One of the first boot camp fitness training experiences to hit the UK was provided by British Military Fitness (BMF), and they have been doing much to popularize the approach by running short sessions in parks across the UK. It could be said that many of the bootcamp holidays on offer have been at least part inspired by BMFs angle on fitness training for individuals and corporate groups.
BMF only employ qualified ex-military PTIs (Physical Training Instructors). They insist that instructors are Ex or Serving Armed Forces and hold a recognised fitness qualification (military or civilian) and / or adventure training qualifications.
“BMF is not just for the super fit, nor is it run by army sergeants screaming at you Full Metal Jacket style”
British Military Fitness believe that “people should exercise in the natural environment, outdoors and away from the stresses of work and every day life, preferably with other people!”. A workout at the gym suits many people (they don’t deny that nor detract from its benefits), but see a value in offering an alternative: their Gym Intevention campaign, which extolls the benefits of exercising outdoors, in a green environment, and in like-minded company.
They say that a BMF session is a guaranteed challenging workout with a motivational instructor to help you to lose weight, have fun, feel better about yourself. And this is the basis of what they offer: Their assistance towards achieving your fitness and motivation. You might or might not connect with the “traditional” alone at the gym approach, but they will do their very best to get you connected to their way of getting fit whilst having fun.
If you want to try out bootcamp style training, with BMF your first introductory class is free, and classes are available all over the UK throughout the year. Joining fee (£35 – £50) and monthly subscription rates (£20 – £48) vary depending on where you are in the country and which sort of membership best suits your needs. Alternatively you can buy blocks of sessions which can work out as cheaply as £8 per session, and corporate plans are available.
You can take them up on their offer of a free training session at 24 parks in London and many more in around 50 cities across the UK, with 15 – 20 more to be added in 2010. And they are actively looking to open BMF in new cities and parks where there is sufficient demand, so if by chance you live too far away to reach them, visit their website and fill in the form expressing your interest – they might be able to reach you if there is enough interest in your area.
So if you are curious to find out if bootcamp fitness training is for you, a taster session with British Military Fitness at a park near you might be well worth your time. Visit their website for further details.