Free boot camp in Hermann Park removes barriers to fitness

Most people say the biggest barriers to getting fit are lack of time and cost.  A local group of young professionals is looking to change that.  Every Saturday morning, they're on a mission to prove fitness can be fun and free along with life changing.

At the bottom of the hill next to Miller Outdoor Theatre, Atarhe Clarke chugs along, leading a boot camp in Hermann Park called TX Fit.

"Fitness is a journey that never ends," he says.

Clarke knows first hand the benefits of fitness.

"I personally lost 100 pounds myself.  I had no choice but to share my motivation with other people," says Clarke.

Every Saturday at 9 a.m., he and his friends offer the boot camp to anyone who wants a fun workout. Bring your mat, water and a friend but leave your wallet at home.  This one is free.

"We would like to give Houstonians the chance to get a free workout  in, to eliminate any excuses about not being able to afford it," said James Lynn.

"We want it to be free because it's community service for us. This is something we love to do.  This is something we truly enjoy," said Maatra Henderson.

The circuit-style session includes high intensity interval training, body weight exercises and core training. 

"People get intimidated by boot camps because they think it's going to be super hard, super intense workout, and really it's what you make it," said Henderson.

Clarke wants people to learn from his struggles and success.

"Just come out and try it. We don't expect everything, we just expect effort," says Clarke.