A Training Day On Camp Kaizen - What Actually Happens?

Allow me to walk you through a full day on our hybrid training camp.

Although no training camp is exactly the same, here’s what you could expect from your first full day on camp with us.

WAKE UP AND HIT THE NATURAL PLUNGE

*Action shot at the beautiful Stockley Bridge plunge spot.*

We wake up around 7AM and swiftly depart for a brisk 20 minute walk to the Stockley Bridge plunge pool. With breath-taking views down the valley, this place is absolutely beautiful. After up to 2 minutes in the fresh mountain water, you will feel refreshed, and energised for the day ahead.

Breakfast is served back at camp and will be ready for your return. As much food and coffee as you need to set you up for a big day ahead.

*The food is a highlight of the camp for many, and breakfast is no exception to the rule!*

THE BUTTERMERE LOOP

Once breakfast has digested, we carpool the short 10 minute drive over the stunningly beautiful Honnister Pass (arguably the most scenic drive in England) and park at the top of the picturesque Buttermere Lake. After some dynamic stretching and activation, it’s time to kick things off.

*Savage and beautiful in equal measure.*

Each lap of the Lake is 7KM. Half paved road and half trail run, with 100 meters of elevation.

Lap 1 is a team zone 2 “conversational” jog. A chance to learn the route, become familiar with the inclines, and take in the views.

At the end of lap 1, you have 3 options.

Option 1 - sit out the second lap, have a coffee and a stretch, and cheer on the runners at the finish line for lap 2.

Option 2 - run the second lap at your own pace.

Option 3 - send it. This is your opportunity to run hard at your personal threshold (or beyond) level, and really physically push yourself on your feet.

At Camp Kaizen, we have a rolling leader board for the male and female champions. Both are currently held by our affiliate athletes, Beau Smith and Christie Byrne.

*Christie and Beau after setting the record. Will these times be beaten in 2027?*

LUNCH & DOWN TIME

Upon return to camp, you will be greeted by a huge lunch spread, consisting of locally produced sandwiches, protein bars, fruit, crisps, cereal bars, salad, pasta, and plenty of supplements from our performance partners.

At this stage of the day, you will have an hour or two to refuel and relax ahead of the afternoon’s training.

TEAM HIKE - THE WATERFALL SCRAMBLE

The first of our trademark hikes is the waterfall scramble. This is a steep ascent of the waterfall which sits right next to our training base.

It’s a steep and challenging climb, but doesn’t last long. A case of gritting your teeth, pushing through, and enjoying the views of the valley once you get to the top.

This particular hike is the shortest of the training camp, lasting about 2 hours with roughly 300 meters of elevation.

We intentionally place this hike at this stage in the day, as it serves as a great warm up for what’s to come…

THE TEAM WOD

With energy levels peaking in the middle of the afternoon, it’s time to take on a team high intensity interval session in our purpose-built camp gym.

This workout changes every camp, bur we always try to keep it to around 45 minutes per session.

By this stage of the day, you will be feeling the fatigue. so we ensure fuel is readily available to grab before, during, and after the workout.

As this is a team workout, expect some friendly competition.

You can also expect ergs, burpees, press ups, heavy sandbags, and many more fun functional movements…

REFUEL, RELAX, AND BREATHE

That’s it for the physical element of the day.

Once you’ve gathered yourself and freshened up after this WOD, it will be around 5PM.

With a few hours until the evening meal, snacks will be available in the communal area, and many athletes like to use this window to chill out, read a book, or simply just kick back on the sofas and take in the scenery around the camp. It’s a large part of what you’re here for after all.

Before dinner, it’s time for a 1-hour breathwork session with Ben. Ben is a breathwork wizard and coaches you through what will be a powerful experience. You will leave the session feeling incredible.

*Ben in action during a recent Hybrid Camp.*

EVENING MEAL - BBQ OR PIZZA!

*Locally sourced produce only - and loads of it.*

The final meal of the day is always a BBQ courtesy of our butcher partner, Basecamp North Lakes (check them out). Or we head to the local pizza barn for stone baked pizza. Both options are hugely popular and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

High protein and high volume.

What more do you need after a hard day of training?

READY TO GO AGAIN TOMORROW?

The job isn’t done.

The second full day of training is less than 12 hours away, so it’s important athletes get a good sleep and are primed and ready for another big day of training.

But not before a camp, a few beers, and possibly the Camp Kaizen quiz.

On tomorrow’s agenda, think saunas by the lake, long hikes, HIIT sessions, optional runs through the hills, and more.

Stay tuned for part 2.