These “Camps” are very troubling to us because they are simply avoiding paying rent, light bills, water bills, parking fees and all of the other things that go into running a quality fitness business in a clean safe business location. Not to mention these Parks and Beaches are public property. For profit businesses should be operated in commercially zoned areas designed for retail commerce.  Lets keep our parks for the free use of the Taxpayers, not For Profit Businesses.

Also, we are concerned for the safety of the boot camp clientele. These businesses seem to be avoiding the traditional expenses associated with Gyms. Do they keep Defibrillators strapped to a tree just in case someone has a heart issue and needs it? Who’s is responsible if you twist your ankle in a gopher hole? What about Mosquito bites and Tics, sun burn etc…  If a client is injured or personal property is stolen in a City Park or Beach who is responsible? Is the City a Land Lord?  And even more troubling, are the employees of these Boot Camps Independent Contractors?

While Fitness at the park or beach is nice, lets keep group fitness activities inside the qualified, insured and properly staffed and trained Gyms / Fitness Studios that are on almost every corner in Santa Barbara. Don’t worry about twisting your ankle in a gopher hole, or getting a sun burn while working out. Workout with confidence in a properly lit  air conditioned Fitness Studio. Complete with all the equipment needed.

Remember If you pay a membership fee then the Studio, Gym or Boot Camp must keep a Defibrillators within reach and have properly trained staff supported by a Doctor to use it.

Be extremely careful when choosing to use these Boot Camps. Fitness outside sounds nice, but so does fitness in a proper business location with lots of highly trained eyes to keep you from getting hurt and all the proper equipment securely resting level floor. Bathrooms, ADA accessibility and a place to change before and after your workout with storage for your personal property is really common place. Why settle for less?

Santa Barbara Pilates and Fitness