AS I prepared to attend a weight-loss boot camp in the Highlands, I had visions of being whisked away for a week of luxurious spa treatments and relaxation.
My excess body fat would be massaged away and I would make a triumphant homecoming slimmed down and looking hot, with minimum effort.
Boot camps couldn’t be so tough, I thought, otherwise pampered “celebs” like Kerry Katona wouldn’t go on them.
My best pal, Sarah, and I had been dieting and going to the gym since January and had each lost a stone.
Attending boot camp in June would be a nice reward for all our hard work so far, and the chance to knock off a few extra pounds for the summer.
There was just one little word I failed to take proper notice of – “military” – although, fortunately for us, Scottish Boot Camp does not follow an entirely military ethos.
Our accommodation was five-star. We were staying in the beautiful Balvraid Steading Lodge on Cambusmore Estate, near Dornoch, set in an area of national scenic beauty.
Well, if you are going to put your body through torture, you may as well do so in lovely surroundings.
Even our 6.45am daily start with a punishing hour of circuits could not detract from the stunning views over Loch Fleet.
On arrival, Sarah and I were weighed in. At 5ft 5in tall, I began the week at nine stone and six pounds, with Sarah 5ft 8in and weighing 11 stone.
Little did we know that, after a week of “beasting” from two Army physical training instructors (PTIs) fresh from Afghanistan, we would be in the best shape of our lives.
PTIs Paul Baldwin and Matt Wright are used to knocking recruits into shape and preparing them for war. So they weren’t going to take any snash from a group of girls on a diet, as we learned early on.
“You’re one minute late. That’s 20 press-ups,” Matt barked at us on our first morning.
“No back-chat – 20 more”, was his response to our protestations.
Another of his “pet hates”, which would earn you another 20, was putting your hands on your hips.
Our group of six quickly learned to keep our hands by our sides, on our heads, behind our backs – anywhere but on our hips.
But please don’t let me paint a bad picture – these guys are tough, but also so much fun.
They have a great talent for knowing when you are just being lazy and when you really can’t take any more. They make you work hard, but they know when to ease off.
For example, after a gruelling morning of circuits, followed by sprint training, they would treat us to a hilarious afternoon playing “crab football” – basically, football on all fours.
Paul said: “We’re keeping you moving, but you’re having fun so you don’t realise it.”
The Highland estate offers privacy in the great outdoors, essential for a group of women running about getting sweaty and muddy.
The countryside surrounding Dornoch is awash with beautiful forest walks, challenging yet manageable hills and stunning, empty beaches, so there was no shortage of locations for our exertions.
Every morning started with the obligatory circuit training, followed by running sessions around the estate’s tracks, fields and an old quarry.
Running varied from sprint to endurance and, having done no serious running since high school, Sarah and I were pleasantly surprised by what we were capable off under pressure from our PTIs, who were at pains to ensure that we warmed up and cooled down properly after every session, ensuring that our muscles were capable of doing it all over again the following day.
The running had to be the toughest part of the camp, but the feeling of accomplishment after belting three-and-a-half miles along the sand from Inver to Portmahomack was unbeatable.
After our morning circuits and run, it was ironic that we saw a hike up the 1,300ft Ben Bhraggie, at Golspie, as a welcome break.
“At least we’re not running,” we happily rejoiced as we climbed the hill.
Other fat-busting activities we relished included Nordic walking, which is basically walking with poles for a full-body workout; a spin class, a high-energy workout on an exercise bike, and Body Attack, an aerobics session to pumping music.
We even fitted aqua aerobics, Pilates and a hike with weighted rucksacks into our week.
As if that wasn’t enough, our balance, teamwork and problem-solving abilities were tested and honed with team games against the clock in the forest in which we had to carry “ammo” to our fellow “soldiers” and build “bridges” with planks of wood.
A pleasant surprise was the food. Yes, of course, it was rationed to a certain degree, and of a low-fat variety, but I can honestly say that we didn’t go hungry.
Breakfast consisted of porridge with fat-free milk and honey, followed by a slice of brown toast, sometimes served with egg.
After a hard morning’s workout, we were often given a banana or a nut bar, and lunch and dinner were always two courses.
Kate Collard, a company director and resident cook, provided an array of delicious soups using locally grown herbs and vegetables.
She also excelled herself with hearty, yet low-fat, potato salads, couscous dishes, scrumptious high-protein bean salads and fruity desserts.
Renowned dietitian Sarah Kirkham spent a fascinating afternoon with us helping us to study our own diets and offering insights into portion control and ways of cutting down our fat intake.
Emma Dane, gourmet chef from nearby Skibo Castle, the luxury retreat where Madonna celebrated her wedding to Guy Ritchie, came to the lodge to prepare dinner one night. We watched and asked questions as she prepared a delicious salmon and salad dish.
More luxury came via Claire Hunter, a complementary therapist who previously worked at Skibo, who massaged our aches away.
While it was one of the most physically challenging weeks of my life, I would happily do it again.
Sarah and I were delighted with our results as I’d lost two pounds and dropped two-and-a-half inches from my waist, one inch from my bust and three-quarters of an inch from each arm.
While my weight loss wasn’t massive, my muscles are more toned than they have ever been in my life and I feel fitter and stronger than ever.
Sarah lost four pounds, plus seven inches from all over her body, including two-and-a-half inches from her waist.
Boot camp certainly encouraged us to make little changes in our day-to-day lives – we have even kept up the running.
A seven-day fully inclusive stay at Scottish Boot Camp costs £995. Camps run throughout the year. For more information, see www.scottish bootcamp.com, or phone 01862 859976.