BMF OLD DEER PARK BOOTCAMP

Just off the A316, Old Deer Park is accessible and well-lit, making it a great evening park. It is small but has plenty of fences, trees, and benches, as well as a small hill for members to be put through their paces. BMF incorporates the latest military methodology combined with cutting-edge training programmes to deliver results-driven workouts. These aspects are deeply rooted in a community fitness, so they can provide a fun yet challenging workout. The workouts are tailored to all abilities and the BMF community here is thriving and welcomes newcomers, whatever your fitness level, with open arms. At BMF they are concerned about their carbon footprint, therefore they deliver the workouts in the most sustainable environment available. WHAT IS A TYPICAL CLASS LIKE? There is no ‘typical’ class. Each instructor is different, and each session is varied to stop both your mind and body from getting bored. It’s a whole-body workout designed to improve your stamina, speed, agility, and strength in a fun and interesting way. They guarantee that some of the exercises they do will be completely new to you. In each class, participants are divided into ability groups of around 15 people. Classes start with a warm-up followed by at least 50 minutes of individual, pairs, and team exercises, we end with a cool down and stretch. Instructors and members are a friendly bunch and are always keen to welcome a new face. We make sure that each individual works to their own level of fitness within the group. It’s a real skill, but our instructors have many years of experience. WHAT IS A CROSSRUN BY BMF LIKE? Crossrun by BMF is an hour-long session that focuses on your running skills. Sessions involve developing power, speed, and endurance. All abilities are catered for and instructors who teach the class have specialist knowledge on the subject. The class is run at a gentler pace with explanations on what each exercise achieves. Greens come away from some of the interval circuits breathing hard and but don’t worry blues are given a scaled-down choice too. The terrain is mixed using paths, grass, and features of the park. DO I NEED TO BE SUPER-FIT? No – but you do need to be committed to improving your level of fitness with a good workout. Don’t worry if you lack motivation – we’re here to help you get fit. We cater for all levels of fitness by dividing the class into ability groups, blue for beginner, red for intermediate, and green for advanced. We have equal numbers of men and women at our classes of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. Members’ ages range from 16 to 70+. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? DO I NEED ANY SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT? A decent pair of outdoor running shoes is all you really need. Fashion trainers are not advisable as they offer little support or grip and you may run the risk of injury if you wear them to a class. Some exercises involve getting down on the ground so be prepared to get a little bit dirty – it’s part of the fun! Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee the weather but we can guarantee that you’ll be sweating by the end of each session so make sure you have something warm to put on after the session has finished. Some people also like to wear a lightweight base layer, gloves, and a hat during winter months. If possible, please arrive in your kit as changing facilities in parks are limited – though we do try to position our meeting points close to public conveniences. Specialist equipment –any equipment required for the exercises will be supplied by the instructor. WHERE DO I PUT MY VALUABLES? Please try to avoid bringing valuables to the classes. WILL I BE SHOUTED AT? No, you will not be shouted at. However, our instructors will call out instructions and words of encouragement to keep the class motivated, so everyone gets the most out of their workout. They are a friendly bunch, and they love a bit of banter. But ultimately our instructors are there for you to achieve your health and fitness goals. MEETING POINT We meet in the car park across the road from the actual park. At the end closest to the river just South of the A316. We then walk/run over the pedestrian bridge into the park itself. Bus: 65 bus stops very nearby. Train: Richmond overland is less than 15 minutes walk. Tube: Richmond Tube is less than 15 minutes walk.