We all know the benefits of cross training. So why is it so hard to do? Firstly, runners love running. We’d happily get by on, just running. Secondly, hectic schedules make it difficult to fit in anything else. By the time I’ve done my 9-to-5 (and some), long runs and club sessions, then spend time with my family and friends, there’s barely enough time to eat and sleep.
I have tried - albeit half-heartedly - to supplement my training. Over the years I’ve dabbled with an array of alternative activities. I joined a gym, but spent the majority of the time people watching or queuing for machines. Frequented aerobics classes, but found that the monotonous combination of grapevines, marching, star jumps and cheesy pop music is an act for the mentally unbalanced. I enjoy a bike ride, but cycling on the streets of Glasgow could be classed as an extreme sport. I also adore hill walking, but only in fairer weather. There’s also been swimming (too cold), yoga (too boring), kickboxing (too many bruises). The list of activities and subsequent excuses goes on.
My latest pursuit found me in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park on a frosty Saturday morning. I’d signed up for a British Military Fitness (BMF) class. You can try the first class for free, so it’s worth a bash.
I arrived with a disillusioned vision of being more GI Jane than Private Benjamin. A comical fantasy considering GI Jane was trying to succeed in the most merciless fighting force in the world. I, on the other hand, was just hoping to survive a fitness class in a park.
I congregated and chatted with the 20 or so very friendly “squaddies”. BMF attracts a real mix of ages, sizes and abilities. From the novice to the seasoned recruit. The classes are run by instructors who are serving members or former members of the armed forces
The first of the three instructors I met was Brian Fernie - a handsome specimen in camouflage trousers and shiny army boots. On first sight, I wasn’t totally adverse to him shouting demands at me for an hour. I soon discovered that he doesn’t say much, but he definitely gets his point across.
To start, the instructors dish out coloured numbered bibs, along with a healthy dose of banter. It’s blue for beginners, red for intermediate and green for advanced. Each group has their own programme and instructor. I wished I had been a bit more discreet about my marathon and trekking adventures when a green bib was thrown in my direction.
Shona Cunningham, a 35-year-old Project Manager from Glasgow has been attending the classes for about five months: “As I spend the majority of my day in an office, I enjoy the chance to get outside. The classes are very sociable and there’s no requirements for fancy gear. Initially I was a bit perturbed by the colour-coded system, which induced horrific high school flashbacks. Now I think it’s a good incentive to get fitter”.
The warm up was a hoot. Running up and down a hill in a public park, punching your arms in the air has got to be certifiable offence. The giggles stopped and the shock kicked-in when an instructor barked. “Drop down and give me 20”. 20 what? I was a bit slow on the uptake. Everyone was horizontal, whist I was standing about looking bewildered. Press-ups? The last time I did a press up was when I accidentally woke up on my stomach.
“Running up a hill in a public park, punching your arms in the air has got to be certifiable offence”.
The hour continued with a mix of sprinting, hill reps, relays and strengthening exercises. We used the park’s furniture as our props. Squats and lunges from a park bench. And press-ups and step-ups on a picnic table. There was even a bit of wrestling thrown in. I had to break free from a bloke who had wrapped his limbs around me. I was chuffed to succeed, until I discovered my partner had lost his grip when I elbowed him in the privates during the struggle.
The class wound up with a jog to cool down and some abdominal work. I was glad I didn’t wear my best ensemble, when I was lying in the muck.
Philippe Roy (42) from Glasgow said: “The instructors provide continuous encouragement, motivation and put you through a wide range of exercises which vary depending on your level of fitness. You can compete with your peers and see your level of fitness improve.”
It’s a tough workout, but the camaraderie and repartee is superb. At first, I took offence to being bawled at by the others – until I realised the whole group got punished if anyone slacked off or showed any evidence of non-exhaustion. I think I was responsible for two sets of press-ups. How was I to know that putting your hands on your hips was a mortal sin?
The classes push you beyond the comfort zone by using different muscles and running techniques.
Brian Fernie said: “Slogging out the miles is not the best way to condition yourself for the distance you want to run. Cross training is essential for improved fitness and performance, better recovery and reducing injury. With BMF, no two classes are the same”.
OK, GI Jane I ain’t. I won’t be doing Demi Moore’s famous one-arm press-ups any time soon. After the class, I could barely lift my arms to wash the muck out of my hair. I would highly recommend it though. Not only is it great fun, it’s a fabulous form of cross training and speed work for runners.
Further information:
The aim of BMF is to provide a range of physically challenging activities, which will dramatically improve participants' levels of fitness, self-confidence and give a sense of achievement.
Classes are held in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, with classes due to start in Bellahouston Park in the spring. And Edinburgh’s Meadow Park on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. For further information and prices, visit http://www.brit.ilfit.com/ or call 0870 241 2517
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