Community Corner
EP Rec. Adult Boot Camp Series Kicks Off
The second class of the Adult Boot Camp series took place Saturday, Aug. 10, at Yukich Fields.
A new set of participants got a taste of Evergreen Park Police Officer Luciano Valdez’s summer Boot Camp style workout series this Saturday at Yukich Fields, run by the Evergreen Park Recreation Department.
This is Valdez’s second Adult Boot Camp workout series. Previously he coached the Kid’s Fit Camp last year. The idea for an Adult Boot Camp came about when some Kid’s Fit Camp parents asked him why there wasn’t an adult class.
Returning Boot Camp participant Amy Tully, 26, said, “It was really intimidating at first since he was in the Marines, but he knows when to push you and when not to. Sometimes you need someone to push you and that keeps us showing up.”
Tully described the atmosphere as a team environment. When they do drills they make sure that everyone gets through them and that there is no division based on fitness levels.
While Valdez is not a certified aerobics instructor, he draws from a mix of his Marine boot camp experience, police officer training and personal experience.
“I’m more here to give back to the community and be able to make the price range reasonable," he said. "I’m healthy, so why not teach other people how to stay healthy by getting a couple people outside and doing these workouts together."
Valdez enjoys handing out high-intensity moves such as “burpees” and “mountain climbers” to the campers because they aren’t easy moves but they are a great way to burn calories. Along with those exercises Valdez runs drills with exercise bands, jump ropes and tires.
“Today was my first time," special education teacher Kari Topas, 35, said. "It was a great first time workout and if you aren’t up to par you have the option to back off a little. It’s definitely tough and the hardest part for me today was the leg workouts."
A few veterans from the previous classes returned to support Valdez’s second session and to get a good workout. Returning participant and Evergreen Park resident Nancy Johnson said, “It’s definitely tough. I love to hate it.”
Adult Boot Camp classes take place at Yukich Fields. They started Aug. 10 and will run until Sept. 14. The Wednesday class runs from 6 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. The Saturday class starts at 9 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. Participants need shoes, water bottle and a jump rope for class.
If you are interested in participating register at the Evergreen Park Recreation Center, 3450 W. 97th Street. For more information on how to sign up for the Adult Boot Camp visit the village's website.
