Agroup of about 10 people race across the pavement of an old fire station, hauling unrolled fire hoses. It is hot, and they are sweating. But some are also smiling.

This is just one of many exercises at Fire Athlete Bootcamp, a workout regimen designed by Westlake Fire Department Lieutenant Ryan Vacek.

Once the boot campers finish running, they lift decommissioned fire hoses taped together to create 20- or 40-pound weights in place of barbells.

"It's not rigid like a barbell. You have to incorporate more muscles to control it; muscles in the core and [in the] back," Vacek said.

Vacek started the Fire Athlete Fitness Program in 2006 as a way for Austin area fire stations without fitness budgets to keep firefighters healthy. Vacek, a certified personal trainer with a degree in kinesiology, or the study of the movement of the body, said he designed the program to mimic the motions that firefighters go through when responding to an emergency, such as twisting their bodies or pulling out the fire hose.

After running the program for five years, Vacek published a book, "The Fire Athlete Fitness Program," and in October 2011, launched the Fire Athlete Bootcamp for anyone, not just firefighters, wanting to try a new fitness regimen. The exercises combine full-body strength training and endurance.

"Our goal is not to replace somebody's current program if they like to run or lift weights. We just want to give people a cool alternative," Vacek said.

Frequent boot camp attendee Melissa Dallund said she uses the workout to round out her aerobic training. She said most people think they have to get into shape before starting such a rigorous workout, but that is not the case.

Jenna Bednarek, Vacek's cousin, said she did not work out at all before coming to the boot camp but soon became "addicted."

"I started noticing my body changing," she said.

Burn, baby, burn

Fire Athlete Bootcamp meets at the former Jollyville Fire Station, located near the intersection of US 183 and Lake Creek Parkway.

The station is familiar territory for the boot camp's founder, Ryan Vacek. Not only did he work there for 10 years, but it is also across the street from his alma mater, Westwood High School.

Vacek said that on average, boot camp attendees can burn between 700 and 1,000 calories in the one-hour session. Classes are Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

The cost is $10 per class, and clients do not have to sign a contract. The boot camp is free for firefighters.

Fire Athlete Bootcamp, Jollyville Fire Station, 12507 Mellow Meadows, www.fireathletebootcamp.com