Fitness bootcamp just sounds scary. Bootcamp conjures up images of trying to crawl under barbed wire while the enemy is shooting at you. However, fitness bootcamp can be a great way for people to join a weight loss program with the support of a group. And you can enjoy the outdoors at the same time, instead of being stuck inside a gym.

A basic fitness bootcamp usually includes a mix of traditional cardio, body weight exercises, interval training and strength training. The bootcamp lasts about four to eight weeks depending on the camp. You’ll likely be required to get up early, run, do push ups, squats, lunges and interval training with little time in between exercises. You’ll probably also be asked to participate in obstacle courses and group or team competitions.

Yup, those thoughts of military bootcamp are coming right back.

While a fitness bootcamp may not be for everyone (check with your doctor before signing on the dotted line), there are benefits. For one, the exercise you’ll receive at the camp is a total body workout that will be taught by a certified instructor. It’ll be a combination of different exercises that will improve agility, balance and flexibility while burning calories and fat.

Because the fitness bootcamp is a group experience, you’ll have the support of the people around you. You can commiserate and complain together. You can also push each other harder to achieve your goals and work harder.

However, for those who enjoy a more personal experience and more one-on-one attention, fitness bootcamp may not be for you. You probably won’t get any personal attention from the trainer while you’re at the bootcamp.

When choosing a fitness bootcamp, make sure you do your research. Choose one that’s going to address your fitness needs and that will conduct the kind of fitness regime you enjoy doing. Different types of fitness bootcamps include women-only, fitness bootcamps for seniors, bridal bootcamps, sports, weight loss, general fitness and kids fitness bootcamps. There’s even a fitness bootcamp for owners and their dogs.

Also, make sure the instructor is reputable. If you have a bad instructor, you’ve just wasted a lot of time and money and you’re probably not getting as much out of it as you could.