OUR Friday night Boot Camp was simply gr-eight!

Eight miles to be exact - and we did it in just under two hours as well!

We set off along a secluded country road with 15kgs of weight in our ruck sacks.

The official Army term is a 'tab' - fast walking with jogging every couple of hundred yards.

The aim is that you get to your destination with enough energy to fight at the end of it!

I'm not sure any of us had that much energy at the end of it.... but we're certainly all fighting fit after six weeks of intensive training from our 'leader' Stuart Ness!

I personally don't think I could have managed half the distance six weeks ago - it's amazing how much progress you make in such a short period of time.

The final weigh-ins revealed the group lost more than five stones between us during the programme - and countless inches to boot!

"One Boot Camper lost 23 pounds alone and another lost nine pounds and two inches off her thighs and hips," said a delighted Stu.

"It's been a huge success and everyone has really enjoyed it. They are really happy with what they achieved!

"They all say they feel fitter, healthier and have increased energy levels, better sleeping patterns and improved skin tone.

"Everyone undertook a initial fitness test of two minutes of press ups, two minutes of sit ups and a 1.5 mile run. On their re-take at the end, they all hammered there previous results. "They improved all aspects of the test. One Boot Camper ran his first 1.5 mile in 13 minutes and the second time around, six weeks later, he ran it in 11 minutes which is fantastic!"

For me it's been a great experience and having become a little disillusioned with going to the gym as the obvious form of exercise, this has really put the fun back into getting fit!

For details about Stuart's Boot Camp programmes Click here