Fitness bootcamps are popping up all over and are rapidly gaining popularity. If you’re thinking of joining one or on the fence about it, let me give you a few reasons to make that commitment.

• They’re cheap! Compared to individual personal training, it’s quite inexpensive. Of course, you don’t receive the full attention of the instructor, which many folks like to have.
• Convenience. Bootcamps are held at gyms, fields, parking lots, and many other spots. Ask your friends or coworkers about it and most likely you will find someone who knows of one.
• They can burn A LOT of calories (depending on the trainer). Good bootcamps will keep you moving for the better part of an hour and can burn up to 600 calories or more. You will not only get a good cardiovascular workout but will also get strength training in as well.
• It’s Fun! A good instructor will vary every bootcamp workout to keep things interesting. Nobody wants to do the same exercises over and over, that’s just plain boring.
• Bootcamps will challenge your muscles in a way that traditional weight training does not. You’ll be twisting, turning, and shuffling, which will probably send your muscles into shock (no, you won’t actually go into shock). Muscle confusion is a good thing. It’s what helps muscles from plateauing and keeps them growing stronger.
• They are great for folks who don’t enjoy going to a gym. There are plenty of folks who feel intimidated or lost in a gym setting. Good bootcamps will allow people to work at their own pace and feel comfortable working out.

As you can see, I am a big fan of the bootcamp. Give it a try and if you don’t like it, don’t go back. The bottom line is that it’s a great workout and it can be motivating, challenging, and fun!