I've signed up for Adventure Boot Camp for Women. I am now known as a "camper", and may I be a happy camper.
I'm puzzled, though, why everyone seems to focus on the "Boot Camp" and not the "Adventure" part of it when I tell them. And also why others laugh - not a happy laugh, but a disbelieving laugh. Is it the military connotations, the extreme discipline and visions of drill sergeants? Or the fact that I, a yoga sort, am embarking on what is an extreme sport in comparison.
I know I'm not a GI Jane type, and I don't like gym, but I'm determined to kick-start my body into some sort of exercise before summer arrives.
Middle-age spread is now firmly in place, I'm tired of puffing up the stairs and I want to be fit, strong and healthier.
I've chosen to focus on the fun aspect of Adventure Boot Camp - didn't I enjoy playing soccer and hockey not that many years ago? And besides, I tell myself, you only commit for a month, and then you're free to choose another - or not.
You also choose a three-day or five-day programme.
First stop on this mad venture was to speak to Huenu Solsona, the woman who started Boot Camp in South Africa last year.
Solsona is the ultimate outdoorsy type, who has spent her life skiing and hiking and camping around the world, and loves adventure sports.
"I always wanted to start a business in the fitness industry," she says. on her return to South Africa she saw the gap here to start Adventure Boot Camp, which she tells me is the latest fitness trend overseas. The boot camp boom is only just taking off here.
Location for her camps is important. "I had to have the best outdoor locations," she says. And the first she found was Kirstenbosch. Can't get better than that, but she assures me that St Cyprian's in Oranjezicht, where I'm starting, is great, as is WP Cricket Club. She's starting two more in October, in Hout Bay and Table View.
The response from her first advertisement in a community newspaper was great.
"I didn't expect to get what I did," she says. In no time she had 30 people signed up, far more than she expected.
To grow her business, she needed to train people for new venues. "I only take the best people," she says, and they have to be qualified fitness instructors - with the right personality. Each trainer trains at one location so they can get to know their "campers". Now I'm getting nervous, wondering about what I'm letting myself in for so gaily. The exercises, she explains, are basic, and focus exercising the areas women need to improve, the tummy, upper arms, buttocks and thighs. About half are cardiovascular, the other half toning.
The natural environment is used - fields, walls, hills, steps, and there are team and individual exercises. You exercise at your own pace, says Solsona, and it's challenging for everyone, no matter what your fitness level. I'm reassured that it's not competitive. "It's inspiring," says Solsona, "and you do want to do better."
I'm also a bit wary of exercising with 20-somethings.
Solsona smiles: "It's amazing how well it works with different ages. You don't usually get to hang out with people of different ages. Camp can be a very social thing."
Next question is gear.
"You're not out to impress anyone," says Solsona, "and you must wear anything that's comfortable." Running shoes are necessary, and when I make a face, she assures me it's worth getting a pair for when I run after camp. "And you will," she assures me, Yeah, right. Then there are weights and an exercise mat.
So what's the attraction of Adventure Boot Camp for women? In Solsona's opinion it's being outdoors, it's fun, every day is different and it's motivating.
Campers are required to measure and weigh themselves - on their own, thankfully, before camp starts, to compare with later.
"We don't do magic," she says, "and you can probably do the same thing at gym. But it's easy to stick to, it's motivating, and you want to go every day."
Expected results are 3% to 5% reduction in body fat; 2kg to 6kg weight loss; 3cm to 9cm decrease in your midsection; energy lasting throughout the day; greatly improved posture; better relaxation; 25% endurance improvement; 25% strength increase and 100% gain in self-confidence.
You only sign up for one month's camp, but many go on to do more. "My aim is to get people to enjoy exercise, to feel good physically and mentally," she says.
The camp costs R510 or R690 a month (depending on how many days) and includes a nutrition seminar, a motivational speaker, an adventure fun day (this month it's skydiving) a six-month subscription to a health magazine and a gift pack.
So what about the boot camp bit? Should I be ready for humiliation and extreme discipline. "No," she smiles. "But we do demand that you be on time (five minutes before the start) and that you come to all sessions." And you will stand in lines.
And, she says, the only-four letter word allowed from campers is "yebo".
I'm about to leave for my first boot camp session and I have to admit to serious nerves. Not so sure about the happy camper bit anymore.
- For details of classes and to sign up go to www.adventurebootcamp.co.za