FAQ
What do Woody Allen, legendary film director, Godzilla, metropolitan monster extraordinaire, and Ariane Hundt, one of New York’s top trainers, have in common? All have made a lasting impression on the Brooklyn Bridge, New York City’s iconic mile-long landmark.
Ariane Hundt, founder of the Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp uses this masterpiece of steel, wire, and cables as her outdoor gym, where her boot camp participants find themselves
- burning up to 800 calories per hour
- having a changed body in 5 sessions
- toning their arms and abs, slenderizing their hips and thighs, and lifting their butt.
This boot camp incorporates exercises that use your own body weight, the bridge structures, benches, and a special type of resistance bands to bring about amazing results for your trouble zones. Your heart rate will be elevated at all times (trust us - this is a good thing), and you'll feel challenged like never before.
Join a fun, fearless group that share similar goals, bask in the panoramic view of New York City, and redefine yourself, both physically and mentally, at Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp.
- Do I need to bring any equipment?
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Preparing for the typical workday is stressful enough. Our philosophy is that exercise should be a respite from your 9-5. Read: no need to bring your kegs and barrels, strongman style. The trainers will provide all the equipment you need. Just show up with a bottle of water and a dash of confidence, and you’re good to go.
- For what fitness levels is this boot camp class?
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We get it: ‘Fitness’ is a subjective term. To some, the mere thought of exercise is enough to break a sweat. And then there are those who’ve actually considered having their mail forwarded to the gym.
For you exercise virgins, you’ll find that with each class, you become stronger and more toned. Plus, increased endurance means you can go for hours on end. And who couldn’t use a little more…stamina in their lives?
Not to worry, seasoned athletes, we’ve got your back too. And your biceps, pecs, glutes…you get the picture. If you pride yourself on intensity, you’re guaranteed to meet your match here. The Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp has taken beginners to the Half Ironman in just a few months… ready to step outside your comfort zone? - Are there showers and locker rooms?
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Though fitness magazines claim otherwise, sometimes that post-workout “glow” is anything but. Experts say the average person sweats enough during an intense hour of exercise to at least fill up a large water bottle. While there are no shower or locker rooms available (would you really want to be this up close and personal with New York City, anyways), there are plenty of gyms in the surrounding area. Unless you’re going for the monsoon-chic look, check with them about shower services. Or, wear that drenched t-shirt like a badge of honor. You earned it.
- Is there bag service?
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Wait, there’s not an app for that? Bag service is not offered, but a small backpack/shoulder bag is recommended for your essentials—, keys, phone, dollar bills… for extra water, of course. It’s boot camp, not cardio striptease, people! Also, backpacks work wonders for the upper body. Check out those sculpted shoulders next time for proof.
- Why a boot camp on the Brooklyn Bridge?
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This borough-joining landmark is one of Ariane’s favorite spots in New York City. Take in the iconic Manhattan skyline, marvel over the East River below, and enjoy a good butt-kicking, courtesy of the bridge’s many benches, walls, and railings. Plus, the Battery Tunnel Boot Camp just doesn’t have the same ring to it.
- How quickly will I see improvement?
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First, the good news. Ever notice how an intense sweat session seems to erase the day’s troubles? An improved state of well-being can happen after just one class. That said, Rome wasn’t built in a day. In about five sessions (ideally taken within two weeks), you’ll start to notice a physical transformation, in the form of increased strength, stamina, and muscle tone, as well as a smaller waist, hips, thighs, and arms. If you’re new to the workout scene, you will, indeed “feel the burn” the next day. Keep in mind, this means you’re muscles have gotten a good workout. And, don’t worry; no boot campers have drowned in their own sweat… yet.
For best results, try to commit to eating a fat-burning diet. 80% of the changes you’ll see come from your food choices. In other words, super-sized workouts should not be followed by super-sized value meals. For more tips on becoming lean, clean, and mean, check out Ariane’s Fat Burning 101 Nutrition Workshop. - What makes the Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp so effective?
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The workout is a high intensity-interval-training program, which consists of running with intermittent muscle-building exercises. You can keep up with the Kardashians and rehash last Friday night over a protein shake with friends afterwards—the bridge is a place to take it up a notch, not to take a break.
Not only will you be burning fat (you knew jumping on that trendy bacon everything diet was a bad idea), but also, intense cardio intervals with built-in strength training opportunities result in the unusually high calorie burn of at least 800 calories per class (goodbye, anything-but-endearing love handles).
Even better, in the 24 to 48 hours post-workout, the after-burn effect ensures that you continue to burn fat. Conventional cardio programs burn muscle, not fat, and thus don't provide the lasting results you're looking for. That is to say, your body is rewarding you for yesterday’s workout, even as you sit, debating on whether or not to pack that gym bag. - Should I eat before class?
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This is a loaded question. While we’re not suggesting you stop by the hot dog vendor on your way to class, a light breakfast (emphasis on light) is perfectly acceptable, consumed 45 to 60 minutes before class, particularly if you’re a beginner. Eat anything that's easily digested and gives you a quick boost of energy, such as a slice of toast (not to be confused with toasted New York bagel) with cottage cheese, a cup of oatmeal, or a banana.
Those who’ve been doing the boot camp thing for a while may try working out on an empty stomach to amp up the fat burning. You might also want to drink a protein shake about an hour before to maintain muscle mass (the stuff that makes rockin’ a sleeveless shirt so rewarding).
If evening classes are more your style, then you may want to eat a light snack about an hour before your workout, such as a handful of almonds or a piece of fruit (and no, fruit-flavored daiquiris don’t count here). We recommend you avoid eating too close to your scheduled workout—you want the good burn, not the heartburn!
Experiment with your food. Some participants feel best working out on an empty stomach; others need to fuel their body before the first few sessions. Your body will let you know when you’ve gotten it right.













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