Jami Shields, owner of Ab-solute Fitness & Nutrition, in Carlisle, loves to exercise in the great outdoors. “I feel like we’ve had such a long winter,” she says. “I’ve been itching to get outside and get some vitamin D.” She knows she’s not the only one, and that’s why Shields and her training staff created the Ultimate Outdoor Fit Camp that begins May 9. This family-friendly camp is designed to help parents and children 10 and older to get fit together. “It’s ideal for families of all fitness levels,” she says. “They’ll spend time together outside while getting a fabulous, butt-kicking workout.”

According to Shields, “Fit Camp is a fun environment where trainers and fellow campers challenge one another to reach their highest potential. It focuses on high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which blends short, intense high-energy exercises with longer, less intense rest periods. You burn more calories during a HIIT workout and continue to burn more fat and calories in the 24 hours following the workout than you would if you went for a jog.” Several fitness trainers will be on hand for each class to help guide and inspire Fit Campers. “Participants will be split into age-appropriate groups,” explains Shields. “This way, the trainers can really target the fitness needs of the campers.”Families participating in Fit Camp also get a chance to discover other services offered at Ab-solute Fitness & Nutrition, including the comprehensive, six-week Jump Start personal training program. “It includes an initial assessment, a general food plan, a self-guided workout plan, weekly email check-in, and three, one-one-one coaching/workout sessions with a personal trainer,” explains Shields.Classes will be offered on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. or 7 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. or 11 a.m. to noon. The cost for each adult is $200 for two classes per week for the eight-week session, and discounts are available for children attending Fit Camp with a paying adult. “This is such a great opportunity to get the kids outdoors and away from their iPads so they can get fit and healthy,” says Shields. “And most of all; to show the kiddos that fitness is fun!”

Shields and the rest of the staff at Ab-solute Fitness & Nutrition are committed to helping their clients achieve their wellness goals. “Living the fit life is more than just personal appearance. It’s a lifestyle that includes getting your exercise, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep,” explains Shields. “Get started now and start changing your life for the better.”

Location: 1900 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle, PA. For more details, call 717- 860-9161 or visit AbsolFit.com. 

Erin Lehn Floresca is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.