Orange County fitness class brings military boot camp to civilians

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- When it comes to fitness, consider going back to the basics - basic training that is. A boot camp program in Orange County brings military workouts to civilians.

With the sun barely up, coach Quentin Pullen gets his platoon ready for basic training.

This camp is not for soldiers - it's for civilians. The once vacant lot next to the Newport Beach YMCA is now home to this O.C. "playpen." Pullen, a retired Marine, got a little financial help from his students, like Craig Batley.

"I'm a member of the Y for life now," said Batley, a Newport Beach resident.

"This is real military boot camp. Everyone else does fitness classes, but this is the boot camp feel that you get when you go into the military," Pullen said.

Sure, there are the typical push-ups and jumping jacks, but when was the last time your warm-up included lifting a tire or bicep curling a huge beam?

Scaling walls, rope climbing and the so-called "confidence climb" are just a few of the obstacles you'll encounter.

While all these tools are really fun, the three things Pullen wants you to learn are self-confidence, discipline and team work.

"Discipline with your nutrition, discipline with getting out here every day," Pullen said.

Such discipline will help you learn to master your mind and body.

"Break down barriers to fear and kind of allow yourself to do more," said Maggie Yun of Irvine.

Pulle's wife, Nora, said don't be put off by the daunting challenges. It's all about the right technique.

"Using your whole body, your legs, your core, not just your upper body, will get you over any of these obstacles," she said.

Classes run from dawn to dusk. If you want to give it a go, there's a $20 drop-in rate along with extensive six, eight and twelve-week programs. At the very least, you'll be ready for the next mud run.