Back in 2013, Emily Hill and her husband Chris O’Brien were feeling unfit and unmotivated. While the couple, originally from Melbourne, Australia, had been fit and active when they were younger, over the years weight from holidays and a lack of exercise had crept on, and before they knew it, the pair tipped the scales at a combined weight of 32.5 stone. Sick of the monotony of the gym and determined to find a type of exercise that suited them both, the pair decided to try BMF classes after spotting the group training at Clapham Common. Since starting the popular outdoor fitness classes, Emily and Chris have completely overhauled their lifestyle, and have lost an incredible 8.5 stone between them.
Chris, 38, commented: “Emily and I were always active when we were younger and I used to love team sports. However, over the years we both lost the habit of exercising which, combined with a love of indulging on our holidays, led to the weight piling on over time. It was in 2013 that we both realised something had to change. We’d been trying various types of exercises such as the gym, cycling and squash, but nothing had stuck and we had no confidence. It was then that Emily saw the guys at British Military Fitness training at Clapham Common and suggested we give it a go. And the rest is history, as they say!”
Emily, 37, added: “British Military Fitness suited us from the first lesson. It had everything that had been missing from our other attempts at exercise, and even though we struggled through our first class, we both loved the challenge and camaraderie. We went back the very next week, and as competitive Aussies, we were determined to get better and work our way to the front of the class!”
The pair began attending sessions 2-3 times a week, and soon started to see the benefits of their new healthy lifestyle.
Chris continued: “Once we started attending BMF sessions and began to see improvements to our fitness, it gave us the confidence to set the bar higher and make more positive changes. We looked at what we were eating and decided that also need to change. We even started taking part in 5km races together at Clapham Common and hope to take part in the Royal British Legion Major Series obstacle course next year – something we never would have thought possible a couple of years ago.”
Since their lifestyle change, Emily has lost 4 stone and Chris has lost an incredible 4.5 stone, something they credit to BMF, as well as getting fit as a couple.
Emily continued: “Some days, especially when it’s cold and dark, it’s difficult to find the motivation to exercise, but when you have someone else encouraging you to get your gear on and go it makes it easier. We have a debrief after each session and chat about what new exercises we learnt, what we enjoyed and any niggles we have. I’d say it has definitely made our relationship stronger, because we now have shared goals and experiences when it comes to our health.”
Chris added: “The best thing about training with BMF is the camaraderie of training in a team. We know the battle is won if we can just motivate ourselves to get to a session, once we’re there the team dynamics will kick in and off you go! The instructors are very encouraging which helps you keep going when you think you’ve hit your limit. I’d recommend it to anyone – it’s truly changed our lives.”
*Results may vary
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