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Are workout bootcamps worth it?

Author

Robert Miller

Published Feb 27, 2026

Are workout bootcamps worth it?

Boot camp is a great way to quick start weight loss and fitness, but there are some things that you need to know before you enlist: It’s intense. It will work all your major muscle groups, including your core, and give you a great cardio workout to boot. It’s not for you if you don’t like to sweat.

How much do fitness bootcamps cost?

The average bootcamp session can cost a client anywhere from $10 to $30 per session, so choose your market carefully. If you are planning to run one session a week, it may be best to charge per session, but if you are able to run 2 or more sessions a week consider charging a weekly fee for clients to attend.

Can you lose weight with bootcamp?

WEIGHT LOSS Another obvious benefit of boot camp classes — they’re a great option if you’re trying to lose weight. Porcari’s study found that participants burned an average of 7.8 calories every 10 minutes — pretty close to traditional spin classes, which, according to the study, burn 9.8 calories per minute.

How many days a week should you do boot camp?

Don’t overdo it. Even for avid exercisers who are fit, fitness boot camp classes should typically be taken once a week and definitely not more than twice a week, with at least two days in between, according to McCall.

Do you gain muscle in boot camp?

Due to the intense nature of bootcamps, it’s usually not possible (or safe) to work with the loads necessary to produce muscle growth. Although cardiovascular fitness may improve, muscle size and strength may decrease. To build size, incorporate high-intensity bootcamps sparingly.

What is the difference between boot camp and basic training?

In the U.S. Air Force it is called Basic Military Training (BMT). In the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard it is called “Recruit Training” (commonly known as Boot Camp). Some services present a badge or other award to denote completion of recruit training.

How much does military boot camp cost?

Boot Camps typically cost between $5,000 and $10,000 for the 30-day stay. However, as mentioned throughout this article, boot camps do not create lasting change and are not necessarily a sound investment in your child’s future.

What is a typical boot camp workout?

In most cases, you can expect to do calisthenics — such as pullups, pushups, squats, lunges and crunches — as well as drills and sprints. Some include specific resistance or strength training workouts.

Can I lift in the morning and run at night?

You can run in the morning and hit the gym in the evening to lift if that suits your lifestyle and fitness goals. Running increases your cardiovascular endurance, while lifting weights develops your muscular strength and increases your lean muscle mass, according to Georgia State University.

Is bootcamp a HIIT?

Another benefit of boot camp workouts: Most mix periods of very vigorous activity with short rest breaks, and so are considered forms of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), Porcari says. While some boot camp workouts emphasize cardio and aerobic fitness, others focus on strength training or weight loss.

How many calories do you burn at boot camp?

You’re moving constantly, at a rapid motion, which burns major calories and you can usually expect to burn between 500 to 600 calories during one hour long session. By doing high intensity intervals of strength training, mixed with bursts of cardio, gives you a total body workout and torches fat.

Is boot camp considered HIIT?