Earlier this year, I joined a bootcamp after my regular gym membership expired. I wanted to try a new workout to change things up. When I was still living in Queens, I consistently went to bootcamp 3-5 days a week for about six months. I took a break after I relocated and recently started going to classes near my new home.
With the high intensity of bootcamp, Zen probably doesn’t come to mind. I’m used to the grounding, calm nature of yoga and normally wouldn’t think of bootcamp in the same way. But I am experiencing Zen in my new workout. For me, there is a sense of calm, presence and oneness in something that initially seems chaotic.
The Zen of bootcamp is in being present. It’s in the pattern and repetition of movements. Though no two classes are exactly the same, they incorporate many of the same exercises like squatting, push ups, planks, burpees, v-ups, etc. I’m focused on the exercises happening at that moment. I am also more aware of my breath and make more of an effort to breathe deeply.
Classes are exhausting and re-energizing at the same time. They don’t seem to get easier, but the sense of accomplishment from showing up and completing a session is rewarding.
I suppose Zen is possible in any activity. Perhaps that is the goal of Zen – to be able to experience it any activity or situation.
