Bikini Bootcamp

The original Bikini Bootcamp is a spa retreat at the fabulous (and pricey) Amansala Resort in Tulum, Mexico. Founded by New York City gals Melissa Perlman and Erica Gragg, the concept behind Amansala was an eco-friendly, health retreats – mild detoxing from the muck and grind of daily life, rest and rejuvenation of mind and body in the sun. For about $2200 a week, guests eat incredibly healthy, yet delicious food, take daily beach walks, practice yoga, meditate, engage in core and circuit training – and ultimately go home healthier and fitter than when they arrived.

Sounds wonderful. Though not realistic for most of us. But for $18, those of us stuck at home can the buy the book and follow the basic principles – exercising, eating healthy and learning relaxation techniques - of the Amansala retreat.

The Amansala ladies say that you can lose 4 to 10 pounds on this program in two weeks – but fear not the term “boot camp”. Though the exercise requirement is time consuming, it is not terribly high impact or physically demanding to the point of exhaustion. The combination of healthy eating, exercise and meditating is designed to help you feel better – not worse.

Still, the fitness element of Bikini Bootcamp is its real hallmark – and its biggest commitment. Bootcamp requires a combination of core strengthening, circuit training, yoga and walking – amounting to two hours of exercise per day. Customized exercise regimens are mapped out according to the dieter’s goals.

The dietary element of Bikini Bootcamp is akin to the Mediterranean Diet. Many of the recipes are Asian or Spanish influenced – entrees of lean proteins relying heavily on healthy ingredients like ginger, sesame, avocados, and olive oil, along with fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts. It’s diet food in that it’s portion (and, hence, calorie) controlled – but it tastes good. The recipes on this plan outshine those of most other diet programs.

In addition to recipes, the book provides recommendations for healthy cooking and eating, exercise tips, relaxation techniques and instructions for at-home spa treatments - with recipes provided for facials, cleansing beauty treatments and herbal baths.

Will you have a “bikini body” in a matter of weeks with this program? No. That’s just marketing. But you Will lose weight on this program. It’s calorie controlled, balanced nutrition accompanied by a lot of low impact exercise. It’s how you lose weight the healthy way, and keep it off. Is it realistic for most people looking to lose weight? Perhaps not. Depending upon your family, work and other time commitments, 2 hours of exercise per day may just not be feasible for you. But that doesn’t mean that you should dismiss this program. This program can be the basis for a healthy, fit way of life. Be flexible, and customize within the general confines of the program. Find a routine that your schedule can accommodate. You’ll be glad you did.