This is OP, that free week is definitely enticing!

Honestly- sarge program is the best in the area. I've done a few different ones just for variation and i always come back. There are a number of "walkers" in our group and lots of pushups-from-the-knees ppl. But it is a terrific program and most instructors are knowledgeable about giving you alternatives if you have knee problems or such. They give you a free week- just try it!

I did one called Active Duty Fitness for about a year and loved it! It's 4 days a week at 6am. I did the one on the GW parkway by the airport. I was definitely overweight and out of shape and did fine with it. A good trainer will give you modifications if needed. I particularly liked this one cause it is for women only. Good luck with your search!

Anonymous wrote:being honest, I wouldn't sign up for a boot camp being overweight and totally out of shape (which I am both). I know lots of moms who do the boot camps and they are all pretty much slim and are in ok shape. The boot camps may be advertised for "beginners" but don't kid yourself. A couple of the moms I know where kind enough to gently tell me that I would hate it and that perhaps I should start of with at least going to the gym routinely before considering a boot camp.

Hi PP, I just responded above but I do want to say that I can see how this is probably good advice. If I do try boot camp and it doesn't work, I'll keep this in mind and pursue it as a 2nd tactic. Thanks for being honest!

OP here, combining resonding to the last 2 PPs at once, I did actually do hot yoga pretty regularly up until 6 months ago, so I do have the stamina to do it. And PP who says maybe don't think about boot camp yet, part of my problem is that given my schedule, I most likely will talk my way out of regular gym sessions most days of the week if there isn't someone on me, and I can't afford a personal trainer. I need something that will give me the most for the 2 or 3 days I can do it because that's probably what will keep me going, plus someone watching me and hopefully encouraging me past when I'd want to give up (but not past when I would hurt myself!).

I guess to be clear, I'm neither significantly overweight nor significantly out of shape, but it's been 6 months since I did any kind of exercise and I never ever lost the baby flab after DD's birth. I think the excercise I did do the last 3 years just kept me healthy, but definitely not slim or tone, which is what I'd like to become.

So thanks for the continued advice. I do know one boot camp I looked up was connected to Cross Fit, and I at least know enough (from having tried that before and injuring my wrist!) that that is too much for me. But a boot camp with good coaching may well be the ticket.

Any other advice you guys? It's all so much appreciated!

Bikram.

being honest, I wouldn't sign up for a boot camp being overweight and totally out of shape (which I am both). I know lots of moms who do the boot camps and they are all pretty much slim and are in ok shape. The boot camps may be advertised for "beginners" but don't kid yourself. A couple of the moms I know where kind enough to gently tell me that I would hate it and that perhaps I should start of with at least going to the gym routinely before considering a boot camp.

How much is the Sarge's program? How does it work if you are really out of shape

Thanks, I'll check Sarge out! Mornings are tough but I'm willing to at least explore it so I appreciate the link.

Any other recommendations folks?

I do the Seargent's Program at Mann School at Nebraska and New Mexico. I love it. I live in Mt.Pleasant and go over there every day for class at 5:50. At that hour it only takes me 10 minutes.

There is also a Sarge class at Carter Baron. That one is probably much closer for you. When I started the class was at the National Cathedral and I love the instructor so I wouldn't consider changing.

The classes are all early in the morning so if you need an evening class Sarge won't work. Check them out at Sarge.com

I'm healthy and not greatly overweight, but I am overweight and very out of shape. Had DD at 43 (46 now) and body never recovered, plus stress, ridiculous sleep deprivation for longer than before DD was born, and a tough work schedule means hardly any time to work out.

But I need to do SOMETHING, and if I can find the right class I'm hoping this is it.

Any advice? And we live in Columbia Heights and have car, but ideally this would be near CH, Adams Morgan, or Navy Yard (where work is).

But if you know of an awesome program, please do post, no matter where it is.

TIA!