Indianapolis, IN -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/02/2010 -- The National Institute for Fitness and Sport chooses BOOTCAMP as a top 2010 fitness pick due to proven results for participants and its no-nonsense approach to weight loss exercise programs. Unlike it’s group fitness counterparts, Bootcamp doesn’t necessitate having rhythm or working through complex movement patterns. What it does offer is challenge, camaraderie and motivation – U.S. army-style with exercises like push-ups, crunches, squats and more, and may be used to improve athletic performance. Watch NIFS Bootcamp video to hear what members have to say about it!

The American Council of Exercise noticed the growth in popularity of boot camp workouts and believes this workout is more than just a trend. Their article cites boot camp’s simplicity and motivating, team-oriented atmosphere as reasons for its long-enjoyed popularity. But they also site a study done by a team of exercise scientists from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse Exercise and Health Program which concluded, "The biggest benefit [of a boot camp workout] is you’re burning an average of 600 calories per hour," says John Porcari, Ph.D., leader of the study. "That’s obviously going to help with weight loss, but you’re also getting the muscle-building benefit from pushups, arm curls and squat thrusts that you wouldn’t get just from going out for a fast walk or jog."

NIFS Bootcamp has always been popular for Indianapolis participants. Led by instructor Steven Cass, the class enjoys a consistent following. During the summer months, this group travels along the White River Park and on IUPUI campus doing a mix of cardio and muscle-building exercises with beautiful backdrops of architecture and green spaces.

This class isn’t for the faint-hearted or the beginner, however. One past participant decided to train just for NIFS Bootcamp class! But there’s more good news for those wanting to take the Bootcamp challenge – it’s free with membership at NIFS. Some programs cost just to take the class, but at NIFS, Bootcamp is among the 70 free fitness classes offered weekly to members.

To find out more about a NIFS fitness center membership, call (317) 274-3432, e-mail membership@nifs.org or visit http://www.nifs.org.