What the expert says...
Major Robin Cope, the founder of British Military Fitness, offers his tips for not just surviving but thriving in boot camp-style workouts.
Attend with a friend Of course, you'll be made very welcome if you come alone, but teaming up with a friend really helps with motivation, particularly in the early days when you may need a little extra persuasion to actually get to the class. If you come alone, it's worth latching on to someone in the group who has around the same level of fitness as you - that gives you someone to compete against or work with, depending on the exercise or task.
Know your limits Work within your own capabilities. Don't let your competitive streak get the better of you and encourage you to push too hard - easily done in a group situation. The idea is to work hard, but at your own level.
Maintain good form While a British Military Fitness class is fast moving, that doesn't mean sacrificing quality for quantity. Good technique is essential, whether you are doing sit-ups, squats or hill sprints.
Go regularly To see benefits from any fitness regime, you need to do it regularly. The ideal is three to four sessions per week. The great thing about British Military Fitness is that you only need to muster up enough motivation to get there. Once you're there, the motivation is provided.
Dress sensibly Don't fret about a bit of cold weather or rain - classes go ahead whatever the weather. Dress accordingly (a hat and gloves will keep your extremities warm), and you'll soon forget all about the elements once the class gets going. But bring something warm and dry to put on after.
Be prepared to get your hands dirty In keeping with our military roots, you have to be prepared to get your hands - and everything else - dirty in class. If you're precious about getting dirt on your clothes, slipping in mud or lying down on wet grass, you won't get much out of the class. Getting filthy is all part of the fun!
Monitor your progress Keep track of how you're doing - it's hugely motivating to see how far you've come. British Military Fitness offers regular assessments, which are worth having every couple of months. You can log your progress on the member's area on the website (britmilfit.com).
Stay hydrated Even in cold, wintry conditions, you need to drink water throughout a vigorous workout such as this, in order not to get dehydrated. The instructors carry water so you don't have to take your own.
Getting started
What's it all about? British Military Fitness classes take place in parks and other open spaces across the UK. It's impossible to pinpoint exactly what goes on in a typical class as it varies according to the venue, the instructor, the group, and even the weather. But in general, it's an hour-long medley of running, walking, hill training, strengthening exercises and partner or teamwork, based on the training exercises used by the military. Each class is divided into ability groups, and starts with a warm-up and ends with a cool-down and stretch.
Join up British Military Fitness (BMF) is the original 'military style' training provider, set up in 1999. All the instructors are either current or former qualified Army physical training instructors (PTIs). BMF now provides fitness training in 27 parks in 13 different cities. You can try a class for free, and if you like it, you can join, paying a monthly fee for one (£33), two (£44), or unlimited (£36) classes per week, or buying a block of sessions (£100 for 10). To find out more, see venues, or organise your trial class, go to britmilfit.com, or call 020-7751 9742. Once you are a member, you can vary your venue or class time to ring the changes.
Check out the competition There are, of course alternative outdoor 'boot camp' classes on offer, such as London-based The Boot Camp, which operates four-week intensive Boot Camps (£147 for 12 sessions; thebootcamp.co.uk, 07782 248687). Many gyms also offer indoor boot camp-style circuit classes. Women should check out The Camp (thecamp.co.uk, 0870 033 2375), a full-on seven-day residential fitness and weight-loss camp based in Scotland, run by ex-Special Forces fitness instructors, backed by clinical nutritionists and medical experts. The next course runs from February 17, with courses every month thereafter.
The gear
The single defining feature of a BMF 'outfit' is the bib you have to wear, with your number on it (which you may find being shouted at you during the class). Beginners wear blue, intermediates red, and advanced participants have green bibs. You are allocated this on arrival. If possible, turn up ready-changed for your session, as park facilities are often limited. Don't wear too much - it might be chilly at the start but you'll soon warm up, and then you'll have a jacket hanging around your waist for the rest of the class. A breathable, sweat-wicking layer or two (check out Helly Hansen, Craft and Peak Performance) with a hat and gloves for warmth should be sufficient. And remember your warm and dry kit to put on afterwards. Trainers with good grip for off-road conditions are helpful so you won't be worried about slipping all the time. The new British-made Inov8 range is seriously grippy - the Flyroc 345 GTX has a Gore-Tex upper, too, so it's waterproof (£80, inov-8.com).
The downside
Safety issues The good ol' fashioned exercises, such as double leg raises, might be effective, but they aren't always the safest.
It's not for asthmatics Outdoor workouts in cold weather aren't recommended for anyone with asthma or other breathing problems, according to the National Heart And Lung Institute.
The military approach Being known by your number and not your name, and terminology such as 'at the double' and 'fall in' won't appeal to everyone.
