Frequently Asked Questions - Your questions about British Military Fitness answered

Is British Military Fitness for me?

What is a typical class like?

There is no ‘typical’ class. Each instructor is different and each session will be varied to stop both your mind and body getting bored. This is one of the benefits of our classes – it’s a whole body workout designed to improve your stamina, speed, agility and strength in a fun and interesting ways. We guarantee that some of the exercises we do will be completely new to you. At 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 and end with a cool down and stretch.

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

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.

Still not sure?
Listen to what some of our members say
Watch a class in action »

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

No, just turn up to 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.

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

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

Ready to attend your Free Trial Class?

Can I register at any time?

Yes, just go to our homepage and click on the orange ‘Try a free trial class’ tab on the main menu bar and complete our quick online registration form, print out the health questionnaire, sign and date it and bring it to your first class. Please try to arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the session starts so the instructor can review your health questionnaire and answer any questions you may have.

I’ve registered on the website; do I need to book my free trial class?

No, once you’ve registered online an email will be sent to your inbox. Here’s what you have to do to activate your free class trial.

Step 1 - Your health questionnaire will be attached to this email, print this out take it with you to the venue.

Step 2 - Check the class times at your chosen venue and be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the class starts.

Step 3 - Hand your health questionnaire to the instructor when you arrive in the park and enjoy your 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 – Apart from a good pair of running shoes any equipment required for the exercises will be supplied by the instructor.

Where do I put my valuables?

Please try to avoid bringing valuables to the classes but if you have to do so, you may use the instructors’ or the British Military Fitness vehicle to store your valuables/change of clothing etc.

Do I need to bring my own water?

You’re welcome to bring your own water and/or isotonic drinks for 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 – click here for our hydration tips.

Attended your Free Trial Class?

I enjoyed the Free Trial Class – How do I become a member?

It’s easy, you can become a member online. Just go to the home page and click on the tab on the far right hand side of the main menu bar ‘Become a Member’. Then login to your account with your email address and the password you created when you registered for your trial

How does membership work?

We have three membership options and two ways to pay.

Pay monthly and pay-as-you-go

Unlimited Classes membership one class a week membership

Both of these memberships can be paid by monthly Direct Debit.

A £25.00 joining fee applies to all memberships, and monthly memberships last for a minimum of six full calendar months.

If you are a public sector key worker or over 60 then you may be entitled to a concessionary rate on our unlimited classes’ membership.

Visit our membership options page to view full details

How much does it cost?

Visit your chosen venue page for membership prices.

How long do I need to commit for?

Monthly memberships only - Your membership will start on the date given on your membership agreement form. You will be a member for at least six months.

Can I choose the date my Direct Debit will be taken from my account?

No, you cannot specify a particular date.

You will pay your joining fee and your first month’s pro-rated membership fee in your first Direct debit payment. The first payment will be taken within 15 working days of your membership start date. All subsequent Direct Debit payments will be taken on the first working day of each month. Monthly membership fees

You need to pay your full monthly membership fee in advance (for the month to come) by Direct Debit. This will taken from your bank account on the first working day of every month

Do I need to book specific classes?

No, once you become a member you will appear on the register of your chosen venue .After that, simply turn up at any British Military Fitness class anywhere the UK. If it’s not your home venue you’ll l just need to let the instructor know your full name and home venue.

If you are visiting friends or away on business, why not attend a class in a different town and see how they do it. It’s a good way of getting to see some great parks and outdoor spaces as well as meeting other British Military Fitness members.

Other questions

How do I take a membership break?

During the minimum term you can only put your membership on hold if you have a medical condition that stops you attending classes. The on hold period can be between one and twelve months, and we will need proof of your medical condition (such as a doctor’s certificate). Once you return, we will add the period when your membership was on hold to the end of your minimum term.

Outside your minimum term we may allow you to put your membership on hold once in any twelve month period for between one and three months. We may charge a monthly fee for this service.

You can only put your membership on hold for full calendar months and must give us at least five working days written notice before the end of the month. Your membership will then be suspended from the first day of the following month. For notices received less than five working days before month end, membership will be suspended on the last day of the following month.

Click here for our terms and conditions.

I am injured and can’t attend – do I still have to pay?

If it’s a minor injury then you can put your membership on hold see question 16. If it’s a serious injury or condition that will prevent you from training for longer than twelve months then we may allow you to cancel your membership before the end of the minimum term if you have been a member and have proof (such as a doctors certificate) that shows you are unable to attend classes. We will need at least five working days written notice before month end. You are responsible for ensuring we receive both your written notice and proof of circumstances.

Click here for our terms and conditions.

If I move house or change my job and want to attend classes in a different location what do I do?

You can apply to transfer your membership to another venue. Membership at your new venue will start on the 1st of the following month, and you will have to pay the prevailing membership fees at the venue to which you transfer.

Click here for our terms and conditions.

What if I want to cancel my membership?

If you want to cancel your membership you must give us at least five working days written notice before the month end. Your membership will end on the last day of that month. For notices received less than five working days before month end, membership will end on the last day of the following month. Please note any notices received after 17.30 will be processed on the next working day. If you notify us during your minimum term, your membership will finish at the end of that month or upon the expiry of the minimum term whichever is later. You are responsible for ensuring that we have received your written notice.

Cancellation for medical reason, relocation or redundancy:

We may allow you to cancel your membership before the end of the minimum term if you have been a member and:

• Have a medical condition that stops you from attending classes
• Relocate more than 20 minutes drive from any of our venues (as measured by AA Route Planner)
• Are made redundant.

We will need to see proof of these circumstances and also five working days written notice before month end. You are responsible for ensuring that we have received your written notice and proof of circumstances.

Click here for our terms and conditions.