We spoke to lecturer and BMF member Gwenne about the health and social benefits of the BMF sessions she attends in Fisherrow, Scotland – and how she overcame her anxieties about doing exercise in a group…
What was your lifestyle like before joining BMF?
I have always been overweight and lacked confidence in doing physical activity; however, I have always wanted to be more active. I tended to go through phases of taking up activity – step class, local gym or swimming – but always got bored with it and stopped after a couple of months. Two years ago I wanted to try to improve my fitness, so started walking hoping to build up to jogging. I was walking 5K three to four times a week but could not build up to running; feeling breathless usually stopped me after 100 meters. I work full time and have three children, so found it hard to make time to exercise.
What made you sign up to BMF? And what made you stay?
I thought BMF would push me and help me to build up stamina. I was impressed at how the classes were never the same and that the instructors managed the range of abilities in the class. It was also on my doorstep, and never runs over time, meaning I can be back home when I am supposed to be. I loved that it was outdoors in all elements, but most of all it was the other class members – I have never been to something where the people were so inclusive, encouraging and supportive.
Where did you hear about it and what were your reservations about joining?
A friend of mine, Marnie, encouraged me to come along the first time, as I was talking to her about trying to get fitter. Marnie is a great advocate of BMF! I was really anxious about joining as I thought it would be too hard and the instructor would be harsh and I would not be able to keep up. That turned out not to be the case at all.
I now participate in 2 to 3 BMF classes a week at Fisherrow, Scotland. I have also taken part in pop-up sessions on running and fitness organised by BMF instructor, JJ.
What are your favourite things about the class, the instructor(s) and BMF in general?
I love the people, the combination of cardio and body weight exercises, and the fact that no two classes have ever been the same over the year I have been going. The instructors recognise your limits while also pushing you to achieve your best. The fitness tests give you a sense of your progression and also highlight where you need to focus. The instructors are hugely encouraging and go the extra mile to support you. The BMF site is good for keeping track of your progress and giving you tips and ideas over the seasons. The organised events are great fun and so inclusive. The mud run was my first event and I loved it.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For me it has been the teamwork – I think a throwback from having no confidence in sports at school. I remember about 5 weeks into my time at BMF we were put in groups of 6 and told to link arms and run to a point in the field and back without breaking linked arms. I immediately began to panic and even with the others encouraging me and saying it was fine to go at my pace, I felt I could not breathe and had to stop. The instructor walked alongside me and helped me to control my breathing, then ran with me to reconnect with my group. This has made me much more self-aware, and taught me skills in managing my breathing. Since that time I have moved to be a red bib (intermediate level) and completed a log run in the Pentland Hills with a team of 6 – something I could never have managed before.
What have the outcomes been for you?
For me it has been the fitness and the social aspects of BMF: I have lost 3 stone in weight and have a group of friends I would not have had if I had not joined. I can now run 10K without stopping and can control my breathing. I am more confident and will push myself to do more and challenge myself.
What would you say to someone considering joining BMF?
Give it a go – I have got my husband to start and told some people at work. One colleague has joined a class in Falkirk a few months ago… she had been a smoker and worried about how she would manage, but she has just got her red bib also and feels great.
I would say that you will never get bored or fed up with the classes like you do when going to the gym or indoor classes.