Pam’s Gym and Tonic hosts Beach Boot Camp in Ocean Springs

There’s a workout with a twist on Front Beach in Ocean Springs… Beach Boot Camp!

The boot camp features unique workouts with an emphasis on teamwork and community. It’s put together by Pamela Dowell, studio owner of Pam’s Gym and Tonic in Ocean Springs, who explained why she started the camp.

“So I’m a big believer in outdoor training, especially barefoot grounding in the sand,” Dowell said. “I love running barefoot in the sand because it’s the only exercise I can do that doesn’t hurt my knees. I have no cartilage in my right knee… so that’s what started it all and the ladies just took to it like flies on rice.”

Beach Boot Camp has grown tremendously since it first began, and even in the summer heat, women from along the Gulf Coast come out to get fit and have fun while doing so.

Attendee Melanie Oakman, who has been with the program since January, described everything that is offered.

“I joined this boot camp in January, and I’ve never looked back,” Oakman said. “It’s one of the best boot camps just cause it’s women only and Pam’s a wonderful instructor. We have Pilates, we have HIIT, we have beach workouts, we have step aerobics, so we do a little bit of everything. It’s a real close community of women and we just enjoy each other.”

Tiffany James has worked out under Dowell’s coaching for the past few years, but she’s dedicated plenty of time to her training — and forming new friendships — over the last seven months.

“My favorite is HIIT,” James said. “I love the beach, I love the friendship with everybody, the motivation each of us give each other, I love the games we get to play with each other.”

Although the thought of joining an intense workout camp can be daunting for some, James explained that there is a different attitude surrounding Beach Boot Camp.

“If you’re uncomfortable, you’re going to feel comfortable, you’re going to feel welcomed,” James said. “Even if some people are more challenged than others, you’re going to come back because you feel like, ‘Okay, I can do this, I can work my way up to them.”

The group is now aiming to meet new goals, starting with some races that members will compete in over the next few months.

“We’re going to start off with the Saints’ 5K in two weeks, and then we have some other races we’re going to do,” Oakman said. “Some of the girls are training for the Gulf Coast Half Marathon, and we’re also doing the one in Mobile… it’s an 8K.”

Pam’s Gym and Tonic offers a variety of other classes throughout the week.