I struggle to find many forms of physical exercise enjoyable or fulfilling , but since stumbling across Major Robin Cope, I think I may want to go to fitness training for the first time in my entire life. Often spotted in London’s parks, adorned with conspicuous coloured bibs, the clients of British Military Fitness are motivated and enthused by an all serving or ex-military team of highly qualified physical trainers.

So what inspired Cope to start BMF? “I set up British Military Fitness in 1999 to offer the public an alternative to lycra-clad aerobic classes which were then all the rage! I felt nothing was motivational and nothing really encouraged you. Bearing in mind I was in the army, I thought there was potential to get people to exercise outside with a military theme.”

Larger venue sessions can attract an average of 180 members at a time. What makes them so sought after? “Our sessions are great fun and also a chance to meet new people, which doesn’t always happen in a gym! We’ve had 13 marriages over the last 10 years from people meeting through our sessions. Our instructors guide individuals through the 60 minute classes ensuring that all exercises are performed safely while providing motivation and encouragement for the participants. The classes are an effective, varied way of training and promote group interaction through paired exercises and team activity.”

This emphasis on proper training outside, in a team, rather than indoors, alone is clearly a more socially fulfilling activity. Does the social aspect extend beyond the training session? “We run social events at each BMF venue which can range from drinks in the pub to days out paintballing etc. We also have an events department that runs 5Km & 10Km races, challenges to Borneo and social weekends away.”

So, it seems BMF is more fun than the gym, better for you, and better value. The best thing about British Military Fitness for Major Cope? “Knowing that the business we run is helping people to live active and healthy lifestyles.” If you can’t imagine the manager of your local chain gym saying that to you, maybe it’s worth checking out. Find out more about BMF and become a member at www.britmilfit.com.