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When do boot camp programs start?
There is no start date. You may start at any time and join and existing team.
Are work outs cancelled when the weather is bad?
Sometimes, but don't count on it. Training in the elements is part of the true boot camp experience.
Can I get a refund if I drop-out?
No. The first session is free. After that, if you join a program, the fee is non-refundable.
Why did you start Hit The Hill?
Hit The Hill was launched in 1989 to combine three key elements: big muscle movements at an angle, encouragement to achieve higher and measurable goals and outdoor locations in the beautiful Bay Area. In 2003 The Bay Area Guardian deemed Jim the “godfather of bootcamp”.
Why did you build the outdoor gym?
Weight training is a primary tool to identify weaknesses, reduce injury and is the key to attaining greater and long-term fitness performance. I recognized how limited the knowledge was regarding proper weight training and including this training made a complete program. Many participants in my hill program valued my weight training instruction and the mobile gym was operational on San Francisco’s Crissy Field in 2002. With a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, one member of the group described it as “the most beautiful gymnasium in the world”.
Who joins your program?
Electricians, chefs, waitresses, arborists, nurses, lawyers, financial consultants, authors, military personnel, mothers, fathers, students…people who appreciate basic, true concepts, not trendy fitness philosophy… people who enjoy rigor and something more…people who respect the instruction of a coach and the support of a team and moving outdoors all year around. The program attracts participants from within San Francisco and Marin counties and as far away as Petaluma, St. Helena, Pt. Reyes, Oakland and Redwood City.
Is this a “bootcamp”?
Hit The Hill is an outdoor fitness program. It involves major movement often to the top of Mt. Tamalpais. It is not restricted to a mat or enclosed space or the minute hand on a clock. No workout is ever the same but manages to incorporate climbing, running, and calisthenics amidst sunrises and spectacular views along less traveled trails. Veterans of the program do not consider this a bootcamp.
Who shouldn’t I join the program?
Don’t join if you: are absorbed by your own performance; prefer to workout alone; won’t encourage others; can’t set a good example; are overly competitive with others; won’t welcome newcomers; undermine the coach’s authority; skip workouts; arrive late; depart early; make excuses.
Why should I join your program?
A participant commented “If you can do it, it’s the best thing you can do!”
How long is a hill session, where do we hike and how many miles do we hike?
Hikes range from 2 – 5 hours, depending on the group’s desire and availability. Training areas include: Mt. Tamalpais, Phoenix Lake in Ross, Baker Beach in SF, Marin Headlands, and Indian Valley in Novato. Focus is not placed on mileage but rather the intensity of the terrain. Distances range from 5 to 12 miles.
Where do the groups meet and how will I know the location?
The hiking group meets at trailhead parking lots near E. Blithedale in Mill Valley, Phoenix Lake, Mountain Home Inn on Mt. Tam, Baker Beach SF, Marin Headlands and Indian Valley in Novato. The outdoor gym group meets in San Francisco’s Crissy Field or Baker Beach and at Marin’s Rodeo Beach. A session’s location and time is discussed at the previous workout. Confirmation is made the afternoon before. Call your coach and confirm your attendance by 5 pm the day before.
Why do you use weighted packs? Do I have to carry weight and how much?
Weight recruits the larger muscles which are the keystones to fitness. Pair weight with an incline and you amplify the benefits of the workout. The amount of weight carried is based on your current fitness level and continuously re-assessed to keep you motivated, challenged and rewarded. Depending on the session’s emphasis, packs weigh 10 -100 lbs. Heavy weighted packs are not worn during extended runs; however, light packs may be worn for sprint drills.
Is there a lot of running? What if I’m a slow runner?
The amount of running is tailored to the group’s overall ability. With greater variance in ability, stronger runners are assigned longer routes whereas a slower runner may be assigned a shortcut.
How often should I attend or what is the mandatory level of participation?
Twice or three times a week is recommended in order to improve your fitness level. Once a week is not recommended but may be permitted upon approval if you are participating in other activities which compliment Hit The Hill. Fitness is a lifestyle and needs to be a visible and routine part of each week.
What if I can’t make a workout?
Everyone’s equipment is individually prepared and loaded into the vehicle so please provide 24 hour advance notice. Notification is mandatory; otherwise, the team will be waiting for you.
What if I have to leave early from a hill workout?
Please provide 24 hour advance notice so that your safe and timely departure from the hike can be choreographed without interruption to other participants. You must be familiar with trails to depart on your own.
How should I prepare for a workout?
Organize your wardrobe the night before, eat well, get adequate sleep and be certain of meeting place and time. The morning of the program, check phone messages for any changes.
Do I need to keep up with the hiking group?
Every effort is made to keep the group cohesive on the trails by controlling pace or pack weight. The program may not be appropriate for a participant that consistently falls behind. The team mentality is very important to the program philosophy.
Will I lose weight? How much?
This program’s intent is not to focus on weight but, rather, fitness. All participants will develop greater cardiopulmonary, strength and agility capacity. And, yes, weight loss can be expected with regular participation.
What if I have a physical limitation?
This should be discussed with your coach prior to the program session and may prevent your participation. All concerns should be addressed with your physician prior to program participation.
Why does the early morning hiking group wear white?
This group often starts before sunrise and white tops and bottoms provide visibility of those hiking in front of and behind you. It’s for the team’s safety and is required.
Do I need to purchase any equipment? Is there a uniform?
Flexible trail shoes with good traction along with gloves (biking or weight lifting style) are required for the hiking program. Well worn shoes, smooth soles, sandals or boots are not permitted. The early morning hiking group is required to wear white for safety. The later hiking group typically wears a white top and black bottom. A change of clothes is helpful following the program. For the mobile gym program, weight lifting gloves and exercise clothing for possible cool or windy climate is recommended. Dressing in layers is always the best.
Should I bring water or food?
Water is supplied during the program. Food is not permitted during the workouts so it is important to eat beforehand. We often tailgate afterwards so bring your favorite healthy snacks.
Can I bring a friend?
Appropriate physical ability, respect of program guidelines and requirements along with a 24 hour advance approval is required.
Can I bring my dog?
Friendly and physically capable dogs have participated in the program. Dogs must be well conditioned and well behaved for hilly, rocky trail terrain and remain under control at all times. 24 hour advance approval is required and all participants must be comfortable with the dog. (Note: certain routes may not accommodate dogs.)