The mere mention of the word “bootcamp” can strike fear in the hearts of many. Yet for others, it conjures up the idea of strength, which is exactly what inclusive bootcamp instructor Beth Donahue wants her class to develop.
When Beth and her mother Gina—her co-teacher—are asked what makes them feel proud, it is not some of the typical things you might expect because Beth has quite the fitness resume. She has worked with the Boston Bruins Foundation to promote health. She has presented to thousands at a national sports conference; trained nationally-competing athletes; and been featured in national publications. She teaches, competes, leads and excels. Beth is proudest when she is helping others reach their fitness goals.
So when Special Olympics had the opportunity to partner with WWE to develop a brand-new fitness resource for individuals of all abilities, Beth’s skills were a perfect fit. Together, Beth and five other Special Olympics athletes joined WWE Superstar Becky Lynch to develop a course of adaptive fitness videos and tools called School of Strength. This free, fun resource is a new way to exercise and track your path to fitness. There are even three levels of videos based on your training needs: Superstar Trainer; Champion Trainer; and Master Trainer.
So while you may never be able to join Beth for bootcamp in Massachusetts, you can learn from her strength as you find and develop your own. Start your School of Strength journey today!
Learn more about Beth in her School of Strength blog:
Everyone in my family and some of my friends exercise regularly. It is a lifestyle for me, not a chore. Getting exercise every day is something I can control, it helps me feel strong and confident.
I feel so pumped before a run because I set a time or distance goal and I work towards it. Running outside makes me feel part of the community. Most importantly though is when I work out at the gym or teach a bootcamp class I know as a Special Olympics Health Messenger that I’m a role model to others and I can make a difference in how other people see themselves, and how they see me. When I see other Special Olympics athletes in my bootcamp having fun, getting stronger and more confident, that motivates me to keep going!
Being in the WWE video meant I could be part of a bigger push to spread the message that a healthy lifestyle is something everyone can achieve. We filmed different versions of exercises so all people could be successful. We are not only Special Olympics athletes but also members of the community with jobs and contribute in different ways. So people can relate to us and after seeing the video they will hopefully be inspired to do the same!
I have some great memories from the video. Becky is a role model of fitness. You can tell it’s an important part of her success. She had a good sense of humor and she motivated us all to work hard and have fun at the same time. Being in a real film studio and sitting in a makeup chair was pretty cool too. The whole experience gave me creative ideas and tips for how to be a better athlete and bootcamp instructor. The first week we were home we tried some of the exercises in our class, and everyone loved them!
