Lindale students and teachers have recently joined a nationwide health and fitness movement known as Camp Gladiator. Camp Gladiator is one of the nation’s leaders in group fitness with award-winning outdoor fitness camps led by experienced trainers.

“I like to describe it as a movement—a wave of positive, life-changing energy that sweeps through a community,” camp trainer and math teacher Drew Smith said. “The group environment is great for accountability, competition, motivation and fun!”

Camp Gladiator is an outdoor group exercise program structured into five-week camps. Each week consists of different goals and exercises ranging anywhere from endurance training that establishes muscular and cardio foundation, to “bold week” which features fewer workouts and focuses on recovery.

“Camp Gladiator has altered my lifestyle because it gives me a family style environment to really push myself and try to make myself better and healthier,”  camper and English teacher Kristin Quarles said. “It has helped me view working out in a much more positive light, and I actually enjoy waking up early to participate.”

Lindale’s Camp Gladiator was started by Smith who has a long participation history in outdoor training, competing in events such as Spartan races, Tough Mudder, etc.  Smith is one of two trainers who is responsible for planning and leading workouts, checking up on campers health and safety, attending races to promote Camp Gladiator, and being as motivating as possible during workouts.

“My hope is to grow with more trainers in Lindale, meaning new times and locations for workouts,” Smith said. “Second, is to give back to the community with scholarships for Lindale ISD students and donation drives for local churches.”

Lindale’s location has between seven to eight workouts per week but members have access to to any of their 2,700 locations across Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Louisiana and Florida.

“I feel so much better (than) before I started working out with Camp Gladiator, I went to the gym maybe once every two weeks,”camper and junior Joy Nelms said. “I would say that’s good enough, but now I am constantly being pushed to do better and work harder.”

Camp Gladiator has attracted teachers and students  to join the fitness program. The camp expects one of their campers to be a certified trainer within the next month. For more information visit Lindale’s Camp Gladiator Facebook page and for an exclusive Spring Training offer visit the Official Camp Gladiator website.

“I began working out with Camp Gladiator in mid-August and I will hit my 100th check-in next week,”camper and speech teacher John Fugler said. “The group aspect was revolutionary for me. It made working out so much easier because I no longer have to plan workouts or motivate myself.  All I have to do is make myself show up. Anyone can do that.”