FAQ Index


Answers to your questions

When and where is boot camp?

VyAyr has two great locations:

  • Crissy Field: 5:30, 6:30 and 9 a.m.
  • We will meet in the East Beach Parking lot of Crissy Field. From Marina Blvd. heading North, but not going to the bridge, you continue straight through the three way stop. The road turns into Mason St. Continue straight and you will take the first right hand turn by the East Beach Parking Lot sign. Head straight into the parking lot where you will take a left and drive towards the large building at the end of the lot.


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  • South Beach: 6:00 and 7:00 a.m.
  • Mission Creek Park is located in the Mission Bay neighborhood of San Francisco. Park grounds are adjacent to Mission Creek and may be accessed from Channel Street or Berry Street between 4th and 5th Streets.


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How many days a week is camp?

Sign up for 3, 4 or 5 days a week (Monday - Friday).

Do I register for certain days of the week?

Nope. If you've signed up for three days a week, we want to see you on any three days during the week — whatever works for your schedule. Just sign in when you arrive.

How long is boot camp?

Each workout is an hour. Each session lasts four weeks.

How much does it cost?

3-day package: $200 ($16.67 per class)
4-day package: $260 ($16.25 per class)
5-day package: $300 ($15.00 per class)
Get $25 off your next session! Refer a friend or be rewarded for perfect attendance.

How many months should I attend?

That depends on your fitness goals. Many women have been coming for years. Others join for a few months to kickstart weight loss, train for a race, prepare for a wedding or get back in shape after a pregnancy.

Fair warning: Boot camp is addictive!

Why is the VyAyr boot camp only for women?

VyAyr founder Kristi Dowler wanted to create an environment with friendly competition, where campers cheer each other on and build each other up. Where men tend to say "I can beat you," women tend to say "Come on, let's do this together." (VyAyr does work with both men and women one-on-one for personal training.)

Why outdoors?

  • It's inspiring. It's hard to beat seeing dawn break over the bay.
  • It's effective. A natural setting gets more muscle groups working together, the way you use them in daily life.
  • It's invigorating. The fresh air gets you going. You'll see.

Why should I work out with VyAyr?

  • We have fun! People tell us they love our great energy — and results.
  • Our schedules and missed-workout policy are super flexible.
  • We pride ourselves on offering the best environment for women to get fit, have fun and meet other women with similar interests.

Is boot camp going to be too hard? Too easy?

All fitness levels are welcome. We mean that. VyAyr coaches take the time to get to know each woman and what motivates her. The workouts work for everyone. How?

  • Some exercises are timed, so you're pushing yourself to your own limit.
  • Some are paired, so you're getting a little push from a partner.
  • Some involve weights, so the difficulty is up to you.

What if I'm pregnant?

Many women have used boot camp to stay fit during pregnancy, not only to get back in shape afterward. Your coach will give you modifications to the exercises.

What if I have injuries or back/joint pain?

Let your coach know, and she will give you modifications to the exercises.

What should I wear?

answer

  • what you'd wear to the gym
  • an extra layer (sweatshirt, jacket) and a hat for chilly mornings
  • gloves, to protect your palms during pushups
  • good running shoes

What should I bring?

answer

  • one set of weights (3 or 5 lbs for beginners; 8 or 10 lbs for advanced)
  • a yoga mat that you don't mind getting dirty
  • a full water bottle
  • a great attitude

Fridays are cardio days; you won't need your weights.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets would be a distraction to you and to other campers, so please make other arrangements.

Who will be coaching me?

VyAyr coaches are veterans in training, motivation and having fun. Read about Kristi Dowler and Tricia Kirkwood

How will I find you?

VyAyr isn't the only boot camp in the vicinity, so follow the directions sent with your welcome packet once you register.

How will I know I'm making progress?

You mean besides your extra energy, great bod and new friends? VyAyr holds pre- and post-camp consultations so you can chart your body's changes over time, including:

  • weight
  • measurements
  • body fat

What if I need to miss boot camp?

