Tales from the Boot Camp with Dan Sheridan

Thrusters, dead rows, burpees… the language of the fitness camp, and just three new phrases I've added to my vocabulary after my 10-week regime got underway.

A gruelling fitness test the previous week left me dizzied and rattled, but the serious stuff got underway in the confines of our Mount Maunganui studio this week – my home-from-home between now and Christmas.

The group dynamic was a big plus, with the 13-strong team a mix of varying ages and fitness levels. Simply knowing there were others that might be suffering alongside me somehow made it more bearable.

The session was bookended with extensive warm-ups and warm-downs – the importance of which were hammered home by leaders Liam Knight and Dawn Kiddie.

At this early stage, and especially for a laboured beginner like me, preparation could be the difference between completing the camp, an early bath or serious injury. For that alone, having experts on hand is priceless.

The first session was short but particularly sharp – a run, followed by 10 thrusters (a front squat/overhead press combined), 10 dead rows (involving dropping the bar to knee level before pulling up to your stomach), 10 sit-ups, a lap of the outside of the building and five burpees.

And repeat… for 20 minutes.

I know what you're thinking. Something along the lines of '20 mintues? Is that all?” You may have a point, but as the weeks go by I'm hoping those 20 minute bursts will start to feel a lot shorter.

For more information on LIFE Personal Fitness, visit: www.your-life.co.nz

Liam Knight guides me through the art of the ‘thruster'.