When I first walked into BurnBootCamp over two years ago, I had no idea how much it would change my life. Burn has been such a positive influence on me—not just physically, but mentally as well. I often tell people that my unmedicated labor & delivery of my son was made possible by the strength and endurance I built through Burn’s workouts. But what really makes Burn so special isn’t just the fitness; it’s the community. The people, the trainers, and the support system—it’s all been a game-changer.



One of the highlights of being part of BurnBootCamp is the annual Hero Games competition. It’s not just an intense workout challenge but also a really awesome event that raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It’s a day when BurnBootCamp members from across Connecticut come together to push their limits, support each other, and raise money for a cause that makes a difference. This year marked the 3rd Annual Hero Games, and I was lucky enough to compete while also snapping some photos of the action. Scroll down to view the full gallery.


Why BurnBootCamp is so special

BurnBootCamp isn’t your typical gym. I've trained at both the Wilton and Danbury locations, and one of the things that makes Burn stand out is the incredible community. Whether you're working out with a friend or training with a group, there’s always a sense of camaraderie. You will always find someone with a smile and a high-five. The owners, Emma Halliwell (Wilton & Danbury) and Philomenia Floria (Danbury), have done an amazing job of fostering a space where you feel welcome and encouraged to give your best. The camps go by quickly, even though they’re 45 minutes, they’re designed to keep you moving and pushing yourself to the limits. 


At Burn, it’s not just about getting a great workout; it’s about developing a stronger mindset and a sense of discipline. Around the gym there are motivational quotes like “YOU CAN. End of Story” Or “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you” and sometimes you need that visual reminder when you’re working out to push yourself and grow as a person. What I love most is the way Burn blends personal attention with group classes. It’s not unusual for me to meet with a trainer one-on-one to talk about my goals, get advice on specific exercises, or even just chat about life. The trainers are genuinely invested in your progress, and that kind of support helps you push past your limits—without ever feeling like you’re on your own.

Highfives between BurnBootCamp Trainer and Member
Box Jump in BurnBootCamp Connecticut Hero Games competition
Trainer at BurnBootCamp Wilton doing chest presses
Trainer supporting member in Hero Games
Counter supporting member during Hero Games
Friends hugging after finishing hero games heat
Member doing leg swings in heat 2 of BurnBootCamp Hero Games
Emma Halliwell, owner of BurnBootCamp Wilton and Danbury, hosting the Hero Games at BurnBootCamp Connecticut
Member cheering on participants in BurnBootCamp Danbury
Box jump for round 2 of Hero Games
Game face on for BurnBootCamp Connecticut 3rd Annual Hero Games
Highfives for completing the round
Box jump in round 2 of hero games
Member giving a high five after their heat
Member doing a box jump for round 2 of Hero Games
Member pointing in the air for finishing the heat in BurnBootCamp Hero Games
Member doing a box jump for round 2 of Hero Games
BurnBootCamp Connecticut members posing in front of sign
Box Jump in BurnBootCamp Connecticut Hero Games competition
Philomena Florio smiling at the camera with a sign supporting BurnBootCamp Danbury

BurnBootCamp Connecticut: 3rd Annual Hero Games

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The Hero Games: Be Their Hero

The Hero Games is the perfect example of what makes BurnBootCamp so special. It’s a competition, but it’s also a celebration. Teams from Burn’s Danbury, Wilton, and Fairfield gyms compete in a series of workouts that test strength, stamina, and teamwork—all while raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It’s an event that combines fitness with philanthropy, and it brings the whole community together in the best possible way.


This year’s Hero Games consisted of three rounds: Round 1, Round 2, and the final round, known as “The Sac.” Each round was a different type of challenge, designed to push everyone to their limits, but the sense of fun and teamwork was always at the forefront.


Round 1: Pressed for Time

The first round was all about moving quickly and efficiently. With a 10-minute time cap, the challenge was to complete a series of exercises:

  1. DB Deadlifts x 10 (Women: 25lbs per hand / Men: 35lbs per hand)
  2. Chest Press x 20
  3. Alt Reverse Lunge x 30 (1:1)
  4. Jump Rope x 50

The exercises were stacked, meaning you would do one, then jump rope, then do one and two, then jump rope again, and so on. It was a fast-paced challenge that got the heart rate up and kept everyone moving, while also testing strength and endurance.


Round 2: Team Circuit

Round 2 was all about teamwork. With a 12-minute time cap, teams rotated through different stations, each with a different exercise. The goal was to complete the reps as quickly as possible and then move to the next station. The exercises in this round included:

  1. Medball Slams x 25 (20lbs MB)
  2. Power Roll Star Jumps x 12
  3. Plyo Leg Swing x 45 (1:1)
  4. Heavy Bag Flip x 1 lap down and back
  5. Box Jumps x 15 (20” Box)


Each round had four heats that members could sign up for, so it was a non-stop race to get through everything before the timer ran out. But even though it was competitive, the vibe was all about supporting each other.


Round 3: The Sac

Then there was the final round—“The Sac.” If you thought the earlier rounds were tough, this one was in a league of its own. With a 15-minute time cap, this round included a combination of strength, endurance, and speed:

  1. Double Unders x 25 unbroken
  2. Pull-Ups x 5 women / 15 men unbroken
  3. Push-Ups x 25 women / 50 men unbroken
  4. Jump Squats x 75 women / 50 men
  5. Full Burpees x 25 women / 50 men
  6. Run x half mile


There are penalties for breaking form—like doing jump rope singles instead of double unders, assisted pull-ups, or push-ups from the knees—which adds to the pressure. But the real challenge is the mental toughness needed to keep going when you’re so close to the finish line. Only three people from each gym were eligible to compete in this round, and they had to have already participated in Round 1 or 2. Watching these athletes push through the final stretches was incredibly inspiring.


A Day of Community, Reflection, and Giving Back

Hero Games took place on December 7th, 2024 at the Wilton gym. It’s special because for many of us, it was a chance to look back on how far we’ve come in our fitness journey. It’s an emotional experience because it’s not just about the physical challenges; it’s about reflecting on all the hard work and effort that’s gone into the entire year.


Despite the competition between gyms, there’s a real sense of unity. No matter whether you’re from Danbury, Wilton, or Fairfield, everyone cheers each other on, celebrates each other’s victories, and supports one another when things get tough. And in the end, it’s not just about who wins—it’s about coming together to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which makes it all the more meaningful.This years winners was…. the Fairfield gym!! Two claps for them!


The Hero Games is an event that perfectly encapsulates what BurnBootCamp is all about: strength, perseverance, and most importantly, community. It’s a fun and heartwarming day that reminds us of the power of fitness, the importance of giving back, and the incredible people we get to share this journey with.


If you want to learn more about this event, visit Be Their Hero. For more information about BurnBootCamp Connecticut, you can visit Danbury, Wilton, and Fairfield.


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