Slept in? Come to the next session that morning.

Missed a day? Make it up the next week.

Out of town? Make it up during the session.

All missed classes must be made up within the four-week session.

Can I get a refund?

If you cancel before camp starts, you will get a refund minus a $25 processing fee. After camp starts, you will get a credit to use towards a future session.



Pilates FAQs

What is Pilates?

Joseph Pilates invented Pilates during World War 1 to rehabilitate war veterans. Joseph Pilates emphasized muscle control and form to increase strength, stretch, and stabilize muscles of injured soldiers.

What are the Pilates Principles?

  • Breathing-Pilates emphasizes a forced exhalation with a contraction of deep abdominal muscles.
  • Centering-The Powerhouse of the body refers to the abdomePn, lower back, hips, and buttocks. The Pilates exercises begin with building a strong Powerhouse and the movements extend to the limbs.
  • Concentration, Control, and Precision-These principles focus on the mind/ body relationship. Every movement in Pilates has a purpose and should be controlled by concentrating on the movement and on how your body feels while you are performing it.
  • Flow and Flexibility- Pilates movements are to be performed in a continuous flow to build strength and increase flexibility.

What type of equipment do I need for Pilates?

Pilates exercises can be performed on a Mat or with various props and machines. The most common machine used is the Reformer. The Reformer provides resistance to build strength and also keeps the body in the correct alignment.

What type of Pilates instruction does VyAyr Fitness offer? How do I get started?

VyAyr offers customized Pilates Reformer Sessions for one or two people. We also offer Pilates Reformer and Mat classes. Contact Tricia at admin@vyayr.com for additional information.

Is Pilates with VyAyr only for women?

We offer Pilates to both women and men ages 16 and older. It is a great workout for everyone! All Pilates exercises can be modified for all levels.

Where does VyAyr Fitness offer Pilates Instruction?

We offer Pilates programs in a Studio, your home or outside if the weather allows.



Nutrition FAQs

What is the difference between a Health Counselor and a Registered Dietician?

Health Counselors take a holistic approach to nutrition, taking into account the whole person and not just the food they eat. They have studied most dietary theories and they work with their clients to find parts of the many theories that will work for them. However, the focus remains on bringing the whole person into balance. Most Registered Dieticians/Nutritionist focus on the food and use the USDA food pyramid as their primary guide for suggestions to their clients. Some do work with the whole person, but the main emphasis is the scientific side of nutrition.

What should I expect from a Health Counseling Program?

You will:

  • Set and accomplish your goals
  • Explore new foods
  • Understand and reduce cravings
  • Increase Energy
  • Feel better in your body
  • Improve personal relationships

These things will be accomplished during your program, which includes:

  • One on One Consultations
  • E-mail support
  • Weekly Homework (it’s easy stuff, we promise)
  • Give-a-Ways

How does it work?

Health Counseling can be an individual experience or a small group experience. Small groups may either be formed by the client or by VyAyr Fitness. If you are interested in being a part of an upcoming small group please e-mail info@vyayr.com.

Where will consultations take place?

This is up to the individual. We want you to be comfortable.

When will my consultations take place?

Your sessions will be set so they are the same time every other week. If something comes up and a session needs to be changed or moved that is never a problem. After that session you would resume your normal schedule unless it is not working, then the times would be altered to fit your new availability.

How do I get started?

After your initial 30 minute free consultation we will get you started on your program which will include 2 one hour meetings a month for 6 months. E-mail info@vyayr.com to schedule your free consultation today!



Joining Vyayr FAQs

Sounds awesome. How do I sign up?

Register now online.

I've signed up! What now?

You'll receive a welcome packet with:

  • a greeting from Kristi
  • schedules
  • directions
  • what to bring
  • available times for your pre-camp consultation, used as a baseline to track your progress (cute T-shirt included!) Consultations are held at the VyAyr office in the Marina: 3320 Octavia #8, San Francisco, CA 94123

On your first day of boot camp, give yourself extra time to find us and sign in.

Then, just come ready to have fun!

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