British Military Fitness, or BMF, is a private company which runs outdoor group fitness classes in over 145 public parks and outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom. The classes are run by former or serving members of the British armed forces with recognised fitness training qualifications.
Video British Military Fitness
History
British Military Fitness (BMF) was founded in 1998 by retired Major Robin Cope (Anglians), Cpl Harry Sowerby (4RGJ) and Cpl William Skinner (10 Para). The idea was born on the film set of Saving Private Ryan. Robin Cope suggested the idea of training civilians in the parks. He felt that an added emphasis should be made on providing motivation which was lacking in the majority of those who work out in gyms. Harry Sowerby had just completed his Reservist Army Physical Training Instructors course (PTI) and along with Will Skinner happily agreed to join with Robin in this new venture. Each invested £1000, so with a total of £3000 BMF was launched. £1000 was spent on some second hand computers, some money was spent on class equipment like mats and numbered bibs and £1000 was spent on one Evening standard advert. The first-ever BMF class was held in Hyde Park in April 1999 and attracted just ten clients. Today, the business boasts more than 15,000 participants a week attending classes at more than 140 parks covering the length and breadth of the country.
Maps British Military Fitness
Format
Each lesson lasts approximately sixty minutes, and, in order to cater for all abilities, classes are broken up into three ability groups indicated by the wearing of coloured bibs: blue for beginners, red for intermediates and green for advanced.
The first ten minutes of a class are spent warming up, before fifty minutes of intense fitness exercises, which can vary from circuit training, relays, sprints, military activities and team games. The class is punctuated by a quick water break at the midpoint and ends with a five-minute cool-down and stretching session.
Unlike the controlled environment of a gym, lessons vary from class to class with instructors making full use of the surrounding features of the park. Alongside the military fitness classes, BMF also offers running clubs in certain locations.
Notes and references
External links
- British Military Fitness Official Site
Source of article : Wikipedia
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