Who else is a Bachelor fan? I’m definitely not afraid to admit my guilty pleasure and Monday night obsession. Truthfully, I’ve been watching since season 1 (with a few years off in the middle). I used to love watching it with my Mom and just cracking up at the dramatics of it all. We still text every week while watching together, as if we’re in the same room! Such a fun little reality TV ritual.
Now that you understand the background behind my love of ABC’s finest, you can understand why an event like the Brooklyn Boulders x Peter Kraus Fitness event had SO much appeal. I watched Peter Kraus boot camp videos in other cities for the last year, and I have been dying to go to one myself! Such a stand-up guy from the Midwest, who truly etched the path for body positivity, educating himself on nutrition and fitness after experiencing an eating disorder during his modeling career. He’s built a fitness empire and it is truly inspiring. I was so excited to finally have an opportunity to take one of his bootcamps, which should be called boot-y camp, because there was so much glute work. Seriously…the soreness is real! What made the event even better, was the incredible venue where it took place. Brooklyn Boulders in West loop is a HUGE, gorgeous facility with rock walls and giant windows all over. You truly feel like you’re walking into the great outdoors, except the space and the staff are all so friendly and approachable. After expanding 1,600 sq. feet, the space now also offers 24 fitness and 22 yoga classes per week, with a diverse range of classes and levels — something for everyone! The gorgeous and spacious facility actually made me want to plan my next event there, so stay tuned for that. 😉 As far as climbing goes, I’ll have to conquer some fears and make it happen. I’ve only tried climbing once (I won’t count childhood birthday parties 15 years ago, haha) and would love to give it a shot again!
The day finally came for the event, and despite a snowstorm in Chicago, the room was packed with fitness enthusiasts and Peter Kraus fans. I’ll say I’m a proud mesh of the two :). There were actually even two classes because the first one sold out so quickly! Peter started the workout by sharing how it would be a 40-45 minute workout with 4 rounds, with breaks in-between and then 1 final, shorter round. It was a complete bodyweight workout with a lot of dynamic movements and HIIT style moves (i.e. burpees, jump squats, jump lunges) with a focus on lower body and core. Let’s just say, I started with my long sleeve crop on, but after just two rounds in it was off. I was sweating! The workout really got my heart rate going and I felt so motivated by Peter’s coaching. Whether you’re in Madison or in one of the cities he travels to, definitely do your best to snag a ticket because it was such a good workout and fun event!
I was lucky enough to have a chance to chat with him more after the event, to learn a little bit more about him, his background, interests, wellness tips, goals for Peter Kraus fitness and more. Safe to say, if he throws a boot camp event in the tropics, I’ll be there! He truly is the most down to earth, modest and kind human being. The full interview can be viewed through the video below. 🙂
Special thanks to Zapwater team for allowing me to be a part of this special event. Also, thank you to Peter, Brooklyn Boulders and Zapwater for bringing this to life. I can’t wait to come back and get my climb on!
photos by Paige Babilla and Audrey Simper
