subject: Fitness Boot Camps Offer What Gyms Can Not [print this page] Fitness boot camps are definitely not something to be entered into lightly -- preparation is key. Make sure you get adequate rest and that you get adequate nutrition -- those things are going to impact how enjoyable the actual workout is going to be. Trainers comment that ber-competitive former athlete types may need to check their egos at the door. "They need to be man or woman enough to back off and not attempt to keep up with everyone. Maybe you don't do every exercise that everyone else is doing, and you can't be so prideful that you say, 'I'm going to do it even if it kills me." Continuing to show up and enjoy it is half the battle. "It's hard, yes, but people are having a great time."