FREE GYM #17 - train like a soldier - snow joke you know

To be honest, due to the icy, snow covered park, I was half expecting ‘British Military Fitness’ at Peckham Rye Park to be called off.

Of course not, training goes on in all seasons, whatever the weather, three times a week like clockwork – that’s the military way. After a friendly greeting from the 30 trainees (or 'BMFiers'), Tom, a Territorial Army recruit trainer by day, fitness instructor by night, sorted us into basic, intermediate and advanced groups, and sent us on our way, puffing frostily into the air and stomping (sometimes ankle deep) through the snow.

Our obstacle course consisted of trees, hidden snow drifts and the odd snowman while the instructors, donned in camouflage, directed us through the rough terrain with a serious cardio programme of lunges, squats, burpies and sprint runs. For motivation, we were jokingly told to keep moving to ward off frostbite and hypothermia, but there was no chance of that, after a few runs we had all built up a healthy sweat, despite the zero degree temperatures.

Half way through the session my group suddenly found ourselves under fire from a flurry of snowballs. Yes, the intermediate and beginner group were at war and I became the first casualty, caught off guard by a small lady, gleefully launching a direct hit at my head.

Definitely a class I would pay for – as I much prefer exercising outside socially rather than alone in a tiny sweaty gym. Try it out- there’s no joiningfee this January, they're in parks all over London and they’re offering a full week free (use code: 'MSEJAN') - for those who dare brave the January cold. 

Plus - you can’t have a snow fight in a gym, so try it soon, even if it’s just for that.