Need an intense, calorie-burning workout to jumpstart your summer fitness goals? Then a boot camp might be what you're looking for. You've probably seen advertisements for boot camps or watched people participate in them on reality shows, but what are they really all about? Fitness boot camps are physical training programs conducted by athletic trainers, gyms and military personnel - hence, the stereotypical drill instructor. Many take place outdoors in picturesque locations like the beach or parks. They typically last four to six weeks and track your progress from day one until the end. Workouts incorporate running, interval training and even old-school calisthenics like squat-thrusts, push-ups and jumping jacks. A single workout can burn up to 700 calories, so fat loss is a given.
Some programs even include nutrition counseling, so you can pair a healthy diet plan with the workout. Aside from the health benefits, participants enjoy camaraderie, increased motivation and establish a regular workout routine. Sure, it's a lot of work, but a boot camp might be just what you need to jumpstart a workout plan after a sluggish winter spent on the sofa. If you respond well to taking orders and like to work out in the great outdoors, why not give boot camp a try? If you feel intimidated by taking a boot camp class, then there are plenty of exercise DVDs that incorporate the same moves you'd learn in a class at a fraction of the price. Either way, you're getting a great workout!