Relentless Boot Camp is redefining what outdoor training encompasses. We have combined football-style spring training, short intervals, kettlebells, and body weight movements to develop an athletic program that can be done by the fitness novice to the veteran. This program is ideal for any potential client wanting to start a fitness program immediately, because there are no introductory classes involved (ie: Elements). The environment is welcoming and anyone can join at any time. Drop-ins are encouraged before joining a class.

I fell in love with coaching boot camp due to the creative side of the programming, the outdoor environment, and the niche market that so many people have not figured out how to do well. For 1 hour I feel as if I am an actress—on stage, full-energy, in-charge, and leading the troops through 60 minutes of endorphin-inducing, intense workouts. It is beyond rewarding to watch clients go from a bad mood to a great mood within 15 minutes by simply bringing excitement and energy to the warm-up.

There are no limits on the growth potential for Relentless Boot Camps. As we add coaches to our staff, we add more programs without a huge jump in overhead. Relentless Boot Camps are a great option when a box is at capacity and clients are still jumping at the seams to be involved in the community.  Currently, Relentless Boot Camp generates additional revenue from our client base of 200 clients people.

Over the last few years we would see a decline during out summer months or our “slow months”. So this year when we planned out our year and 90 day calendars we factored this in. We strategically placed momentum builders throughout the year that would directly effect our summer months. Because of this we have seen a steady increase and since April we have increased revenue by $5500.

The majority of our clients are endurance enthusiasts participating in weekly tris, 5Ks, half and full-marathons. We also see a lot of individuals who want to mix up their CrossFit training and increase their speed and agility. Relentless Boot Camp provides an avenue for endurance athletes for injury prevention from over training through long runs.

Starting an outdoor program requires the following key components:

1. Equipment-  Dynamax medicine balls, kettlebells, agility ladders, cones, mats
2. Location
3. Dynamic, Entrepreneurial Coach

Each coach carries 6-9 medicine balls in their car provided by CrossFit Central. Anything over 6 is purchased by the coach. We also provide 2 run ladders and 4 cones. Any additional equipment is purchased by the coach. All clients are required to buy their own kettlebell. CrossFit Central sales Troy Kettlebells at a small discounted price to clients with the Relentless logo painted on the bell. We have 15lb, 20lb, and 25lb kettlebells on hand and place an order quarterly for larger sizes. Clients have the option of purchasing a kettlebell through us or at the local sporting goods store. We also ask clients to bring their own mats to class for sanitary reasons.

Location is key when running an outdoor class. We utilize local parks and schools around the city. The monthly fee is minimal or absolutely free based on the city or school ordinances. When setting up for class, the coach is creating the atmosphere. It is important to visit the location a few times before starting the class to check on lighting, parking, and other possible classes going on at the same time.

For those of you in the East and Northern United States, I suggest running your boot camps outside during the summer months and the seasons when the temperature is above freezing. In Austin, we run classes outside 12 months a year even when the temperature has dropped to 20-degrees. However, an ideal situation would be to move class to a covered parking garage. The other option is to use Relentless Boot Camp as a seasonal program and promote it as a complement to clients’ current CrossFit training and to market to niche populations who prefer less barbells and more kettlebell, body weight, and interval training.

The Relentless Boot Camp coach must be dynamic and entrepreneurial. This individual provides the energy, creative workout, and accountability to the class. We give a lot of autonomy to our coaches. Each coach is given a template on how to create a workout, but they have the flexibility in their own programming each month. The coach needs to be able to listen and work with any and everyone. Every coach has a personal blog and we immediately have them purchase business cards either through VistaPrint or Moo Cards to start networking immediately while going through our mentorship. The dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit is what sets a good Relentless Boot Camp coach apart from a GREAT coach.

About Megan:
Megan Parsons is a CrossFit Level I Instructor, has a certification in CrossFit Nutrition, CrossFit Kettlebell, Underground Strength Training and Trigger Point, and is also Personal Training certified through Cooper Institute.  She is the Managing Director and Coach of Relentless Boot Camps for CrossFit Central. Megan has been involved in sports and fitness her entire life. She grew up running cross country, track, playing basketball, and lifting weights. Her passion is empowering others to embrace exercise and nutrition as a lifestyle.

Megan prides herself in balance, which encompasses every bit of being a Showout. If she is not having fun competing, working, playing, then she will find a way to mix it up. Megan specializes in nutrition, weight loss, functional and strength training. She graduated from Baylor University with a BS in Exercise Physiology/Health Promotion and received a Masters in Exercise Physiology from Texas Tech University. I am available for 1-on-1, group training, and boot camps. Read my 6 month journey from June 2008-January 2009.

Email: meganparsons@crossfitcentral.com
Twitter: @showoutmeg