Local business gets stronger with bootcamp
Jump-squats, abdominal crunches and shoulder presses may sound like hard work but it’s a daily occurrence for Plymouth’s FIT Bootcampers. Not only are the members getting stronger, the business is too.
Local business woman, Kate Leadbeater, and former Naval Physical Training Instructor, Mark Nesbitt, started FIT Bootcamp in Plymouth in 2009 and it’s been going from strength to strength ever since.
Originally running residential fitness retreats in Italy and the Cotwolds the business duo wanted to bring these opportunities to Plymouth, where they both live.
Now based in Residence 2 of the Royal William Yard the business has gone from 10 to 80 members in just four years, starting with just two weekly sessions in Hartley Park, run by Mark. The popularity of this style of fitness has allowed for more sessions and instructors to be added.
A total of 10 instructors, all of whom are existing or former military Physical Training Instructors (PTIs), put the members through their paces in over 20 sessions a week. These are held in both the morning and evening providing a wide option of choice for the members.
In addition to Hartley Park the FIT Bootcamp sessions are also held at the Salt Mill in Saltash and the Royal William Yard in Plymouth, where many workers are getting active in their lunch breaks.
From boxing to weights, and running to strength training there is something for everyone – there has even been known to be the odd games of Indians and cowboys! Kate and Mark really have found that variety and fun is what makes these sessions enjoyable and what keeps the members coming back time and time again.
Businesses looking for something a little bit different to encourage team building and support the health and wellbeing of their employees can also get involved with corporate team building events – tailored to the businesses specific requirements. McAfee, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Wrigley’s, CHICKs and most recently the South West Media Group have all signed-up and taken part.
Kate and Mark haven’t stopped there! They have spotted many opportunities for this style of fitness and have recently launched Buggy Bootcamp, FIT Kidz, Bridal Bootcamp and a weight loss programme where members receive nutritional advice as well as attend bootcamp sessions that are tailored for beginners and those being introduced to fitness.
Kate said: “Being able to provide outdoor military style fitness sessions, where people really get the results they are looking for, is something I’m really passionate about. I have been running FIT Boootcamp for four years and I have seen many people transform – one of our members has lost 6 stone and ran his first half marathon in 1 hour 50 minutes at the age of 41! He even ran it the year after in 1 hour 43 minutes, beating his 25 year old brother by 20 minutes.
“The sessions are getting more and more popular with an increasing number of people training for a specific fitness challenge like the Commando Challenge, where strength and stamina are really put to the test. As we have military PTIs running the sessions it feels like having your very own personal trainer, without having to go to the gym.
“I am really pleased that we are now able to offer opportunities for businesses, new mums and children to get more active. We have had a lot of interest and I’m excited to get these off the ground.”
Mark added: “Getting involved and supporting the local community is also something we are passionate about. We have taken part in organising FIT Bootcamp teams to enter events such as the Commando Challenge, Plymouth Half Marathon, 10k’s, Great North Run to name but a few. The PTIs encourage, train and get everyone fit enough to really achieve their goals, personally and as a team.”
More information about FIT Bootcamp and the sessions that they run can be found by visiting www.fit-bootcamp.com or by calling 01752 227 355. You can also follow them on twitter (@FITBC) and Facebook (FIT DBC Plymouth).
