Posted July 23, 2008 --- 6:00 p.m.

If you are looking for a unique way to get in shape, try a "Boot Camp" workout.

It started around 2000 in California, with celebrities taking "Boot Camp" fitness classes to get in shape for movie roles.

The trend moved east, and now you can find these courses in the Madison area.

It is not like the military boot camp that may come to mind, and personal trainer Dustin Maher is not your average Drill Sargeant.

"I'm a pretty laid back guy, in your face screaming."

His boot camp is a combination of cardiovascular training, strength training, flexibility and team dynamics. He uses the environment from playground equipment - to rocks and hills.

Boot camps appeal to people either burned out by the gym or who might be intimidated by working out in the gym alone. He says the team energy makes these participants work harder than they would on their own.