This is the year I turn 48. I know, it's not that big of a deal, its not like its the big 5-0, but all the same it is another year on the chart. I don't know what 40 something is supposed to look like, I think I look pretty good. I have been blessed with good clear skin and a slim figure and no signs of grey yet! The key here though is how is 40 something supposed to feel? Tired all the time, sore muscles and stiff joints? Ya, that's how I feel and I don't want to feel that way. I want to be able to keep up with the kids and feel strong and energized.

So what am I going to do about it? I signed up for boot camp, Cardio Core Boot Camp that is.

What is Cardio Core Boot Camp you ask? Well.... "Cardio-Core fitness boot camp challenges you with circuit training, weight training, yoga, Pilates, ball sculpting, obstacle training, running, power walking and improved stretching techniques, giving your mind and body the optimal fitness experience. Cardio-Core Boot Camp offers an exercise program that reduces weight, inches and allows people to see quick results. Cardio-Core fitness boot camp helps kick-start your fitness routine - get ready to re-fit, re-new, and re-duce with Cardio-Core Boot Camp."

and.... "The focus of the 4 week Total Body Conditioning Boot Camp is to improve ones strength, conditioning, agility and balance as well as overall fitness. This program will concentrate on strengthening the "core" (abs and lower back) while providing a full body work out. Having "core strength" is important in most sports, fitness activities and improves posture. Cardio-Core Boot Camp will take place indoors and outdoors. We will relish the opportunities to challenge all of our fitness goals while enjoying the beautiful outdoors as well as challenging ourselves on equipment indoors. It will definitely be an experience that you will love and remember."

So there you have it, I am so there, that is exactly what I need....

Each week I am going to share tips and tricks that helped me make it through this bootcamp and realize my goal - to increase my stamina, flexibility and reduce tension.

My hope is that it will help you get up and get going too, either to your own boot camp or any other exercise program.

With locations across Canada, click on Cardio Core Boot Camp to find a location near you.

Monday - first day jitters. Not knowing what to expect my daughter and I planned on getting there early, of course dropping off my other daughter took longer than expected so we arrived late. Standing room only. At 6:35 they were already in the full swing of doing warm-ups. We just stood and watched. After a few minutes everyone was whisked (and I mean whisked - come on, come on, lets go!) out the door to a timed 1 km (1 mile) run. Well I don't run well, so half running and half walking took me 6 minutes and 23 seconds. by the time I, and a couple other stragglers, caught up they were again in full swing of the next exercise. Definitely fasted paced. I never did catch up. I guess that is what self paced is all about.

Wednesday - day 2 - I know what to expect. I get there early to get a spot on the warm up floor. No need to worry today, the class size has reduced by half. go figure. Same type of routine - out for runs, in for weights, out for runs, some stretches, back in for weights and floor exercise.

Not too bad, still can't keep up, but that's okay, I don't think anyone can.

Thursday - day after thought I would be so stiff I couldn't move, but happily I wasn't just a little sore in the bicep area. I guess going at my own pace paid off.

Friday - day 3 - A whole new routine using exercise balls

Monday - day 1 of week 2. the Class size is still smaller then the first day. boot camp is 4 days a week with three classes per day to choose from and 1 on Saturdays. People must be going to other classes. Glad ours is smaller. We got a good place on the floor for warm ups. Unfortunately the pace has been increased. more cardio, which is good, thats the whole point, but, oh my gosh, I am so out of cardio shape! and more ab work today too. I was so incredibly tired afterwards. The instructor said increasing our water intake and protein intake will help our fatigued muscles. When I got home I stretched some more, did the dishes, prepped lunches and went to bed.

Tuesday - the next day (and the day I am writing this) I am not a sore as I thought, yeah, but my legs are still very tired.

Wednesday and Friday - same routine as last week, feeling better, I was actually able to run part way around the curcuit!

The routine is pretty much the same each week, though the class size varies and some of the exercises vary, you are still inside and outside alot. It rained a couple of the days. I now know that I don't like being outside exercising in the rain. That is the only complaint I have. I am definitely a fair weather exercise person or an indoor exercise person. It was really hard to get up and get going and my level of enthusiasm was not very high.

Yes, stretching, something so simple that no one does. This simple secret to success can actually be applied to all aspects of your life - stretch your imagination, stretch your boundaries, stretch your limits and on and on. In this case, the secret to success is to stretch your body. After each boot camp class go home and stretch. Yes, you have stretched at the end of the class, but you need to stretch more, about a half an hour of nice gentle stretches for your arms, legs, neck and back. You will really enjoy it and appreciate it the next day.

Sometimes my schedule was so busy that after boot camp I had errands and chores to do. I didn't stretch at home at all. All week I felt like an old lady, stiff and hobbled over and I had a mild head ache. Maybe I was coming down with something, maybe I need more sleep or just a day off, I don't know. I do know though, that if I take the time to stretch after each boot camp class, and on the days in between, I don't feel all stiff and hunched. Amazing, I didn't think that it would make such a difference.

Next time, try it for yourself - stretch for a week, every day for half an hour, then don't stretch for a week. And see which week makes you feel better.

A funny experiment, but interesting none the less