COLLEYVILLE - Pills, shakes or some gadget filled with false hope often comes to minds when people think of fast weight loss. But one of the hottest trends right now might actually deliver, if you've got the fortitude to try it.

In the wee hours before work, a group of dedicated people who want to be all, or less than, they can be gather in the trenches of a Colleyville gym to have their spandex-clad booties kicked into shape.

Boot camp fitness is one of the hottest classes at health clubs everywhere. Basic training is making a comeback because it burns calories like crazy.

An average sized woman can burn 500 calories. A man could easily use up about 1,000 doing traditional exercises including sprints, jumping jacks and crunches.

"I've lost about 30 pounds," said Nicki Armand. "This is the most I've lost ever. So, I feel great."

But it is far from easy. Boot camps are a one-hour, high-intensity daily commitment that typically last four to 12 weeks.

A few weeks in, Steve Dalri is already losing inches.

Some fitness boot camps have come under fire as pushing too hard with the drill sergeant mentality.

But with the obesity epidemic, many have evolved to accommodate anyone, no matter their size or fitness level.

"We have all kinds," said Angela Harris, a boot camp trainer at Lifetime Fitness in Colleyville. "I've had 16-year-olds to ... 62-year-olds. All I ask them not to do is quit on me."

Team support makes the work out work better.

"Peer pressure, keeps you here," said Jim Dettbarn, 45. "[It] keeps you honest."

"I'm never late here because we'll have to do pushups in front of the class," said Cindy Cockroft with a laugh.

Those who run reputable boot camps stop short of guaranteeing weight loss because that often depends on how much the client weighs in the first place.

But, those who do survive are virtually guaranteed to lose inches, fat and feel better about themselves.

Coss for boot camps range from $120 to $400 for the program. That fee can be in addition to the health club membership.

E-mail jstjames@wfaa.com