“BMF has completely changed my approach to fitness - it’s been an absolute life changer and the best decision I have ever made. Not only have I lost weight, but I’ve also made friends for life.”

Back in 2011, 47-year old Lisa Madden was overweight and unhealthy. Tipping the scales at 20 stone, the married mother-of-three decided it was time to make a change and embarked on a health kick that would change her life. Since making changes to her diet, walking, and joining her local British Military Fitness class in Birkenhead in September 2011, Lisa has shed an incredible ten stone* and says joining BMF was the best decision she has ever made.

Lisa, who works full time as a teaching assistant at a primary school in the Wirral, attended her first BMF session at her local park in Birkenhead after a friend recommended the classes. Lisa, who lives in New Brighton, commented: “Back in 2011 I’d been on a health kick for just under a year, but I was struggling to shift those last few stone. A friend at work had been attending BMF for a few months and invited me along to try out a free class in Birkenhead Park. After the first session I was hooked and I signed up there and then!

“Until starting BMF, the most strenuous exercise I was doing was walking, so it was a bit of a challenge at first, but the instructor and all the other members were really encouraging and helped me through the exercises. Before I knew it, I was attending three classes a week, and I have now reached my goal weight of 10 stone 7kg, which is incredible. More importantly though, I have more energy than I’ve had in years and have achieved levels of fitness that I wouldn’t have thought possible a few years ago.”

Lisa cycles 10km in rain, hail and sunshine to get to the classes and back, but says it’s worth the commitment. She continued: “I’ve tried gyms over the years but always struggled to find the motivation to keep going, but with BMF you are surrounded by a friendly group of like-minded people who give you the encouragement to carry on, even through the more challenging exercises. It’s great to be able to show up at the park, rain or shine, and know you’ll be getting a good varied workout.”

Despite not running at all before joining BMF, Lisa has now completed three 10km races, in all less than 60 minutes. She commented: “When I look back at myself four years ago I can’t believe how far I’ve come. BMF has completely changed my approach to fitness - it’s been an absolute life changer and the best decision I have ever made. Not only have I lost weight, but I’ve also made friends for life. There really is no better feeling than turning up to a park and running around with your friends. You can’t beat it!”

*results may vary