Jack Bell

‘Boot camps” in parks or outdoor tracks are more popular than ever, area experts say.

“You get the benefits of the exercise and being outdoors for an hour,” said Sandra Gandy, a 58-year-old nurse and Ringgold, Ga., resident who has taken two boot-camp sessions at Absolute Fit, Inc. in Fort Oglethorpe.

Moving from concrete floors to turf, pavement and trails boosts variety in a routine, said Absolute Fit owner Jack Bell, a former Army sergeant.

“The environment’s always different, and it shows people how to be creative outdoors so they don’t get locked up in a gym atmosphere,” Mr. Bell said.

The results of a her boot-camp experience have been phenomenal, said Jennifer Hoke, 40, a human-resources director from Ooltewah who lost 35 pounds since starting Scenic City Boot Camp for Women in early December. Five days a week, including winter weeks, Ms. Hoke has mustered for her workout at 5:30 a.m. at a Hixson track.

“It’s changed my whole being. I’ve firmed up, I have so much more energy, and it’s been a huge (mental and emotional) boost for me. I didn’t know if I could do it — I believe more in myself now,” she said.

Every morning, personal trainer Kevin Harvey leads the group in a mix of cardio, weight, push-up and pull-up exercises, she said. Participants bring dumbbell weights, a mat and water.

“It’s very exhilarating to be outside and working out. It’s good to be in nature and in fresh air instead of a gym,” Mr. Harvey said.

Scenic City boot camp uses park benches, stairs, trees or sometimes even cars for resistance and balance workouts.

“It’s a very creative class. I’m trying to teach the ladies that they can work out anywhere,” Mr. Harvey said.

While Scenic City is purposely nonmilitary in its atmosphere, Absolute Fit’s camp offers more of a military feel. For example, participants line up and sound off.

Clients carry body bars, similar to military weapons training. Partner resistance is often used. One partner pushes on an advanced exerciser’s shoulders while they do push ups. Or, a partner may help pull a buddy through situps, if they’re beginners, or having a rough day.

The Wilder Tower at the Chickamauga Battlefield is a popular spot for step-climbing. Unlevel terrain also challenges fitness fans beyond the limits of a gym machine.

“Outdoors it’s uneven territory so it’ll give you a much greater workout than any elliptical or treadmill ever can,” Mr. Bell said.

Mark Fasczewski, a cycling coach and certified personal trainer, also leads a military style boot camp through Vantaggio Fitness. Besides improving general fitness, the course promises to help people pass their physical fitness tests to qualify for police, fire-fighting or military jobs.

But the military training isn’t the main reason most local clients say they sign up for boot camps.

“I just know it makes me feel so much better personally. It’s stress release, it makes me feel better about myself and I know it’s healthy,” Mrs. Gandy said.