Posted on September 25, 2008 - by Frank

Les Mills Bootcamp

Right now, you might be wondering what Les Mills has to do with humanitarianism. That would be understandable since the primary purpose of Les Mills Gyms is to sculpt beautiful bodies and increase fitness rather than save the world - going so far as to have a promotional campaign just for the ladies titled “look better naked”. If the scope of Les Mills ended there, they certainly wouldn’t be getting a mention on this site as they just wouldn’t fit, but there is a little more to them.

One of my work colleagues flicked an email out earlier today encouraging us to donate to The Auckland City Mission in support of her time with the Les Mills Bootcamp, where she is being put through hell as she and others help raise money for various charities.

Brooke is the sports presenter for Shine TV’s nightly news show, NZONE Tonight and I’d strongly recommend supporting her. All proceeds will go to The Auckland City Mission, which I believe is doing a great work.

I flicked a few questions to Brooke:

Firstly, tell us about the Les Mills bootcamp and how it operates…

The Les Mills Bootcamp is inspired by the military. It is a four week outdoor group fitness and personal training program helping people achieve their personal best and push past their physical, mental and emotional barriers. There are 15 teams of eight people competing against each other to raise points and dollars for New Zealand charities. There’s even a ‘Celebrity Charity Ambassador Team’ going through the paces with us.

How long does it go for?

Bootcamp goes for four weeks in total, we train at the sprightly hour of 6.30am three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Fridays) no matter if it’s pouring with rain or an unreasonable temperature. We’ve just passed the halfway mark and I’m counting down the days!

Were you feeling a little psychotic when you signed up? J How did you get into it?

You would think we were bullied into signing up to Bootcamp!? No one in their right mind would WANT to endure this type of torture… but the opportunity was too good to pass up… the variety and unique way of getting fit was a big motivation for me and summer is on its way. My team is called ‘The Press-Ups’ since we’re all in the media industry, and TV One’s sports personality Neil Waka is on my team (he’s the cheeky one – gets us into trouble more often than not).

Why should people donate to help the Auckland City Mission?

I really believe the Auckland City Mission is deserving of our charity… just last year the Mission provided 6,650 families and individuals with food and clothing. The Inner-City Drop-In centre was visited close 35,000 times by Auckland’s homeless for necessities and social support and their Community Food Programme has regularly supplied food to around 70 Foodbanks and community groups throughout Greater Auckland – which has helped feed 50,000 New Zealanders. So, I want to help keep their doors open to those in need and any donation is a blessing.

I know it helps the Auckland City Mission, but if you were to think about what you were getting out of it, what would you say the benefits are for you?

When I’m face down in the mud struggling with my 23rd press up and a military Staff Instructor is yelling orders at us, I really only can think about the personal growth and fitness that’ll be gained (and the knowledge that 119 other people are going through the same pain as me helps a little bit). Knowing it’s all for a good cause helps too.

If people want to donate, where do they go?

If you would like to generously donate (no amount is too big or too small) you can head to the fund raising web page I’ve set up at http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/BrookeDobson/ Every bit helps.

How can people keep up with what’s going on and how well you’re doing?

You can keep tabs on how well I’m coping (or not) and join in the fun by jumping online at red.lesmillsbootcamp.com/ There’s videos and photos of our struggles and you’ll no doubt have a laugh or two at our expense!