Newsflash: SAS bootcamp comes to rural Hampshire
Set deep within 500 acres of picturesque Hampshire countryside and created by a raft of top fitness professionals, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire has just announced the launch of ESCAPE.
Promising to take visitors way past their comfort zone and force them into the unknown, the ESCAPE is not for the fainthearted and includes up to 12 hours of training, plus a couple of SAS-style surprises. The good news is that it also includes three hours of spa treatments, breakfasts, healthy lunches and dinners, use of the spa facilities and two nights’ accommodation.
Co-creator and ex US military soldier, Joshua Blackmer, explained: “The purpose of our boot camp is to push individuals outside of their comfort zones, both mentally and physically. When training in the army, I learnt that when put in the right environment there are no limits on what you can achieve. With The ESCAPE, we will give you a foundation of knowledge concerning health, training and nutrition and something completely outside the normal routine of the gym or studio.”
Speaking with Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, we asked what visitors can expect from the SAS-esque bootcamp.
IN WHAT WAY CAN VISITORS EXPECT TO BE PUSHED PAST THEIR BOUNDARIES?
Most people simply will not train outside of their comfort zones on their own. It takes a truly dedicated person to max out every training session every time. Most of us are just too busy, too tired, or too comfortable. We are creatures of habit and we don’t like change or pain.
The ESCAPE’s instructors have the knowledge and experience of going beyond that line of comfort and pushing beyond what the brain tells the body it can or should do. We know, no matter who you are, or what your fitness level, you will always have just a little bit more to give, and we will help you to understand that. We will be happy to provide our guests with copious amounts of encouragement given at a slightly elevated decibel level.
WHAT RESULTS, EITHER PHYSICAL OR MENTAL, MIGHT VISITORS SEE AFTER TWO DAYS?
After two days, physical results will probably be minimal. Weight loss, muscle tone and strength come with dedication and consistency.
However, the mental results will hopefully be one of understanding that you can, in fact, do more than previously thought, and will be better equipped to tackle your next training session with a renewed sense of accomplishment and dedication. Mental hurdles are just as difficult and rewarding as physical ones.
12 HOURS OF TRAINING OVER 2 DAYS IS A LOT – HOW IS THE ESCAPE SET UP SO THAT YOU CAN RECOVER QUICKLY?
With meditation sessions, spa treatments, wholesome quality foods, comfortable beds, and some free time to relax in the spa, you will be well on your way to a full recovery by the end. Also, keep in mind, that the “12 hours” also includes Tai Chi, spin classes and a little meditation.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF REMOVING VISITOR’S PHONES?
We are in an age of technology saturation and overload. The vast majority of us simply can’t go without the use of our phones, emails, texts, tweets, etc. Its an age of instant gratification and “likes” and it makes us feel good about ourselves. Sadly though, its an addiction for most, one that can and needs to be switched off on occasion.
The purpose of removing mobile phones from the participants is to help with the mental “detox” that we aim to provide over the 3 days. To switch off from technology, and to really concentrate on yourself. Something most of us don’t ever truly do anymore.
WHO IS THE RETREAT AIMED AT?
Anyone up for a challenge, who wants to truly test their physical capacity in a short space of time.
WHAT TAKEAWAYS CAN VISITORS EXPECT TO LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS?
Hopefully a sense of accomplishment, a better understanding of one’s self, a higher level of confidence and general recognition of their abilities to be able to step outside of their comfort zone and survive.
