What to Bring to Bootcamp: Your First Class Checklist

It is 6.40pm. You have done the handover, found your trainers under a pile of school shoes and you are about to dash out the door for your first class. Then the doubt hits: what am I supposed to bring? If you are wondering what to bring to bootcamp, the honest answer is less than you think. A water bottle, a small towel and a bit of information about your body will cover almost every class. Here is my full list, from a coach who sees what people forget every week.

What to bring to bootcamp: the essentials

1. A filled water bottle. You will sweat more than you expect. A reusable bottle with a lid that seals is best so it does not leak in your bag.
2. A small towel. For your face, and for putting down on a mat or bench if you prefer.
3. A warm layer. A hoodie or light jacket for the journey home, especially in winter.
4. Your phone and keys, ideally in a small bag you can leave at the side.
5. Any medication you might need, such as an asthma inhaler. Keep it where you can reach it, and tell the coach where it is.

For what to actually wear, including trainers, I have written a separate guide on what to wear to bootcamp.

The thing most people forget: information about you

This is not something you pack, but it matters more than anything in your bag. Before the class starts, tell the coach about:

• Injuries, old or new: knees, back, shoulders, wrists.
• Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes or heart conditions.
• Pregnancy, or having had a baby in the last year.
• Medication that might affect how you feel when you exercise.
• How long it has been since you last trained.

A good coach will adjust exercises for you. If you have a health condition or have not exercised in a long time, the NHS physical activity guidelines recommend talking to your GP first. If you have had a baby, wait for your postnatal check, usually around 6 to 8 weeks after birth, before high-impact exercise, as the NHS explains on keeping fit and healthy with a baby.

Nice-to-haves

• Your own mat, if you have one you like. Ask your coach when you book whether mats are provided.
• Hair ties or a headband to keep hair out of your face.
• A small snack for afterwards if you are going straight into the evening routine, like a banana or a yoghurt.
• Boxing gloves or wraps if you are doing a boxing class and own a pair. If you are coming to SYP Box Fit and do not have any, just ask me when you book.
• A plastic bag for sweaty kit on the way home.

What you do not need to bring

• Weights or equipment. At SYP Bootcamp the class kit, like the pads and slam balls in the stress relief class, is there for you to use.
• Fancy supplements or pre-workout drinks. Water is fine.
• A full gym bag of toiletries. Most parents go straight home and shower there.
• Your kids, unless the class is specifically designed for them. Sort childcare in advance so you can focus for 45 minutes.

What to eat before a class

Training on a completely empty stomach can leave you dizzy, especially in the evening after a long day. Training straight after a big meal can leave you feeling sick. A rough guide that works for most people:

• 2 to 3 hours before: a normal meal is fine.
• 30 to 60 minutes before: a small snack such as a banana, a slice of toast or a yoghurt.
• Early morning classes: something small like half a banana is usually enough if you cannot face breakfast.

If you have diabetes or another condition where food timing matters, follow the advice from your GP or diabetes team.

How much water?

Drink normally through the day, have a few sips before the class, and sip during breaks. You do not need to down a litre in one go. My post on how much water you should drink covers daily needs in more detail.

A quick pre-class checklist

Screenshot this and use it on your way out:

• Water bottle, filled
• Towel
• Warm layer
• Inhaler or other medication, if needed
• Phone, keys, travel card
• Small snack for after
• Any injuries or conditions ready to mention to the coach

Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early for your first class so you can settle in, meet the coach and mention any of the above. The warm-up matters too, so do not skip it. Here is why a warm-up before exercise is worth those few minutes.

FAQs

Do I need to bring a mat to bootcamp?

It depends on the class. Many provide mats, but it is always worth asking when you book. If you have a mat you prefer, there is no harm in bringing it.

Should I eat before a bootcamp class?

A small snack 30 to 60 minutes before usually works best. Avoid a big meal right before, and avoid training completely empty if you tend to feel light-headed.

Do I need to bring my own weights?

Usually not. Most bootcamps provide equipment. At SYP Bootcamp the kit we use in class is there for you, so just bring yourself, water and trainers.

How early should I arrive for my first class?

Five to ten minutes early is ideal. It gives you time to meet the coach, mention any injuries and find your spot without rushing.

Book your first class

Bag packed, now pick a time. SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes indoors in a church hall in Archway N19, max 10 people, £15 a class, for all fitness levels. You get the timetable when you book. Book your £15 class here, or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215. If an injury is holding you back and you would like 1-1 help first, see injury-safe personal training at SYP Fitness.

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.