by Jon Grilz

Created on: April 24, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

Losing weight in a society that is focused on appearance is an incredibly difficult task. Simply going to the gym just isn't enough for many people. The social stigma associated with being overweight is sometimes too psychologically limiting to step foot in a gym. In certain cases, weight loss camp can embody everything that a person needs to really make an impact on themselves physically, while being immersed in an environment that understands exactly how difficult it is to not live up to expectation we as a nation have for what qualifies as "in shape".

Primarily, weight loss champ serves as a place for people who are looking to loss weight to get away from the judging eyes of society. To be surrounded by people that go through the same difficulties day after day is incredibly supportive and conducive to being able to lose weight. The close proximity to those that have the same goals and daily routines serves as a support mechanism that reminds all those there that they are not alone. It is a place that reminds the dieters that their struggles, while individual, are still shared.

Second, weight loss camp provides campers with motivation. Councilors and trainers are professionals with years of experience with the kinds of struggles, both mental and physical, that campers go through. It isn't as impersonal as a gym or a personal trainer that might cost anywhere from $40-$100 per hour. These are people that have experienced and specialized in the process that can transform a person both physically and mentally.

Finally, weight loss camp provides structure. The daily lives and routines are outlined by those that run the camp so that participants not only get to socialize and gain friendships, but also so that they stay active in an environment that does not offer the same sorts of temptations as are present in daily life. There are no fast food restaurants or pizza deliveries. The food is prepared as a balance of both nutrients and vitamins so that campers can have the energy to reach levels of activity that they might not have had in years, if ever. With this kind of structure, participants are able to focus on exactly why there are there: the change their lives.

The most important idea that must be taken into camp and out of camp is that it will always take effort to lose weight. There must always be activity and self-control in order to maintain the bodies that they have either earned or are on their way to earning. Success can be achieved when there are no temptations, but a true measure of success is how a person's life is changed after they leave. To really feel what it is like to look in the mirror and feel like a success is a rare and wonderful thing to have and it is something that takes work to hold. These camps are designed to give those that go to them the tools to become all that they have ever wanted, but if the participants don't truly want to lose weight and be healthy, it will be difficult if not impossible to reach their goals.

Going to these camps is a great step, but the hardest part is what lies inside: the desire and will to do what it takes to be the best person one can be.

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