Civilians Bulking Up with Boot Camp

Boot camp isn't just for the military any more. Civilians are getting in on the action in a big way.

"Early Show" national correspondent Hattie Kauffman reported on "The Early Show" Monday how boot camps are growing in popularity for people who are trying to shape up.

Kauffman, who tried one herself, said boot camps aren't for wimps. Dulciena Hellings, of Morning Crunch Boot Camp, says her five-week program features free weights, walking lunges, push-ups, squats and sit-ups, among other exercises.

Hellings' program is conducted in Los Angeles and costs $300, but at that price, she's making promises.

Hellings said, "(Boot campers are) going to lose five to seven pounds, get toned and lose inches."

These outdoor fitness classes, Kauffman reported, are becoming the rage in Southern California. And they're for all shapes and sizes.

Baby Boot Camp is for moms who want to lose the baby weight. And Thank Dog Boot Camp is a program that gives you the chance to work out with your dog.

"We don't take breaks," said Jill Bowers, of Thank Dog Boot Camp. "...We have two personal trainers that walk around to make sure you're doing the correct form and everything, but you're just constantly moving."

"Early Show" co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez got a taste of boot camp on the broadcast Monday, thanks to Lauren Brenner of New York's Pure Power Boot Camp.

Brenner told Rodriguez people asre drawn to boot camp because they can work out in a group.

"If they know there's a team waiting for them, if they know they're a bunch of recruits in a platoon, knowing they're going to come, and there's going to be accountability, they'll stay with the program much more than just saying, I have to go to the gym at three o'clock, and no one is there to motivate you."

She also called gym workouts monotonous. "Monotony kills anything, so you want to make sure that every single day, you're doing something to engage your mind and your body."

Rodriguez worked out with Brenner, doing push-ups and raising a tire above her head.

"My heart's going," Rodriguez said after the exercise. "...I could see how that would be a ton of fun."