It's a popular term these days, going to a fitness "boot camp." KRCG's Teresa Snow is blogging about her experience in a class at Wilson's Fitness in Columbia. She's also sharing tips on how you can stick with your fitness routine.

"So what are you going to do when this is over?" my husband asks. While he is supportive of my new exercise routine and healthy eating habits, he is skeptical that I can continue at this pace.

There is reason for concern. Experts disagree on how long it takes to form a new habit. It could take 21 days or much longer depending on what habit you are trying to form.

This boot camp session is six weeks, 12 sessions. That could be long enough to form my new fitness habit.

Boot camp instructor and personal trainer Lisa Kent says one thing that will make the difference is when we turn the corner and actually enjoy working out. "Then you will seek out that experience daily," Kent explains.

I'm not seeking out the pain and hard work just yet, but I am enjoying the benefits already. I have less back pain and feel stronger. We have three sessions to go before boot camp is complete.

People in the group agree that they need the accountability of a group and the structure with someone to push them. Beth Chapman has been through five boot camps and says she works harder with someone encouraging and pushing her towards her individual goals.

You can find some of the same experiences working with a personal trainer, or taking a group fitness class. I know it's more difficult pushing myself to my limit when I'm working out on my own, doing the routine I chose.

I checked with trainers around the area for more ideas on how to "stick with it."

While I jumped right in with the boot camp experience, Kay Benward the Fitness Center Supervisor at the Capital Region Healthplex   suggests taking small steps to get going. Via e-mail she tells me, "As you accomplish these small goals, then gradually make new ones. Reward yourself for achieving the goal and remind yourself how good you feel when you achieve that goal."

My first reward was some new workout clothes, and if I can keep up the pace beyond boot camp, I'll get a new pair of tennis shoes to reward my hard work.

Benward adds these ideas:

1) Make sure you schedule in your fitness activity. Commit to walking two evenings per week for instance - and stick to that.

2) If time is the issue, make your fitness program in small increments. Walk 15 minutes at lunch time, plus 15 minutes in the morning or evening.

3) Ask a friend to workout with you and commit to each other that you will help one another through it. Don't let the other person down.

4) Get a positive mental outlook on how the exercise will make you feel and look. Know that those positive images can become a reality.

5) Hire a personal trainer or join a group fitness class. The instructor and group will motivate you to do new things.

I also checked in with exercise physiologist Mason Stevens of Boone Hospital's Wellaware.

He agrees with Benward that a slow start is best, especially to avoid injury.

In an e-mail he offers these additional tips:

1.. Make SMART goals. Appropriate goals are Specific, Measurable, Action Oriented, Realistic and Time Bound.

2. Keep it fun. You're a lot more likely to stick with activities that you enjoy.

3. Put it on the schedule. Pencil in your exercise time just like you would a meeting or doctor appointment. Exercise is more likely to happen if it's planned.

4. Workout with a friend. Choose someone with similar fitness level and goals. You can help to keep each other motivated and accountable.

Good luck getting started and sticking with your routine. I'll report back on how I'm doing. Leave us a comment on what works for you.