Natalie Davis, Co-owner of Embody Pure Fitness
Want to get in shape for the summer? One word…bootcamp! Grace Thompson and Natalie Davis started Embody Pure Fitness a couple of years ago, and now offer explosive bootcamp classes. So, what are these classes all about?
The goal of bootcamp is to improve strength and endurance, where you focus on the core and get the heart rate up into the fat burning zone. One of the most effective ways to condition the body is through plyometrics. Plyometrics are exercises based on muscles exerting maximum force in as short a time as possible, with the goal of increasing both speed and power. For example, push ups, burpies, and lunges.
“Since the classes are outdoors, we utilize what’s around us. If there are stairs, we will climb stairs,” says Thompson.
Grace Thompson with fellow DC Front Runners
As an exercise philosophy, functional fitness training in bootcamp works to adopt and develop exercises that allow individuals to perform functional tasks, which require core stability and flexibility for activities of daily life and recreation. Functional fitness primarily involves weight bearing activities that concentrate on core muscles in the abdomen and low back, while incorporating techniques for decreasing muscle tension to improve joint mobility and flexibility. Classes are limited to twelve people, with participants of all fitness abilities. Thompson notes that safety is a number one priority.
“With smaller class sizes, we are able to give lots of individualized attention to cater to everyone’s needs and skill levels. If you have an injury, we will make modifications to prevent further injury,” says Thompson. Classes always begin with a dynamic warm-up and finish with a cool down.
What makes these classes stand out are the combined experience of Davis and Thompson. Thompson is a professional athlete, who has accomplished many feats. She has run four marathons as well as numerous other short races, often ranking in the top 10% of her category. She has also ranked first place in weight class in the WKC (World Kettlebell Club). Davis has a background in physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation, and has an amazing sense of how the body operates. Together, they make a phenomenal team.
Classes are held in D.C. Mondays at 7am, Tuesdays at 7pm, and Wednesdays at 7am. You can drop in for $25 per class, or purchase a five pack for $100. It is strongly encouraged to sign-up online to be able to get class updates, such as cancellations due to weather. http://embodypurefitness.com/
