Pilates is a physical exercise that helps to build flexibility, muscle strength and endurance while bootcamp is military-inspired with workouts aimed at burning calories.

"Because it’s an almost polar opposite combination, it gives my clients the best of both worlds,” says Derman-McEvoy, who offers 45-minute classes twice a week.

"A lot of research is put into each session but it is encouraged that one continues to exercise four to five days a week.”

The instructor also gives advice on eating routines which aim at replacing bad habits with good ones. "From the beginning, I encourage my clients to take baby steps with the exercises and eating plans in order not to be overwhelmed.”

Derman-McEvoy said Bootilates was beneficial because of the foundation of pilates and because each exercise is carried out with the individual’s needs at heart.

Done in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, results of Bootilates can be expected in four to six weeks, she said.

When asked if clients can expect any form of pain after the workout, she said that there would be "more of an awareness of the muscles depending on the exercise and its intensity. Muscles are used in a different way in each class. Diversity is the key in order to ensure optimum [exercise] benefits.”

Derman-McEvoy says Bootilates "lengthens, strengthens, improves flexibility, makes clients aware of their posture and helps them gain confidence”.

The fitness programme is designed for both genders and all ages.

"A medical questionnaire is filled in by possible participants and I check with the client’s GP for the go-ahead, should there be a red flag. I do consult with practitioners and movement specialists in order to make sure that the exercises done are physiologically beneficial.”

Derman-McEvoy came up with Bootilates one sleepless night, when inspiration normally strikes her. "I train at the gym with Sharon Jessop from Extreme Boot Camp, and thought that combining boot camp style exercises with pilates would be ideal for something fun and edgy.”

The classes are expanding into other areas in the metro and there is talk about the combined weight resistant and core workout going to other countries too, she said.

WHEN I first walked into the Bootilates class run by Raylene Derman, I did not know what to expect.

I have never done pilates in my life before, so I hoped Raylene would be easy on me. But looking around the class, I was relieved to find out that I was not the only beginner.

We started off with breathing exercises and basic stretches and I remember asking myself, when we would start the real workout. Little did I know it was just the beginning.

Pilates, the core of Bootilates, had come to an end and it was time for boot camp – with this I needed more than one water break.

With each exercise, I could feel how each muscle was being used. I never knew I was this unfit – proved to me by a workout that does not require me to move more than four steps. The workout was hardcore and we had seconds to relax in between each exercise.

I recommend Bootilates to anyone who is looking for a fun way to get into shape. The lady who stood next to me was probably more than three times my age – and she coped better than I did! There were men in the class as well, so for those who think Bootilates is just for the ladies; let me tell you, Bootilates is not for sissies. And, when I left the class, I felt more relaxed and energised than I did when I entered it. It was 45 minutes well spent. Extreme Boot Camp SA describes boot camp as a training system that provides a unique and exciting way of getting into shape.

It is a military inspired workout that is built on three fundamentals of training – cardio, strength and agility. This workout requires more than your body weight to get results.

It caters for persons of all ages and fitness levels and exercises include short distance running, circuits, mat work, weight work, sports drills and core conditioning.

According to Joanne Enslin and Associates Pilates in Johannesburg, pilates is a mind-body exercise system to strengthen the weak and challenge the strong.