By Dilan Mehta | Posted January 2, 2025
Motivation is doing something when you feel like it. Discipline is doing something when you don’t feel like it. Alex Obe, owner and coach at Iron Core Bootcamp, says discipline is the difference between shortcoming and success. Obe has been an independent gym owner since 2006, starting his Bootcamp in 2014 and ultimately purchasing an old Rocky Hill mill in 2020 and converting it into a gym.
Alex Obe, owner of Iron Core Bootcamp in Rocky Hill, poses with members of the gym.
Iron Core differs from traditional gyms. It has an emphasis on tailored programs. “Bootcamp is different because it specializes in personal training and classes. We don’t offer general membership the way a traditional gym is… most of the time you’re coming in for an appointment. Either one-on-one personal training or [group] classes,” Obe said.
Obe places importance on specialized workouts. He emphasizes that everybody has different goals and reasons for attending the gym, saying, “[Personal training] is catered to the person that I’m working with…the workouts try to get them to the results and the goals that they want. Whether it’s weight loss, weight gain, whatever it may be.”
As with personal training, Bootcamp’s group classes are made to fit different types of aims. “Most classes are HIIT based (High-Intensity Interval Training), with strength and cardio. But each class has its own differentiator. “If it says Ride Bootcamp, then we’re mixing in the spin bikes. If it says Dash Bootcamp, then we’re mixing in the treadmills. If it says Glove Bootcamp, then we’re mixing in boxing. “But all of them have the kettlebells, squats, push-ups, band work, all of that kind of stuff.”
Bootcamp also offers lifting-only classes, beginner’s classes, and seasonal outdoor classes, complete with tires and workout sleds. “People like to be outside. Working-out outdoors, with nature around you, is a great thing,” he said.
At his gym, Obe highlights purpose and commitment. Purpose is what gets people to show up every week, rather than inspiration from superficial motives. During January, many people wish to start fresh and go to the gym to achieve a New Year’s resolution. Obe says that a deeper calling, not the clean slate of January, will help make the habit last.
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“Unfortunately, many people get inspired by the new year, and six weeks later they’ve forgotten about it,” he said. “People will think about how they want to start the new year, and in general, there’s nothing wrong with that… but if you’re not doing it for the right motivation or for the right reasons, it’s not going to last. People need to find their particular “why?” So they can make it stick.”
Obe is passionate about helping people transform their bodies and their minds, especially when they are committed to achieving what they set out to do. When asked about his favorite part of Bootcamp, he said: “When I get someone who has made that choice to come in here and they actually do it and change their life, there’s nothing more gratifying. People have come off of medications. I had someone who lost 125 pounds. That’s amazing.”
Besides training, Obe advises that the two biggest factors when it comes to maintaining a healthy life are eating well and staying active. “It starts with food…that controls everything else. After that, it’s all about being active and moving. So much has been made so that we don’t have to get up and move. It’s crucial to make that conscious effort.”
Obe and Iron Core Bootcamp continue to help people realize their potential and truly experience what their bodies are physically capable of. Beyond the physical benefits, Obe says consistent exercise can increase your confidence and alter your mind. “You’ll feel better about yourself, present yourself better. It transforms your life. When you feel good like that, that’s the best thing.”
Learn more at ironcorebootcamp.com.
200 Washington Street in Rocky Hill
609-297-7389 or info@ironcorebootcamp.com
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