Looking to beat your newly acquired summer takeaway bulge? There are a number of group exercise classes to help you get back into shape, and maybe even achieve your best body ever.

We take a look at some of the bootcamps running around town.

b2b Fitness

A typical session: There are four different session types run by b2b: Max Cardio, a high intensity, body weight-only affair; Circuit, focusing on resistance exercises using sandbags, kettlebells, medicine balls, battle ropes and TRX; Cross X, a combination of the first two to keep your body guessing; and Stretch, a combination of yoga forms, Pilates, balance moves and core strength exercises (only at Safa Park sessions).
The USP: No session is ever the same – the idea is to keep the body in shock to help you get results. Then there’s the b2b Challenge every month, starting in October: it includes body composition tests, a nutrition guide including recipes and a food diary, mentoring, additional workout sheets, a T-shirt and Dhs1,000 for the winner of the challenge.
When it starts: You can sign up right now: b2b’s bootcamps run all year round, except between December 23 and January 6.
Dhs80 per single session, Dhs600 for 12 sessions, Dhs1,000 for 20 sessions, to be used within eight weeks, Dhs1,350 for the ultimate challenge. Sun-Thu 6.30pm (Safa Park); Mon and Wed 7.30pm, Sat 6.30pm (Alvarado Park, Arabian Ranches); Sun, Tue, Thu 6am, ladies only 8am (resuming September, open beach, Umm Suqeim). www.b2bfitness.me, info@b2bfitness.me (056 146 1750, 050 424 5667).

Dubai Desert Bootcamp

A typical session: Whether you’re training at the private fitness facility in Jumeirah or sister property in Ras Al Khaimah, it’s a 5.30am start, and the day includes a mix of personal training sessions, boxing, cycling and hiking, with fat-burning and cardio training. There are chefs and nutritionists on hand to make sure meals are individually devised for maximum weight-loss. You will also learn useful survival skills, with lessons in fire-making and shelter-building.
The USP: This is a ladies-only camp, run by women, for women, and you’ll be signing up for a minimum seven-day residential bootcamp.
When it starts: Courses run from October 1 2012 to May 30 2013. It’s a later start than most, but places usually get booked up fast.
From Dhs6,900 for seven days with a shared room, including all equipment, insurance and meals. Jumeirah and Ras Al Khaimah, www.dubaidesertbootcamp.com (055 431 0517).

Ignite Fitness & Wellness

A typical session: Ignite’s military bootcamps are just as you would expect – high-intensity military-style outdoor training, incorporating a combination of cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, resistance, speed and agility exercises. That said, programmes have been designed to suit all ages and fitness levels.
The USP: Ignite claims to offer its clients a route to a new way of life, not just a fitness course.
When it starts: Ignite’s September course runs from Sunday August 19 (The Shack, Palm Jumeirah, Safa Park) and Monday August 20 (Dubai Marina) until Friday September 14. The October course starts on Sunday September 16 and Monday 17 in the same locations, ending Friday October 12. Each programme is a four-week course, but you can do a single session to see if it works for you.
Dhs100 per session, Dhs750 for a full course. Locations as above, Ignite Fitness & Wellness, www.ignite-wellness.com, info@ignite-wellness.com (04 448 7142).

Smart Fitness

A typical session: A combination of free and equipment-assisted exercises. The bootcamps at JBR concentrate on military strength and conditioning, while circuit training in JLT focuses on plyometrics, speed, agility and strength conditioning exercises. Smart Bootcamps also come with a nutritional programme and advice from a nutritionist.
The USP: As well as its outdoor sessions, Smart Fitness will open its first indoor centre in October, located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
When it starts: Courses kick off on Saturday September 1, running every month thereafter.
Dhs400 for 12 classes. Time Out readers quoting this article when booking get eight additional circuit training classes free. Bootcamp Sun, Tue, Thu 7.30pm (JBR beach); circuit training Mon and Wed 7.30pm (JLT). www.smartfitness.ae (056 704 9257).

Original Fitness Co

A typical session: Designed by UAE ‘bootcamp pioneer’ Corey K Oliver, each session follows a military-style format. Though the classes cater to all ages and fitness levels, you should be serious about getting fit. Expect to hear the phrase ‘no pain, no gain’ ringing in your ears all too regularly.
The USP: Original Fitness Co is the team who brought the first military-style bootcamp to Dubai, so you can bet they know their stuff.
When it starts: The current programme is already running, and will continue until Thursday October 4. September bootcamps start on Sunday 9 and Monday 10.
Dhs50 per session, Dhs300 for eight, Dhs450 for 12 until August 31. Sessions throughout the week at 6am, 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8pm at locations across town. www.originalfitnessco.com, info@originalfitnessco.com
(04 311 6571).