While none of them are the traditional, grueling "fat camp" you may be thinking of, Illinois residents do have a wide variety of options when it comes to attending weight loss camp. From invigorating weight loss spas, to themed day camps designed to whip you into shape, you have a host of programs to choose from in the state.
The Spa Treatment
When it comes to weight loss, the path of least resistance for some people is to attend a weight loss camp that masks itself as a spa. Many resort spas, like the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles and the Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena, give you the chance to be active and take part in spa treatments at the same time. Some even have fitness routines and weight-watching menus to help you with weight loss. Still, probably the gold standard for a spa and weight loss retreat is Heartland Spa, which was ranked the leading spa in Illinois by Spas of America.com The spa provides guests with a full plate of fitness activities, all while focusing on calorie restriction and a healthy lifestyle.
Fitness Day Camps
If taking a few days away from home is too much to handle, another option is to participate in a camp that only lasts a few hours each day. Camps often include private sessions with a personal trainer, and offer the camaraderie of going through the fitness routine with other campers. Typically, camps last a few months or weeks, and often meet several times a week to complete certain fitness goals. For women, the Chicago Women's Fitness Camp is a good place to start, or check your local gym or YMCA for their ongoing fitness camp schedule.
Boot Camps
A bit tougher than the typical gym's weight loss camp, the boot camp has evolved into a highly motivational path toward weight loss. With their rough style and demanding techniques, weight loss camps of this sort work well for people who want to get browbeaten into losing weight. Boot camps like Chicago's Boot Camp Guy and the South Side Boot Camp give you different options for weight loss programs, from one-on-one sessions to group workouts.
Kids Camps
Overnight weight loss camps for kids don't really exist in the state. But there are options just across the Illinois border that are accessible to Illinois residents. In the Chicagoland area, teens and kids can attend Wellspring Wisconsin, a camp designed to give kids the traditional camp experience of swimming, boating, and tennis, all while focusing on weight loss. Wellspring has an excellent reputation, and was rated one of the top weight loss camps in Consumer Digest Magazine. Closer to the Evansville area, just across the Missouri border, is Jump Start, another camp that provides youngsters the opportunity for overnight summer fun, all while working on weight loss and healthy lifestyles.
Warnings
Diets and fitness programs can be wonderful to try if your health and your weight are not in control. However, when starting a new fitness routine, be aware that many programs make overblown claims that could endanger your health and safety. If you're not familiar with a particular weight loss camp or program, spend some time researching it. Ask your doctor whether the program is safe for you, and check with friends or acquaintances to learn their experiences with the program.
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