If fitness was not an important part of your life before camp, it’s a good idea to start thinking about getting in shape.
Although prior to leaving for prison, working out is probably the last thing you want to do(personally, the only exercise that I was game for was getting up to leave my bed to change the DVD player or answering the door for the pizza delivery man), it’s a very good idea to at least be active a few times a week prior to your departure. The endorphins that you produce, will help you get through this tough time and it’s easier to get through the first few weeks of camp if you are in shape. Don’t worry, you do not need to be in shape to fend off any attackers. Camps are safe places. But, the gym will give you a place to go, add structure to your day, and make you feel better about yourself.
All camps have gyms but the equipment and size of the gym varies at each camp. However, all camps will have treadmills, elliptical machines, bikes, free weights, and bench presses. You can bring your walkman that you purchase at commissary to the gym with you.
There is a scale in the gym. And, it can be a good idea to periodically weigh yourself to make sure that you are not gaining or losing weight(if you don’t need to be). Being away from home is very stressful for most women and the tendency to overeat or not eat enough is something you will need to watch out for.
Every day at all camps, there is an assortment of exercise classes that you can partake in such as; yoga, Pilates, abs, step, circuit training, and jump rope. These classes are taught by other campers or by exercise videos that are played.
Every camp will have a track or specified area outside where you will be allowed to walk or run. Walking and running outside are popular activities. Most camps also have recreational sports teams such as softball, volleyball and basketball leagues. Some camps even have tennis courts and swimming pools.
So, ladies(and any gentlemen reading this), lace up those sneakers and hit the pavement. Time for new beginnings and bigger muscles.
