Bootcamp Equipment: What Each Piece of Kit Trains
You walk into your first class and the floor is covered in kit: cannonball-shaped weights with handles, coloured elastic loops, chunky rubber balls and a pile of boxing pads. If you have not trained in a while, it can look a bit like a toy shop for grown-ups, and a bit intimidating. This guide to bootcamp equipment explains what each piece is, what it actually trains and how a beginner should use it, so you can walk in knowing exactly what you are looking at.
Why bootcamps use simple, portable kit
A bootcamp is not a gym with rows of machines. The equipment has to be quick to set up, easy to move between stations and useful for lots of different exercises. That is why most classes rely on a handful of tough, versatile tools. Each one trains your body as a whole, the way you use it in real life: picking up a child, carrying shopping, pushing a buggy up Highgate Hill.
The core bootcamp equipment and what each one trains
Kettlebells
What they are: a cast iron or steel ball with a handle on top. Because the weight sits below your hand, they move differently from dumbbells.
What they train: the whole back of your body (glutes, hamstrings and back), grip, core and, with swings, your heart and lungs too. They are brilliant for the muscles that protect your lower back.
Key beginner moves:
- Kettlebell deadlift: 3 sets of 8 to 10. Bell between your feet, push your hips back, flat back, stand tall.
- Goblet squat: 3 sets of 8. Hold the bell at your chest, sit down between your knees.
- Kettlebell swing: only after the deadlift is solid. Start with 3 sets of 10.
Most beginners start lighter than they think. My guide on what weight kettlebell to start with will help, and the kettlebell swing for beginners post breaks down the trickiest move.
Resistance bands
What they are: stretchy loops or long bands in different strengths, usually colour coded.
What they train: shoulders and upper back (great for posture), glutes and hips, and controlled strength. The tension increases as the band stretches, which is kind on joints.
Key beginner moves:
- Band pull-apart: 3 sets of 15. Arms straight in front, pull the band apart until it touches your chest.
- Banded glute bridge: 3 sets of 12. Loop above the knees, push them gently outwards as you lift.
- Band row: 3 sets of 12. Anchor the band, pull elbows back, squeeze shoulder blades.
Bands are also the best cheap kit to own at home.
Boxing pads and gloves
What they are: padded mitts held by a partner or coach, and gloves for the person punching.
What they train: coordination, shoulder endurance, core rotation, reaction speed and cardio fitness. And, honestly, stress relief. There are few things more satisfying after a long week than a clean one-two on a pad.
Key beginner moves: jab, cross, hook, in short combinations of 30 to 45 seconds. Keep your guard up, turn your back foot on the cross and breathe out on each punch.
Safety: pad work in a fitness class should be no-contact between participants. You hit pads, not people.
Slam balls
What they are: heavy, soft-shelled balls designed to be thrown to the floor without bouncing back much.
What they train: power, core and full body conditioning. Lifting the ball overhead and slamming it down uses legs, trunk and arms together.
Key beginner move: the slam. 3 sets of 8. Feet shoulder width, lift the ball overhead, slam it down in front of you, bend your knees and hips to pick it up with a flat back. Start light; the speed matters more than the weight.
Mats
What they train: nothing on their own, but they make floor work comfortable: planks, bridges, dead bugs and stretching. Bring a small towel to put on top.
Other kit you might see
Depending on the class, you may also see skipping ropes, agility ladders, cones, steps or sandbags. The principle is the same: simple tools, used with good technique, in short focused bursts.
How to use bootcamp equipment safely as a beginner
- Learn the movement before you add weight. A light kettlebell with perfect form beats a heavy one with a rounded back.
- Ask for the easier option. Every station should have one.
- Check your space. Before swinging a kettlebell or slamming a ball, make sure nobody is close by.
- Grip, don’t strangle. Hold firmly but don’t tense your neck and shoulders.
- Stop if it hurts. Effort and burning muscles are fine. Sharp or joint pain is not. Tell the coach.
If you have a back, knee or shoulder problem, check with your GP or physio before starting, and let your coach know so they can pick the right kit for you.
Do you need your own bootcamp equipment?
Not to come to a class. A good bootcamp provides everything. If you want to train at home between sessions, a set of resistance bands and one moderate kettlebell will cover a huge range of exercises. My post on building a home gym on a budget explains what to buy first.
Where SYP Bootcamp fits
In my classes I bring all the kit: kettlebells, resistance bands, boxing pads and gloves, slam balls and mats. You just bring water, a towel and yourself. Classes run indoors in a church hall in Archway N19, 45 minutes, max 10 people, £15 a class. With a small group I can show each person the right weight and fix technique as we go.
If you want to try the pads and slam balls in one go, SYP Release is our stress relief class built around exactly that.
FAQs
What equipment do you need for a bootcamp?
For a class, nothing except trainers, comfortable clothes, water and a towel. The coach provides kettlebells, bands, pads and other kit.
Is kettlebell training safe for beginners?
Yes, with coaching and a sensible starting weight. Learn the deadlift first, keep your back flat, and build up slowly.
What size kettlebell should I buy for home?
Many beginners do well with a moderate weight they can deadlift comfortably for 10 reps with good form. Try different weights in class before you buy.
Do bootcamps use machines?
Usually not. Bootcamps use portable kit and bodyweight exercises, which train your body in ways that carry over to everyday life.
Book your first class
The best way to learn the kit is to use it with someone watching your form. SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes in Archway N19, max 10 people, £15 a class, with all equipment provided. Book your £15 class here, or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215. If an old injury makes you wary of weights, my injury-safe personal training at SYP Fitness is a careful one-to-one starting point.
About the author
Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.
