You've seen them on t.v., read about them in magazines, and run across dvd's online. Fitness boot camps are all the rage and for good reason. Boot camp workouts are high energy, tough, and results oriented but not all fitness boot camps are created equal. Some boot camp fitness programs focus on endurance training and others are big on resistance training while some do it all including diet advice. This boot camp guide shows you how to choose a fitness boot camp that is perfect for you and provides all kinds of options for you to get started.

What type of fitness bootcamp to choose:
Most people looking for a fitness bootcamp are interested in getting fit and losing weight and most bootcamps are geared at weightloss and fitness. The key is to determine what you are and are not willing to do on your own. If you've got your diet and cardio under control then a bootcamp that focuses on strength training and stretching is ideal for you (also called group training at personal studios and gyms). If you love lifting weights but can't stand the thought of cardio then a bootcamp that includes lots of cardio drills, hiking, running, and/or jump rope is a better choice. If you train consistently but don't push yourself hard enough and your diet is a big problem then look for a bootcamp that focuses on all aspects of fitness and includes diet guidelines plus weekly diet accountability. Other things you may want to consider are 60 minutes minimum of workout time, at least 4 weeks of training, modifications on exercises that may be too tough initially, and positive motivation rather than aggressive instructors.

What type of results to expect:
If you follow an intense program that addresses all areas of fitness along with diet and accoutability then expect to see about 5-10 pounds of fat loss in 4 weeks. Fat loss is not the same as weight loss so don't be surprised if you only lose 5lb of fat but you lose 2 pant sizes. Bootcamp is about getting ultra fit and lean, and not just about dropping scale weight. If you've been on the yo-yo diet roller coaster it may sound disappointing but try to remember that 5lb of fat loss is better than 10lb of water and muscle lost on another deprivation diet. Try to focus more on how you look and feel and less on the scale.

What else to look for in a bootcamp:

• Skilled trainers able to challenge people of all fitness levels.
• Positive high energy motivation vs. drill seargent humiliation tactics.
• Focus on health and fitness vs. six pack abs.
• Fun and camaraderie vs. competition and brutality.
• Diet guidelines/goals and accountablity vs. deprivation diets.
• Balance and variety vs. 20 types of pushups and no stretching.
• Workouts 3-5 times per week.
• Health history, assessment, and re-assessment at the end of camp.
• Participants from all walks of life.

Great choices in various categories:
In Person: Adventure Bootcamp: has over 100 locations in the U.S., Canada, & Abroad. Their trainers are certified and can challenge people of all levels. They're fun, diverse, offer diet guidance, and progress is measured.

DVD options for all levels: Need to get in shape for the real deal? Try Crunch - Boot Camp Training If you're a beginner or an intermediate who's been slacking this bootcamp dvd will totally kick your butt and get you ready for tougher bootcamps. If you're intermediate to advanced and you're ready to work hard then Billy Blanks: Basic Training & Ultimate Bootcamp is right for you. If you're intermediate to advanced and you're ready for hardcore training try Barry's Bootcamp 5 Day Academy This is the famous hollywood bootcamp where stars go to shed the fat and look hot.

Online bootcamps: If you're looking for quick inexpensive workouts 6-7 times a week along with metabolism makeover plan that works then Online Fitness Bootcamp is your best bet. Click the link to join before July 31, 2007 and you get a copy of the 5 Factor Diet for free.