts” and “cupcakes”. Breaking the rules will result in extra laps or pushups. However, none of the recruits are forced to do something they cannot. The program is challenging yet not intimidating.
According to Jay, who has written the book The Body Transformation Guide, the rules are light hearted, but serve a purpose, especially the food and drink related rules. Kerwin stresses nutrition during camp, helping recruits alter their diets for healthier overall lifestyle.
“Eating, I would say is 70 percent of the game. You can have the best workout in the world, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t do anything the other 23 hours of the day,” Kerwin said.
The goal of Boot Camp LA, is help each individual achieve whatever improvements they are capable of, even if they are doubtful they can build muscles or lose weight. Kerwin said when he first started special operations training, he barely made the first cut in running a mile and could only do 8 pull-ups. A month later, he lowered his time significantly and was able to do 23 pull-ups in a minute.
"I gave 100% to my training,” Kerwin said. “This may seem hard to recruits, but if you give 100% you can see improvements.”
The Kerwins chart the progress of their recruits, including their strength and endurance. At the end of a month, students generally see as much as a 50 to 60% improvement. Kristen Johnson, who is now in her third bootcamp session, has seen a tremendous change in her life since joining.
“I’m growing a bicep. I lost weight. I couldn’t run very far at all, now I can.” Johnson said. “I feel a lot healthier overall, mentally and physically.” I have learned that a lot of your physical limitations are in your head.”
Johnson said what is great about bootcamp, compare to a health club, is the camaraderie and friendly rivalries among the recruits. “It provides a feeling of unity and teamwork.
It’s not competitive,” said the 31-year-old public relations manager. “What I like about this more than a gym is your outside. Being in nature is a much more real way to be in touch with your physicality.”
For 44-year-old salesman Brag Greenberg, the best part of the boot camp is the group setting. It forces recruits to commit not only to each other, but also to themselves. “It’s a way to hold myself accountable…I really want to be healthy for my family,” He said, “The Kerwins, give you a firm, gentle push. I believe they know people’s limits.”
The success of boot camp is the latest chapter of the Kerwin's charmed life. The couple met while visiting another state and realized not only did they live five minutes away from each other in Los Angeles, but they belonged to the same health club. Romance bloomed and they have been married nearly a year. Marcella, a former competitive runner, has a background in event planning and marketing, which helped shape their dream of Boot Camp.
‘Boot Camp is an opportunity for one–on –one interaction. Recruits can call anytime day or night with their fitness and nutrition questions, and they do,” she said. It’s really great, getting to know the recruits. We really want to make a difference in helping them to live healther lives.”
For More Information about Boot Camp, call: Boot Camp LA Headquarters at 323-938-6179
