Is BMF for me?

What is a typical class like?

There is no ‘typical’ class. Each instructor is different, and each session is varied to stop both your mind and body from getting bored. It’s a whole-body workout designed to improve your stamina, speed, agility, and strength in a fun and interesting way. We guarantee that some of the exercises we do will be completely new to you. In each class, participants are divided into ability groups of around 15 people. Classes start with a warm-up followed by at least 50 minutes of individual, pairs, and team exercises, we end with a cool down and stretch.

Instructors and members are a friendly bunch and are always keen to welcome a new face. We make sure that each individual works to their own level of fitness within the group. It’s a real skill, but our instructors have many years of experience.

What is a Crossrun by BMF like?

Crossrun by BMF is an hour-long session that focuses on your running skills. Sessions involve developing power, speed, and endurance.

All abilities are catered for and instructors who teach the class have specialist knowledge on the subject. The class is run at a gentler pace with explanations on what each exercise achieves. Greens come away from some of the interval circuits breathing hard and but don’t worry blues are given a scaled-down choice too.

The terrain is mixed using paths, grass, and features of the park.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes. You need to be 16 years and over to participate in a BMF class.

Do I need to check with a doctor before I go to a class?

You should complete and sign our health questionnaire online (it’s part of the trial class registration process) before you start your first class. Women who are pregnant should check with their GP before starting any classes.

Do I need to be super-fit?

No – but you do need to be committed to improving your level of fitness with a good workout. Don’t worry if you lack motivation – we’re here to help you get fit. We cater for all levels of fitness by dividing the class into ability groups, blue for beginner, red for intermediate, and green for advanced. We have equal numbers of men and women at our classes of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. Members’ ages range from 16 to 70+.

Do I need to attend a fitness assessment before I start?

No, just book onto any class for your free trial. It’s a good idea to have a look at the fitness assessment page to give you a rough guide as to what group you might fit into. Most people start in the Blues. If you’re unsure, speak to the instructor when you arrive at the venue and they’ll recommend which group will suit you best.

Ready to attend your first class?

What should I wear? Do I need any specialist equipment?

A decent pair of outdoor running shoes is all you really need. Fashion trainers are not advisable as they offer little support or grip and you may run the risk of injury if you wear them to a class. Other than that, an old t-shirt on top and shorts, tracksuit bottoms or running leggings are ideal. Some exercises involve getting down on the ground so be prepared to get a little bit dirty – it’s part of the fun! Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee the weather but we can guarantee that you’ll be sweating by the end of each session so make sure you have something warm to put on after the session has finished. Some people also like to wear a lightweight base layer, gloves, and a hat during winter months.

If possible, please arrive in your kit as changing facilities in parks are limited – though we do try to position our meeting points close to public conveniences.

Specialist equipment –any equipment required for the exercises will be supplied by the instructor.

How long are the sessions?

Most classes are an hour long. This includes a warm up, a cool down, and stretches.

Will I be shouted at?

No, you will not be shouted at. However, our instructors will call out instructions and words of encouragement to keep the class motivated, so everyone gets the most out of their workout. They are a friendly bunch, and they love a bit of banter. But ultimately our instructors are there for you to achieve your health and fitness goals.

I've registered on the website, do I need to book my trial class?

When you register online for your trial class, you can select any session on the timetable to come along for a great workout. If you miss your trial, you can re-book this on our website. We ask that you arrive at the meeting point in your kit 10-15 minutes before the start time of a class of your choice to give your instructor a chance to register your attendance on the BMF App.

Where do I put my valuables?

Please try to avoid bringing valuables to the classes but if you absolutely have to do so, you may use the instructor’s backpack to store your valuables, etc. At most sessions, there will be a Be Military Fit or Instructor vehicle which can be used to store small bags and coats during the session.

Note: Due to COVID-19 it is not currently possible to store your possessions in an Instructor vehicle. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Do I have to register?

Yes, you can register by filling in the online form at any time, or by downloading our Be Military Fit App from the App Store (search for “Be Military Fit”). Once you register you can book your first trial class and will receive a welcome email with further instructions.

Do I need to bring my own water?

You’re welcome to bring your own water and/or isotonic drinks before or after the session. The instructors do carry plenty of water and there will be water breaks during the class. Please make sure you are hydrated before you arrive.

Note: Due to COVID-19 water bottles will not be shared. Please bring your own water and/or isotonic drinks. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Now you're a member

It's raining / snowing; will there still be a BMF session today?

BMF trains in all weather conditions, so long as it is deemed safe to do so. We adapt our style of training to the elements around us. Should it be necessary to cancel any sessions, we inform our members at the earliest opportunity. If you have unsubscribed from these communications previously and would like to receive them again, please send an email to your BMF franchise owner whose details you can find on the relevant park page on the website or on the App. 

Can I use parks other than the one I registered to?

By default, any membership (other than a trial) will entitle you to train at any park belonging to the same BMF franchise owner. We currently do offer reciprocal membership across the BMF franchise network, but this is at the franchise owner’s discretion and you must write to us with the names of the parks you would like to train at. To enable a reciprocal membership please write to the BMF franchise owner of your home park letting them know the parks you want to train at, their details can be found on your home park page on the website or App.

Can I take a friend along with me to a session if they haven't used BMF before?

Yes, your friend will be offered a trial class and then at the end of the class will be invited to join.

What can I do if I miss any of my BMF sessions?

If your membership type is one class per week, and you happen to miss a week, so long as you have an active direct debit in place, this class can be made up the following week, by attending two classes that week.

Can I suspend my membership?

Yes, you can suspend your membership if you get injured. Suspension can start from the date of your next payment by giving us at least seven days’ notice written notice before the next payment date. You will need to supply us with a re-start date when suspending your membership.

Can I transfer my membership to another person if I can't use it anymore?

No, memberships are for personal use only and are non-transferable.

Is a medical letter from my physio sufficient proof of injury?

Yes, so long as the letter is on headed notepaper and signed by the physio and it states your rest periods, this is more than acceptable.

I'm pregnant, can I continue with my BMF sessions?

Health and fitness guidelines state that you can continue exercising while you are pregnant as long as :

  • You were exercising regularly before becoming pregnant
  • The doctor/midwife has stated there are no complications with the pregnancy or the health of you or the baby
  • You don’t exercise to exhaustion or at high intensity

 

You should listen to your body, refrain from doing anything that causes any pain or discomfort, and work at an intensity where you can hold a conversation, even if it is a breathy conversation. (Rate of perceived exertion scale 1-10) RPE 5-7.

There are some circumstances where exercise is not recommended and these include the following:-


    • Multiple gestation at risk for premature labour
    • Persistent second or third trimester bleeding
    • Placenta praevia after 26 weeks gestation
    • At risk of premature labour during the current pregnancy
    • Pregnancy induced hypertension
    • Incompetent cervix/cerclage
    • If you were not exercising regularly before becoming pregnant

Can I cancel my monthly membership at any time?

Our ‘rolling’ monthly membership gives the flexibility of being able to cancel after your first monthly payment has been debited. Some discounted memberships come with a minimum commitment period and these periods are listed when you sign up for a membership online or on the App.

To cancel any type of membership you need to contact your BMF franchise owner either by telephone or by emailing/writing to them. Their contact details can be found on the relevant park page on the website or on the App (by clicking on the person icon in the top left corner, then ‘About’). . Further details on cancelations can be found in the membership terms and conditions on the website.

Session block - Can I suspend my session blocks due to injury?

Yes, you can suspend your session blocks for a maximum period of one month if you have been injured or for medical reasons. If a longer period of time is needed we will require a medical note.