FAQs and Info
What You Need To Know
You've Got Questions? We've Got Answers...
How long is each session?
Each session is now 5 weeks instead of 3 weeks, which was the old standard. We believe that better results are achieved in a 5 week period and fewer people fall off track the week between session this way.
What days/times are the classes?
Classes are held every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 6:15am-7:30am
Where are the classes held?
Backyard Bootcamp has 3 base locations: Woodley Park in Encino, Topham Street Gym in Tarzana, and De Anza Park in Calabasas. We meet at local trails near those locations for some of our workouts and directions to all locations are given after registration.
How do I pay if I'm signing up and there's no link for my total amount due?
When you fill out the form on the Register On-Line page, in the comment line please let us know your preferred payment method. We accept checks, cash & major credit cards. If you wish to pay by credit card, simply call us at (818) 633-5180 and we can take your information over the phone. Never send your credit card information through e-mail. If you wish to pay by check, all checks must be sent and received no later than 5 days before the start of your session. Call us and we will give you the address for your payment. We also accept cash, which can be paid at the time of your fitness evaluation. Once you've completed the registration form on our website, we will contact you with all the information you will need to get started. We will also schedule your mandatory, Pre-Bootcamp Fitness Evaluation, which is held on the Saturday before the start of each new session.
What is the Pre-Bootcamp Fitness Evaluation?
The mandatory Pre-Bootcamp Fitness Evaluation (for THE "WORKS" BOOTCAMPERS ONLY) takes place on the Saturday before each session begins and includes the following:
- An overview of Backyard Bootcamp and introduction to your instructors.
- We will weigh you, take a few body measurements and test your body fat percentages to see where you are prior to beginning bootcamp. All of this information is recorded in your Backyard Bootcamp Journal which we give you to keep. We aren't so much concerned with these numbers on day one - it's the numbers at the end of your bootcamp that will show your progress. We simply need a starting point by which to compare your final day numbers against. We guarantee that if you follow the bootcamp guidelines, you WILL SEE A CHANGE IN ONLY 3 WEEKS!
- You will receive your FREE Backyard Bootcamp Logo T-Shirt.
- We will take you through a series of 4 exercises to chart your fitness level at the beginning of Bootcamp.
- You will receive your Backyard Bootcamp Guide and Food Journal and directions to our "home base".
- We will spend time discussing prior injuries, concerns and goals and answer any remaining questions you may have.
What do I need to bring to Bootcamp?
The most important thing you want to remember is your FOOD JOURNAL (ONLY for the "WORKS" participants)! Remember, if you don't bring your food journal, you don't get to workout. This is a vital component of the program and being out of integrity when it comes to your food intake is extremely detremental to your success.
You will also need to bring a yoga mat and water to keep yourself hydrated, however on trail days water is provided. Optional items are a towel and gloves or mittens in the winter. Dress in layers...even when it's cold, you will warm up quickly!
Will I be sore?
Most people feel some soreness after their Pre-Bootcamp Fitness Evaluation, but this soreness only lasts for about 2-3 days. After that, each day's workouts will become less and less stressful to your body and your muscles will begin to adjust. Expect soreness, however, as it is part of the process and proves you are changing your body!
What if I'm really out of shape, will I hold back the class?
I won't lie - Bootcamp is not for the faint at heart. Some bootcamp programs say all levels are welcome, but that's sort of like saying "One Size Fits All". The truth is, all levels ARE welcome, but not all levels will finish the program. In order to ensure your safety, it is highly recommended that if you have never done any exercise before, that you get a doctor's okay before participating in this sort of extreme workout. If you are worried that this sort of workout may be too difficult for you, you may want to consider our Private and Semi-Private training program at Topham Street Gym Training in Tarzana which will prepare individuals for the rigors of Backyard Bootcamp's 3-week program.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes. If, for any reason, you wish to cancel your enrollment and do so prior to the first day of the session, we will refund your enrollment fee, less a $75 cancellation and document processing fee. The Fitness Evaluation constitutes the "first day of the session". Should you cancel after the fitness evaluation but before class begins on Monday, your refund will be deducted an additional $100 before being sent to you. Keep in mind that once you begin the program, your fee is non-refundable, regardless of how many days you participate. This is not negotiable. The term "session" refers to the entire length you register for. For instance, should you register for more than one consecutive month and choose to quit after one week, you are not entitled to a full refund for the following months. Your "Session" includes those months and are not considered separate sessions.
