David Barton Gym And Random Literary References

Hey Chicago! Wanna get fit? Yeah, me neither. Actually, thats a lie, I totally do. But heres the thing, I lose interest quickly. One general solution Ive found for my capricious nature is to dress the dog up as a different author everyday. This maintains my interest and gives the dog something to do. But when it comes to fitness, it turns out my short attention span actually benefits me. Bodies are smart, efficient. They find shortcuts, ways to do the same moves yet expend less effort; hence the dread plateau effect. Nothing to do with a landmass, exercise plateaus occur when your workout becomes routinized; youre plodding away on the treadmill each day, wondering why your practice has lost its effect. So whats the key to fitness? Make like your workout is (are?) the Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and mix it up. (Dorkiest reference ever!)

One possible option this summer? Camp David, the David Barton Gym boot camp. Running Wednesdays and Saturdays from June 1st to September 1st, Camp David features

cardio drills, agility training and core strengthening, all performed outdoors. Our Town spoke with David Barton himself about the program and his own routine.

Our Town What can a gym-goer expect from your boot camp?

David Barton Camp David workouts are designed to focus on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) as a means of melting fat fast. In order to do this without cardio equipment or weights we selected whole body type movements such as sprinting, jump squats, and pushups to maximize the rate of fat oxidation. These movements utilize multiple joints and recruit a large amount of skeletal muscle fibers. Combine that with the appropriate intensity and youve got the perfect formula to Look Better Naked.

OT By the way, howd you come up with your Look Better Naked slogan?

DB Look Better Naked came to me in a dream

OT Some dream. So, why is interval training effective?

DB Interval training has a greater fat burning effect during the twenty-four to forty eight hours following the workout. Its also better for heart health than a steady run on the treadmill.

OT How long does a session last?

DB One hour. [Chicago groups] meet at the gym and then run to Erie park as a group.

OT Is the boot camp suitable for newbies?

DB All of my classes designed for everyone. The trainers [ensure that] everyone can work out with the appropriate intensity for their fitness level.

OT How are David Barton trainers selected?

DB At DavidBartonGym, exercise is an art form with human flesh as the medium, dumbbell as the tool, and trainer as the sculptor. Each recruit must be able to perceive a bodys underlying potential, what the muscle looks like under the skin. These skills must be so internalized that a trainer can visualize and predict anyones results. Finally, each trainer must pass the test of training David Barton himself. Some make it. Some dont.

The Dog as Joan Didion

OT Whats your personal exercise regime like?

DB I dedicated my life to working out. It has saved me on many occasions. It allows me to focus and for one hour of my day, that time is mine; Im in total control. If you stop by my Chelsea gym at three a.m., dont be surprised to see me killing it to punk music.

OT What part does nutrition play?

DB Food is the means to an end, but I still love a Mercadito Taco or a big steak from Gibsons, both Chicago favorites.

OT What advice would you give to someone who wants to begin a workout routine?

DB Strength and weigh training should be an integral part. Weights can change the shape of the body and turning it into a lean, mean muscle-burning machine.

OT What celebrity body would you say is in peak condition?

DB Im team Jacob.

To learn more about Camp David visit www.davidbartongym.com or call 312-836-9127.

A writer with an MFA in Creative Writing from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Sarah Terez Rosenblum freelances for a number of web sites and print publications. Her debut novel, Herself When Shes Missing,” is forthcoming from Counter Point Press. She is also a figure model, Spinning instructor and teacher at Chicagos StoryStudio. Inevitably one day she will find herself lecturing naked on a spinning bike. She’s kind of looking forward to it actually.

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