Colchester's best bootcampers show their mettle and team spirit

Often used to refer to rigorous and intensive training, the thought of bootcamp is, if anything, more likely to evoke emotions of fear and trepidation for most of us, who would dread the thought of mud, sweat, and tears.

Getting things rolling – a competitor builds up some momentum

But Colchester Bootcamp has found a clientele which relishes such challenges – and challenges which take place at times of day when others would be reaching for the snooze button on their alarm clocks.

Grim determination – the pain rarely brought smiles to the faces of participants

With some sessions starting as early as 6am in Abbeyfield, such classes are not for the faint of heart, but there must be an element of enjoyment and satisfaction to keep people coming back at ungodly hours and in gruelling conditions.

On Tuesday March 8, it was time for participants to cast their egos to one side and work together in a bid to become Colchester’s best bootcampers.

Face of focus – the Bootcamp games were not for the faint hearted

Taking place at Philip Morant School, the Bootcamp Games saw teams of six go head-to-head in a series of old-school challenges you would be more accustomed to seeing at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Dumbbells, jerry cans, tractor tyres, and heavy-duty ropes – this was not a competition where you could go it alone.

Gruelling – jerry cans are not as light as they look

If there was one aspect of the day which was kind to the competitors, though, it was the weather – a cloudless sky boosted the morale of the teams, most of which were made up of two males and four females.

The day was complete with prizes for the winners, and even wooden spoons to appreciate the efforts of the teams who, despite their best efforts, could not compete with the crème de la crème of Colchester’s bootcampers.

Hands full – one man had quite a task on his hands with these objects

Gabriel Beckett is the man behind the madness of Colchester Bootcamp, having started up the fitness group in the spring of 2018.

Wooden spoon – even the prizes for team in last were worth taking home

Mr Beckett has also been behind numerous fundraising campaigns for mental health charities, having raised over £700 for Samaritans after a charity event last year.

Photo credit: Jeremy Sparks