There are no refunds for punch cards, no exceptions.
What's the difference between the 5-Week WORKS Bootcamp and NO FRILLS Bootcamp?
The WORKS Program: This 5-week comprehensive program is designed to help individuals overcome obstacles, lose weight, build strength & lean muscle tissue, and improve cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Trail running and hill climbing are also key elements of training in this program. Participants are required to maintain daily food journals and participate in a pre-bootcamp fitness evaluation on the Saturday prior to the start of BYBC. Package includes food journal, food plan, before & after photos, body fat measurements and body composition test. Because best results are seen the longer you engage in physical activity, individuals are encouraged to enroll in more than one 3-week program and costs saving incentives are offered to those who enroll in more than 2 back-to-back programs.
The NO FRILLS Program: This program is exactly the same as the WORKS Program but without the food accountability and extras. You get all the same workouts with the same instructors with the same goal in mind - safety and results!!
What if I miss a day of Bootcamp? Can I make it up or get a discount if I can’t come on one of the days? No. Just like when you were in college, if you were sick or skipped class, the school did not give your parents a discount on tuition. No “make-up” days were arranged for you. This is no different. Why? Because I believe that a large part of your success is based on your attendance and commitment to your goal. I do not offer discounts or refunds for missed days or for quitting the program, regardless of how many days of your session you have used or did not use. Again, this is NON-NEGOTIABLE.
Is there class when it rains?
Living in So. California we are fortunate not to have this be a concern for most of the year, however it does occasionally rain in the winter and have made arrangements with a local gym to allow us access to their facility should the need arise. If it is raining, the instructors will determine whether or not class will be outside or inside. Usually we will hold class in the rain unless there is the threat of lightening or flooding. Nobody ever said bootcamp was easy – it’s more fun to workout in the mud anyway! If you have doubt, you can always call your instructor before leaving for class to be sure.
What do you do at Backyard Bootcamp?
You know the old saying “If I told you, I’d have to kill you”? – It’s sort of like that. I can’t tell you what we do specifically, but I will tell you that you can expect to do some of the following: slow running, fast sprinting, weight training, jump roping, balance work, partner drills, relay races, obstacle courses, and of course, teamwork each week. On two Fridays we will meet at a local canyon for a fun, off-trail “ruke” (run/hike) and one another day we conquer a more challenging trail with an exhilarating hill finish. You will leave Backyard Bootcamp with some basic outdoor survival skills, and hopefully be a more confident hiker/runner.
Can I really expect to see results in only 5 weeks?
Yes! Performance improvement can take place in as little as three days. "Visual Improvement" can take from two to four weeks depending on your effort level. It’s not uncommon to see a camper go down 1-2 inches around their waist within the first session of bootcamp. Another way to see results is in your final evaluation. On the final day you’ll see just how much you’ve improved in your physical test! This is always my favorite day because it’s not all about the inches and pounds, it’s about being able to increase your pushups from 1 to 20, or your sit ups from 10 to 40!
What will I do after bootcamp is over?
Sign up for your next session!! While you may see change in the first 5 weeks, we have a nearly 100% retention rate because our program is so much fun. I strongly urge my students to keep going, if not in Backyard Bootcamp, then in some type of sport or ongoing fitness class and not just a visit to the gym every week or so. Don’t let yourself lose what you started – keep going!
So, are you ready to start burning calories and having fun?
Sign Up today!View the schedule here
To register for Backyard Bootcamp visit our Registration page .
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