Squamish residents can now join a fitness craze made hugely popular in Whistler and Pemberton. The Fitness Boot Camp is training that incorporates old-fashioned workouts, such as push-ups and lunges, and combines them with the more recent trends of pilates and yoga. The catch, however, is that fitness guru Cat Smiley plays the hard-edged, no-excuses sergeant to her clients, the recruits.
"This ain't no bossy spinning instructor," states Smiley's website. "The punishment system is strictly enforced."
Yes, punishment. A late recruit is given push-ups, a no-show means the rest of the group must do an extra set of everything, food diaries are scrutinized and by the end of the eight-week camp, participants aim to pass the pre-enrolment physical fitness evaluation set by the Canadian Armed Forces.
Smiley, a highly-acclaimed, high-profile fitness instructor and former talk show host, says the boot camp really isn't a trend, it's a way of life.
"It's the way I've always lived, and it's the way with most athletic people."
It's about discipline and pushing yourself. Smiley says she never berates, puts down or makes a recruit feel inadequate.
"It's a support system helping recruits see how strong they can become, and to kick bad habits."
On May 16, Squamish residents will get a chance to renew or extend their fit way of life. More information on the camp and Smiley is available at www.catsmiley.com.
