When it comes to exercises, it's hard for Jessica Galow to pick just one.
"I hate several of them equally," she said.
Galow was among a group participating in an exercise "boot camp" Friday at Morris K. Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road.
David Calvert of Calvert Fitness leads the hour-long boot camp class several times a week, and has done so for two years.
"I felt there was a demand for it, and people like to train outside," he said.
Even though the class is held outdoors, the experience is intimate, Calvert said. He can talk to people about fitness and nutrition as they make their way through the exercise circuit.
"I don't bark at them, but I do use a lot of sarcasm," he said.
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Calvert is passionate when it comes to strength and conditioning. He was a volunteer assistant in the strength program for the Arizona Wildcats football team in 1998, then spent two years as the strength coach for the Colorado Rockies Minor League Baseball team.
"The purpose of exercise is to make the rest of your life easier," Calvert said, referring to everyday activities such as climbing stairs, carrying groceries and playing with your kids.
Galow has been attending the boot camp for more than a year and said she wouldn't push herself as hard if she went to the gym by herself. And it's had in impact.
"I notice more definition in my arms, and it's helped me in my yoga," she said.
Calvert said he understands how the gym can be intimidating for some people. In the park there are no gawkers and everyone does the same circuit.
"You show up, I tell you what to do, you leave," he said.
If you go
• What: Boot Camp with Calvert Fitness
• Where: Morris K. Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
• When: 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 8:45-9:45 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
• Cost: The first class is free and drop-in classes are $20; other prices vary
• For more information: Go to www.calvertfitness.com or call 247-8047
Contact photographer Mamta Popat at mpopat@azstarnet.com or 349-5359.
