It's hard to sum up Boot Camp Marbella without writing a whole essay, so here are a few words in case you don't get that far; varied, exhilarating, relaxing, rewarding and fun.

I went to the November Boot Camp on my own and instantly struck up a rapport with the rest of the group. Everyone on the trip was in the same boat and despite a wide range of ages from 27-60+ we all hit it off instantly with nearly all being there alone. Once you've sweated that much with a group it's hard not to get along and by the end it was like being on holiday with a big group of friends.

The hotel itself was perfect, really big rooms overlooking the sea with a buffet breakfast and a pool on the roof which we sat by on a couple of occasions during breaks in the afternoon exercises. The timetable of activities is really varied so everyone got to try at least one thing they had never done before. I loved the boxercise, cycling, Pilates and Mike's gym up in the mountains which was an assault course. Our group had a wide range of fitness levels and ability and no one was ever made to feel uncomfortable or pressured into doing anything, which was really great. Of course everyone encouraged people to try their best which was one of the best things about the experience.

Jan who organises the bootcamp was a logistical wizard and was always ready and waiting to get us to the next activity or meal, he's a really sociable chap and encourages or pushes you at all the right points but knows when to back down if you've had enough. The food was of course regimented but it was all fresh, healthy and tasty. Meals consisted of items like eggs on rye bread for breakfast or muesli and yoghurt (you could choose your own breakfast). For lunch we had meals like chicken Thai curry with brown rice and fruit and for dinner we might have soup to start or hummus and then fish and vegetables or a salmon salad or something similar. There was also lots of down time to chill in between exercises and have a coffee!

Highlights include reaching the top of our biking route in the middle of the mountains in Marbella at a little village called Istan and enjoying coffees and fruit platters in the sun and having our photos taken with the little old men. Another member of the group was really scared of heights but managed to get herself over one of the high obstacles at Mike's gym and we all celebrated together over a tasty buffet lunch. Finally aching muscles were stretched out with regular Pilates and Yoga which even the guys were surprised by and swear they would take up when they got home.

So, results? Well I lost 6% body fat* in a week and am feeling the best I have felt in over 2 years. I couldn't really recommend the experience anymore, mentally and physically it was a huge boost to my confidence and I've come back home feeling refreshed and uplifted, so get booking!