Behind The Scenes at No1 Bootcamp, Norfolk | Review Part 2

“Mega Monday”

We’re up at the crack of dawn for a brisk walk around the dirt track, warming ourselves up against the frosty February temperatures. A burly ex-Marine calls us over; this is Danny, body sculpting guru and our instructor. He drives for three hours to and from the gym he owns in Leeds to train people at the camp for seven days out of every month. We start with a thorough 30 minutes of mobility ahead of our first session of the day, ‘Aerobic intervals’. Danny’s a master in military fitness so there’s a mixture of tabata runs around the track, sharp intervals of bodyweight exercises and plyometrics on the step platform, with plenty of burpees to spike our heart rate.

Thankfully we aren’t ordered to march with heavy backpacks or to sprint up sandbanks (both of which have been known to feature on the Bootcamp programme), but the session is sufficiently tough and programmed to get us into ‘the fat-burning zone’. We’re finished by 8:45am and head to the dining room for breakfast. My taste-buds are satisfied and I am adequately full from a warming bowl of mixed-berry porridge. This was also my window of opportunity for a coffee since we’re limited to one per day, and only before 12:00pm.

10:00am hits and it’s our second session of the day: super-set free weights. I particularly love the burn of this one since it was a lot more endurance focussed than a conventional weights session. I catch wind of the grunts of several campers, one lady even sheds a tear! A neighbouring team-member reaches out and gives her a hug, as Danny then quietly coaches her through the struggle. I perceive a sense of camaraderie despite the fact everyone is here for their own reasons. Bootcamp is a mental struggle as much as it is physical, but absolutely no one is left fighting alone and I think that’s a tribute to their results. Our weights session is followed by an energy-boosting snack and an hour’s walk around the village. 

By this point the heavens had opened, but were our activities are called off? Absolutely not. After all, we’re here to build bulletproof bodies so this is a perfect opportunity to do just that. Following a quick talking from Danny, we stomp our way out of the estate and into the village. A little uninspiring, but by no means unpleasant and we’re here to get the job done. I take this opportunity to get to know my peers 1-1. We don’t just discuss our physical goals, but talk about our backgrounds, interests and other affairs we hadn’t yet discussed. I’ve known these people for less than 24 hours but I can tell this is a really good group of people. Each individual I’ve spoken to is there with a unique motivation and I sense zero judgement being cast at one another. 

A quick change into warm clothes and it’s time for lunch which is a Middle-Eastern inspired grilled chicken with a jewelled quinoa and hummus, followed by yes, you’ve guessed it, another protein shake. We giggle amongst each other as again this is a portion fit for a mouse, but it is flavorful nonetheless. You’re probably thinking ‘Have they had time to sit down by this point?’ and the answer is not really. We’ve been back to back since 6:30am and while I myself am a regular gym-goer, I’m starting to understand why people were feeling drained from the day before. We have an hour to chill out before heading to the barn for our next session, ‘Boxing Blitz’. 

Boxing was my favourite session of the day for the fact it was the session I had to really grit my teeth. After a quick run-through of the basic punches, we were given a workout named ‘1980’; a ladder with reps adding to 1980 reps to complete. 10 jabs into 2 press-ups, 20 jabs into 4 press-ups… all the way up to 100 until the exercises are then switched. The task at hand was to get the work done as quickly as possible, which of course my competitive ego didn’t hesitate at the challenge. Danny counts down the clock and cheesy 80’s hits blare from the boombox. Of course ‘Eye of the Tiger’ is one of the first to play so we really channel our inner Rocky Balboa. We buddy up and support one another until the last person finishes. 

It was time for another walk to flush out the lactic acid and allow our bodies to steadily recover, this time heading towards the sand dunes. If you’ve actively walked or ran along the beach before then you’ll know this is a workout in itself, not to mention doing this against the brewing winds of Storm Eunice! We’re encouraged to stretch and relax once we arrive back. I have to say I felt weathered and ready to crash by this point; in need of a warm shower and a nap before driving back to Brighton that evening.

Something I’ve not yet mentioned is the accommodation at the farmhouse. I’d say it is basic but clean, functional and it has all the necessary amenities. There are different options for you to choose from if you’re planning on sharing with a friend or if you’d simply like more space, but all of the rooms include the same service such as daily cleaning and fresh towels mid-week, decent wifi and complimentary mini toiletries (still bring your own if you’re here for the full week though). 

Dinner again is small but appetising. It’s no wonder Bootcamp promises results and I’m ready to grab a few snacks on the drive home. 

Of course, this is just my personal experience, and it’s important to mention that the first 2 days of camp are where you’ll experience the biggest adjustments, particularly around hunger cues. The No1 programme is safe and thoroughly thought-out so while you may or may not initially feel deprived, this is largely because your body is adjusting to the sugar cut and having to turn to other energy sources. Campers leave having adopted healthier habits around food such as eating slowly and reducing distractions at the dinner table, in addition to committing themselves to actually eating at the table instead of grazing. While I was only here for one day, the Whatsapp group informs me that everyone is really happy with their results by the end of the week. 

Honestly? I can’t fault No1’s ability to whip clients into the shape they desire particularly in a short space of time. The regimented training regime, the inspiring support, the camaraderie and accountability, the demonstration that healthy food can actually be delicious; all of these drive physical results. For this reason I’d totally recommend it for those who have short-term goals such as an event or wanting to re-ignite their fitness routine. However, I do question the sustainability of such results. Will you be able to sustain less than 1500 calories a day for the rest of your life? Likely not. I’ve had my fair share of body hang-ups and there are countless times where I’ve succumbed to crash-diets, but not only have these driven unsustainable results but also a wobbly relationship with food. I maintain that if weight-loss is your goal, diets only provide a short-term solution. Get in tune with your body, inform yourself of a lifestyle that works for you and harbour healthy habits which allow for balance. 

Despite the intensity of Bootcamp, No1 maintains that body shape is entirely subjective and looks entirely different across individuals. Our worth should never be measured in relation to the image of those around us. My advice before taking on one of the Bootcamp’s is to get clear on your goals, your reason for signing up and the lifestyle you prepare to lead when you return home. The dedicated team at No1 Bootcamp will be there to guide and support you with these. This means more than just motivation, but being realistic with your goals so you’re able to maintain your results for the long term. 

Cost:

Day camp: £150

One week camp starting from £1,350

Multi-week and long-stay discounts are available for all bookings of 2 weeks or more.