Military style bootcamp classes have really grown in popularity over the last couple of years so it might not be the new kid on the block but there is no disputing that it works.

These classes do cover all the bases: a typical hour could include the following – weight training, a cardiovascular circuit; boxing; Swiss ball exercises; work on core strength and finally a cool down and stretching session. Phew! And you can expect to burn upwards of 500 calories per one-hour class. 

The Basecamp Fitness Co. is located in Dublin 8 just off James Street and they offer an extensive choice with six classes on the schedule Monday-Thursday, two classes on Fridays and a class on Saturday mornings for teetotallers or ‘em masochists. 

Classes are great fun, sociable and most importantly they work. One of the Her.ie members can vouch for the transformative powers of this specific bootcamp company. After a committment of six months (increasing attendance from twice a week to four times a week) and following a healthy eating plan she dropped three dress sizes – true story! 

The service is excellant with friendly, knowledgable and passionate instructors teaching the classes. As your fitness level grows they will strive to keep pushing you and challenging you so that you get the results you want. And the USP of the Basecamp Fitness is that the classes are held indoors in a warehouse opposite the Guinness Storehouse. Really, working out is hard enough without adding rain, wind and mud into the mix. 

Biting the bullet and signing up for a membership deal is the best value for money. For example a six week membership will set you back €70 but it can be put on pause if you have holidays planned. See, we told you they were friendly.

Jonathan Cairns, an instructor at Basecamp Fitness, gave us the low down on what new members can expect: "We aim to make the experience of coming to the classes an enjoyable one. The focus is on creating a welcoming atmosphere so we get to know our members, find out what their goals are and chat to them about their overall health and how they eat so that we can help them make improvements.”

And the experts know what they’re talking about. “We’ve found that making the classes fun really works for our members because when you enjoy working out you prioritise it as part of your weekly routine. Long term this means you're more likely to stick with it. And that's the key to achieving your goals,” he adds.

There you have it folks, whether you want to lose weight, get in shape or build your confidence by feeling better in your body, you will only achieve it with regular exercise and following a healthy diet over a sustained period of time. There are no short cuts or quick fixes, it really is as straightforward as that.

All this month we're running the Her.ie Fitness Revolution in association with PomeGreat Pure Plus - check back to our Health section for daily updates on how to improve your body this New Year!