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Camp Gladiator - Clayton

Finding Health, Fitness and a Community

By Valery Spradlin, Publiser - Macaroni Kid Garner-Clayton-Smithfield October 31, 2019




I know this is going to sound odd, but one of the things I have always loved is to exercise. Don't get me wrong, I hate every second of it as I'm going through it but being active has always been part of my life. All the health benefits that you get from exercising are not a myth, I promise! I love the way I feel after a great workout. Another benefit of exercising I have experienced has been meeting people I, otherwise, would have never met.

A few months ago, I saw a post come up on my Facebook feed offering group fitness training for $10 for 4 weeks with Camp Gladiator. Of course, I jumped at the chance to reach out to the trainer and see how I could help her spread the word for this great offer. Why? Because I know how expensive it is to have a trainer (I used to pay $125 per month that did not include the gym fee), therefore, $10 for 4 weeks was a gift. A gift to anyone that wanted to start their health journey or even jump into a great, quality program if they've already been exercising. So, I went out to check out Camp Gladiator to see if it was all that they were offering.

The Workouts

The workouts at Camp Gladiator ("CG") are high energy, calorie burning exercises that will challenge you for 60 minutes. Workouts are outdoors and each session is different. They are unlimited which means you can go to any class they offer that fits your schedule. The high energy music helps you keep going. By the time you finish a workout, you are drenched!

My first workout was on a Saturday morning at Deep River in downtown Clayton. When I got there, everyone was ready to workout with their mats and weights. I was greeted by Crystal, the trainer for Camp Gladiator, Clayton. She was very sweet and inviting, and told me to just jump in. Before we started our warm-up, Crystal has everyone go around to greet everyone in the group by giving each other high-fives! I thought that was pretty neat because that was a great way to break the ice with everyone. Then, we proceeded to warm-up by doing 10 reps of  a different exercise with different people. So, I did 10 jumping jacks with a buddy and then another 10 squats with someone else, etc. Again, I thought that was pretty neat, as well. Then, Crystal instructs the group of what the work-out for the day will be from a board she has ready. So you pick a buddy and start your workout to pretty awesome music that helps you get pumped for an hour to push yourself to complete every exercise on the board. It's high energy, for sure!

That day I left feeling great and knowing I was going to come back! She kicked our butts but it felt awesome! Every workout I had with Crystal was nothing less than amazing. Best part is that every workout is different. There's no day that I went there and did the same thing so you don't get bored of the same workout.

Fitness Levels

You probably think that Camp Gladiator is not for you because you're so out of shape or you're not at the level you need to be to start. Well, Camp Gladiator is for all levels, shapes and ages. I had people in my group that were new to working out and people that would leave me in the dust. It doesn't matter what level you are, Camp Gladiator is for you! The workouts can be done by anyone. You don't have to be fit to start. The more advanced people are encouraging of the ones that are beginners. Crystal instructs you on how to modify if you have to due to injuries or you're just a beginner. There is a no one stays behind mentality so if you're not in shape, it's okay. You can still do these workouts.

The Community

Along with these amazing workouts that are designed to burn hundreds and hundreds of calories while having fun, I experienced a community that was very encouraging. I met new people that I would have never met, otherwise. Throughout the workouts, Crystal encourages you so you push yourself and she doesn't let you give up! She designs every workout to interact with others which leads you to meet new people. 


The Trainer

Crystal, the Camp Gladiator Clayton Trainer is A-MAZING!! She's so knowledgeable and her workouts are always fun! She's extremely encouraging when you're falling behind and makes sure to push you to bring you to your next level. She's actually one of the coolest people I have met in a long time. Her dedication to help people get fit and healthy is evident in every workout.


Crystal, thank you for being so awesome and all you do for everyone that works out at Camp Gladiator Clayton.

Check out Camp Gladiator! You will be pleasantly surprised at how much you will gain (fitness, better health and a great community) and how much you will lose (lots of weight)! Camp Gladiator is everything they offer and more!!!

For more information on Camp Gladiator Clayton, you can click here to contact Crystal! I promise you won't be disappointed.



DISCLAIMER: This is just my personal review of my experience with Camp Gladiator Clayton. You should always check with your physician before you start any exercise program or have any injuries.