But while many boot camps have a military style ("Drop and give me 20!") that sends fitness novices running for the exit, Ultimate Bootcamp classes, which are held on Boston Common and Arsenal Park in Watertown, prides itself on a kinder, gentler, yet motivational approach.

Just ask Jennifer, 35, of Waltham, who needed a "kick in the butt" when it came to getting back into shape last year. "I'm not a big gym person," she said. "When I heard it was outdoors, I thought I'd give it a try."

But running around in the heat, cold, rain and mud wasn't easy. "I moaned and groaned during the processs," said the quality insurance engineer. "But I kept showing up. It's a class with other people, so you feel like you have to show up. Plus, it was never the same routine. (They) made sure it was never monotonous."

Tomich said the other bootcampers add a great team element to the classes. "They work so hard because the people around them are motivating them and bringing out the best in everyone," she said. "You know there are days when it's raining and people are in the car and don't want to get out, but when they do, then they roll around in the mud, they go to work or home with some serious bragging rights."

Which is exactly what Karyn Ragonese of Charlestown has after her stint with Ultimate Bootcamp. The executive secretary was training for the Falmouth Road Race last year when she realized she needed a jump-start. Enter Ultimate Bootcamp, where Ragonese thought she'd be forced into a fitter self.

"I got into really good shape, actually the best shape of my life," said the 32-year-old. "I went from a size 6 to a size 0. It's a work-hard, play-hard atmosphere. Sure, I wasn't psyched about running around in the rain, but when you're doing it, it's actually fun. And you go at your own pace. It's not intimidating."

For Tomich, Ultimate Bootcamp is a way for fitness-wary folks who have fallen off the treadmill - so to speak - to get back into shape. "There's a little bit of something for everyone," she said. "There's no screaming. It's about making progress and having fun."

Copyright 2005 Boston Herald

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