Ready for Camp?
I never went to a “sleep away” camp as a child, and I’m fine with that. It is not an experience that I feel like I missed out. As an adult, if there were more “camps” like Camp Tampa, a fitness experience in Tampa, FL, I’d be down. Calling it just a studio doesn’t feel like it would do enough justice.
The studio bills itself as a place to play and to gather, to sweat and to network (or sweatwork). It is made up of three buildings that house studios for whatever workout preference you may have: Cycle, Yoga, Circuit Training, HIIT and Stations (think CrossFit for this last one). If you could choose your own fitness adventure, what would it be?
I honestly couldn’t make up my mind when it came to which adventure I wanted, so I booked two classes: Hip Hop Yoga and a Ass and Abs Circuit class. Both were pretty intense. I worked up the biggest sweat in yoga, as it was heated and a 70-minute class. The circuit class was tough in a different way. We worked with heavy weights and bands in :30 to :45 second intervals. There were two rounds of strength work with weights, an ab circuit and bands incorporated into the beginning and end of class.
Camp Tampa
Sweat Level
Hip Hop Yoga: 💦💦💦 💦💦of 5
Abs & Ass Circuit: 💦💦💦 of 5
Gear Needed:
Bring your bottle water. At all three studios, towels are provided, filtered water fountains are in studio and mats are available for yoga.
Studio Vibe:
It’s an adventure, and y’all know how much we love a #fitventure. When it comes to group fitness, we all fall in love with studios for various reasons. Some people are looking for community. Some of us know that we go harder in a studio environment than if we were going at it solo. Some people like studio memberships so that they can keep their workouts fresh. Camp Tampa fits all three. Upon arriving, I noticed how people were hanging out outside the studios just catching up. The front desk staff was extremely warm and friendly and I didn’t feel like I was walking into a cliquey situation. Everyone seemed like they had the same goal, to come and sweat - and sweat hard.
I really enjoyed the Hip Hop Yoga class and found myself wishing we had one with a similar vibe in Memphis. The playlist included a lot of Missy Elliott, but at one point we were flowing to Oochie Wally by Nas (I think we had some DMX playing at one point too). The yoga studio is also one of the largest I’ve ever practiced in, but I felt more encouraged than stacked on top of one another. I was able to enter in my own zone and really make the practice my own. I believe this had a lot to do with the warm reception I received from the instructor and front desk staff. This can be a rare feeling when it comes to yoga studios - especially as a black woman.
I came into the Abs and Ass class a little late and felt that it annoyed the trainer (which is fair). I had to feel my way through the initial part of class since I missed the run down of how it would go. However, I felt there was a lot of variety and ability to make the workout as hard or easy as you needed it to be.
My biggest critique for both classes is that I’m someone who welcomes hands on corrections. I would have liked a bit more interaction from the instructors to push me further (circuits) or correct my form (yoga).
Who to Bring?
There is truly something for everyone at Camp Tampa, but I think it could even be a good date night. Both classes I took were very mixed, male and female. It could be a great way to take the edge off an early date or a way to mix it up for couples who have been together a while.
Would You Double Tap That?
Heck yes! What Camp Tampa says it is rings true. As soon as I pulled up to the studios I thought, “This is cool!!” There was an energy that rang through as clients were excited to be there. The concept was fun and I’m always down for something different.