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It seems like just about everywhere you look, “boot camps” are being offered to help individuals wanting to lose weight and become more fit. The idea for boot fitness camps is simple: a group of out-of-shape and overweight individuals who share a common goal of becoming fit meet a designated number of times a week to engage in fuss-free and stress-inducing exercises. The enticement is that no contracts to membership fitness clubs are needed and no fancy equipment needs to be purchased. Boot camps utilize stretching, running, jump-roping, and similar exercises – much like the fitness regiments used in the military.

Another reason why so many people like boot camp fitness programs are that they are often offered in a neighborhood around where you live. Not having to drive somewhere and then check-in makes it attractive to people who are interested in getting the regiment started and then over and done with a minimum amount of fuss so that they can get back to the rest of their day.

Boot camps may co-ed or tailored to women or men only. Some boot camps are even targeted toward individuals who have recently undergone a weight-loss surgery and on the road to enhanced physical fitness.

If you’re considering signing up for a boot camp fitness program, first check with your doctor about whether this type of kick-start program is right for you. If your doctor gives an okay, check out the following before signing up:

• How are fitness assessments conducted? Typically, you’ll want a starting, midpoint and end assessment.
• Is nutritional support part of the boot camp program?
• Is it an open enrollment camp, or is it tailored to a specific group, such as all-men, all-women, modified program for those with health concerns, individuals who have recently had a weight-loss surgery, or other specialties? Since you may have your own personal preference about what type of team you want to work with, make sure you ask this question up front.
• What modifications are taken into consideration for extremely hot days, days with high pollution indexes, or other weather factors?
• What type of fitness is emphasized? Different programs may focus more on hand-to-hand cardio combat, core strengthening, body sculpting, circuit training, or even yoga. Make sure the program you look at meets your expectations.