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They crawl through mud, do push-ups until their arms ache and climb ropes under time pressure. Go hard - or go home! Originally, the term boot camp stood for the basic military training of recruits - boot refers to the heavy boots that are part of the uniform. However, many of the exercises practised, which later gave rise to the trend sport CrossFit, are also reminiscent of the circuit training from school days.

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Originating in the USA in the early 1980s, Crossfit, the so called toughest workout in the world, made a name for itself in the early 2000s - for anyone who wanted to push their physical limits and not just do a bit of sport. Basically, however, it's all about exercising together with other participants and having fun. No one should have to work out alone on equipment anymore. CrossFit studios have also become a lifestyle trend because they celebrate sporting togetherness. The boot camps of the moment go one step further. They enable a joint, yet tailored workout at dream locations and with all the amenities of a luxury resort.

Customized training

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Fighting your inner couch potato with simple but effective exercises - where better to do this than on vacation? There's now something for everyone: Yoga boot camps, manager boot camps, a camp for the bikini figure, one for the perfect biceps. Bridal boot camps are aimed at brides-to-be who want to have their dream figure in time for their wedding. But there are also classic military-style boot camps that play with drill. One famous example is the GI Jane Bootcamp in England, which is aimed at women who want to get fit and train their mental strength. The program is tight: The day starts at 05:30 and ends at 18:15 with dinner and a massage. Bedtime is at 8 p.m., and the next day continues with the same challenging exercises. The GI vacation lasts three to 14 days, during which you'll get nothing for free. Fresh air is guaranteed and most of the training takes place outside.

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In the county of Kent, where the boot camp takes place, it often rains - excuses for not taking part are of course not valid. But what really makes a boot camp vacation so appealing? In everyday life, you rarely manage to fit in as much sport as you might like. You do moderate sessions, after all, you can't go to work with sore muscles all the time. At boot camp, the first few days are tough, but your body quickly gets used to being active. You become really addicted to exercise. And last but not least: You suffer, laugh and relax together. All of this creates bonds and friendships that sometimes even last beyond the vacation.

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In the past, people used to talk about sports hotels that offered a whole range of fitness activities, where you could play tennis, swim and run. Today's luxury boot camps think further ahead. It's about all-round care - from personal trainers and healthy food to a wellness program that helps the body to reduce stress and relax the muscles. However, it's advisable to study the training list carefully beforehand - reputable providers offer event days for a taster. And you should assess your own fitness correctly - if you overextend yourself, you risk injury and slowing down the group, which can also be frustrating. Even if you are very sporty, it doesn't hurt to have a thorough fitness check-up and health test beforehand.

Moderate to tight program

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The Bikini Bootcamp in Tulum, Mexico, is a resort for discerning travelers who don't just want to spend a few days lounging by the sea with drinks. The six-day packages are ideal for singles and solo travelers, but couples who want to take an active break between sightseeing stops are also welcome. Reese Witherspoon, Cameron Diaz and Demi Moore are said to have already stayed here. The morning starts with a walk on the beach or in the jungle and a cardio workout in the sand. A yoga session follows before breakfast. After circuit training and high-intensity sessions, things get more relaxed in the afternoon: From salsa to hip-hop, everyone dances together. The sea is right in front of the bungalow; if you still have energy left, you can go swimming in the evening.

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Just a few minutes from Saint-Tropez you'll find the eco-friendly hotel La Réserve Ramatuelle, and yet it has little to do with the hustle and bustle of the posh resort. Those who simply want to chill out have found a paradisiacal place to do so here; those who choose to be challenged will find a perfect fitness and wellness programme that specializes primarily in anti-ageing. There are three to six days that are completely personalized - on the first day, the spa osteopath and yoga instructor find personal weak points to work on. This includes individual muscle-building sessions, three-hour hikes with a sports trainer, tailored diet food, but also better-aging body massages, all very moderate and completely tailor-made. Unlike other boot camps, there's very little drilling here; you have to be active on your own initiative - even if the sight of the sea tempts you to take it easy for once.