Getting in shape for the summer, isn’t a new concept, but a new way to reach those goals has become increasingly popular over the last few years. This new trend is called exercise boot camp and is growing in popularity across the U.S.

According to about.com, boot camp workouts are efficient because you work your entire body-- heart and muscles--by going from one exercise to another with no rest. The workouts involve calisthenics like pushups, jumping jacks, crunches and other body weight exercises ... the difference lies in the intensity. In boot camp, your challenge is to take your body to its limit.

This trend has made its way to Auburn and it seems that locals are quickly jumping on board.

“Most people join because they want to jump start their bodies,” said Heather Cregg, vice president of the local Operation Boot Camp. “They have been going to the gym for years and needed an extra push and we are here to take them to that next level. Whether it is to burn fat, to reduce blood pressure or reduce glucose levels, we are here to help everybody reach their goals.”

Operation Boot Camp is a 30-day co-ed fitness boot camp program. It combines outdoor workouts, a nutritional regimen and strict accountability in order to challenge and exceed every boot camper’s fitness goals within the supportive environment.

“One person that went through our boot camp lost 15 pounds in their first session,” said Phil Cregg, part owner of Operation Boot Camp. “He continued on to a second session and lost 10 more.”

Pam Harris, a Operation Boot Camper, said that it took her a while to motivate herself to attend the boot camp, but is now glad that she did.

“When I first heard about the boot camp I told myself I wanted to do it, but always came up with excuses why not to,” said Harris. “I finally tried it out and it was so much fun! I am on my six month and I have built some great friendships and have learned a lot about myself in the process.”

If boot campers miss a day of boot camp they have to pay for it the next day with push-ups, laps or lunges. This helps keep camper’s exercise regimen consistent and challenging.

The classes meet Monday through Friday for 45-minute sessions. Trainers say that during the class, members blast calories, improve strength and endurance, are challenged by the instructors and monitored on food intake each day. They promise you will not get bored and that exercises change on a daily basis.

The Operation Boot Camp program is located at Town Creek Park. The next boot camp starts on August 4. There will be a session at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Cost is $325 for a first time camper and $275 for a veteran camper. Operation Boot Camp has multiple locations in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Oklahoma.

If you are interested in Operation Boot Camp, you can go to operationbootcamp.com and register online or call 888-7-FITNOW for more information.

For all the ladies who would rather work out in an all women environment, Auburn Adventure Boot Camp for Women is another option. This is also a 4-week outdoor fitness program that offers motivational training, nutritional counseling and fitness instruction for women only.

The program is led by award winning Nationally Certified Adventure Fitness Trainer, Heather Hagan. It is also designed for women of all ages, shapes and fitness levels who want to try a new approach to exercising.

“I think it is important to offer a women’s only environment,” Hagan said. “The ladies love being in a noncompetitive environment where they can stay focused.”

Every woman receives a free nutrition seminar at the beginning of boot camp. Throughout the program, they will keep a journal of their food intake and will work one on one with Hagan to ensure they are on the right path.

Whether they meet in different locations or switch up exercises, they guarantee the program will always be an adventure.

Yoga, Pilates, circuit training, running, weight training, obstacle courses, core training and jumping rope are some of the energizing activities to expect from Adventure Boot Camp.

Auburn Adventure Boot Camp member Lori Beth Richey said that the boot camp was more encouraging than she expected.

“Auburn Adventure Boot Camp was not at all what I expected it to be,” said Lori Beth Richey. “It was so much more! It was a positive and encouraging environment where no one judged you based on your size or physical fitness levels.”

Participants meet five days a week for one-hour sessions. They offer a class starting at 5:30 a.m. or at 6 p.m. Location varies with each session.

The registration fee to join Auburn Adventure Boot Camp’s 4-week program is $299, which averages out to $14.95 per hour.

“I would love to get involved in a boot camp, but with graduate school keeping me busy, I do not think I could make it five days a week,” said Stephanie Vazquez, an Auburn graduate student.

If you find yourself in this situation, they offer three or four day options that may fit your schedule better. To find out more information about Auburn Adventure Boot Camp for women, visit auburnbootcamp.com.

With any boot camp, those considering joining may wonder what their fitness level must be to begin.

All of the trainers said that is not necessary to be fit before joining because it is the instructor’s job to help members get a jump-start to a strong and healthy life.

“This fitness and nutrition program is designed for all fitness levels. “Whether you are a marathon runner or have not worked out in years, we can help you out,” Cregg said.

Whether it’s the gym, weight training, running or boot camp, community nutritionist Barbara J. Struempler, Ph.D., said that whatever your fitness goals, it needs to be something you’ll stick with.

“I think people need to find something they are going to like to do and do it for a very long time,” Struempler said. “If boot camps bring physical activity into your life, then it seems like a sensible type of approach to me.”