Why Bootcamp Classes Might Be Holding You Back
Fun doesn’t always equal effective. Here’s what to know before your next class.
The Pros and Cons of Bootcamp-Style Classes
First things first: I love anything that gets people moving! There’s no one “right” way to move your body, and if you enjoy a particular style of exercise, that alone is reason enough to keep doing it.
But I also think it’s important to understand the role different movement styles play in your overall fitness routine. And when it comes to bootcamp-style classes - those fast-paced, often high-intensity group workouts - I find there’s often a lot of false advertising.
So let’s talk honestly about the pros and cons of these classes. You might love them (or hate them), but either way, being informed can help you make better decisions for your goals, your body, and your time.
✅ Pros of Bootcamp Classes:
They’re fun!
Many people genuinely enjoy the fast pace, music, lights, and variety. These classes tend to feel more like a party than a workout, which can be a huge motivator, especially when you’re short on time or energy.
They’re a great source of cardio.
Bootcamp workouts are often marketed as strength + cardio, but in reality, the format leans heavily toward cardiovascular endurance. If you’re tracking your heart rate hoping that it stays elevated, doing lots of jumping or quick transitions, and taking minimal rest between exercises, it’s cardio.
They get you out of the house.
Sometimes, the biggest hurdle is just leaving your living room. A scheduled class in a studio or park can help you overcome that inertia and stick to a routine.
They build community.
Group fitness can be a powerful way to meet people, stay accountable, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie. Sweating together has a way of bringing people together!
⚠️ Cons of Bootcamp Classes:
They’re not conducive to building muscle.
Despite the marketing, most bootcamp classes don’t allow for the kind of muscular challenge necessary for true strength gains. The pace is too fast, the weights are often too light, and there’s not enough time for you to reach true muscular failure (which is necessary for muscle growth).
Form often takes a back seat.
When the goal is to move quickly, with minimal rest and lots of variety, it’s easy for form to suffer. That’s especially true if the instructor is managing a large group and can’t give individual feedback.
They’re difficult to progress.
Many studios brag about “never doing the same workout twice.” While that keeps things interesting, it also makes it hard to track progress or build toward a goal. True strength, mobility, or skill-based training requires consistency and intentional progression over time.
There’s a higher risk of overtraining.
The high-intensity nature of bootcamp-style workouts can be very depleting, especially if you’re doing them multiple times a week without enough rest or complementary movement (like mobility, strength training, or restorative work). It’s easy to confuse feeling “wrecked” with being effective—but soreness is not a measure of progress.
So... Should You Take Bootcamp Classes?
Absolutely! If you enjoy them.
They can be a great tool, especially when used intentionally. If you love the social energy or want a solid cardio workout once or twice a week, bootcamps can fit beautifully into your routine.
But if your primary goal is to build muscle, support your nervous system, and feel good in your body, you’ll want to balance them with slower, more intentional strength work. Strength training doesn’t require you to leave the studio dripping in sweat. It requires focus, purpose, and consistency.
That’s exactly the kind of training we do on The Playground - my online fitness studio built around sustainable strength, mobility, and joyful movement. Our classes are designed to help you feel strong and connected to your body, without burning out or pushing past your limits.
Want to try it for yourself?