Useful Information
What is it?
We are often asked, ‘Is it a Boot Camp’? The answer of course is, ‘if that’s what you want it to be’! Boot camp is an American term for Recruit Training. To the extent that Military Fitness sessions may impose a little bit of a ‘push’ to you when you are training, it is similar. However, Military Fitness training is about far more than giving you a ‘beasting’ (that’s an Irish term!)
Military Fitness provides physical training to individuals in a group setting. The training methods are based on successfully applied military training principles and formats which are adapted to suit the civilian population.
In general, it's an hour-long session which combines running, walking, strengthening exercises and partner or teamwork, based on the training exercises used by the military. Each class is divided into ability groups, and starts with a warm-up and ends with a cool-down and stretch.
Sessions take place outdoors, in all weather conditions year round. The outdoor setting provides an ever changing exercise environment in terms of general location, weather, flora and fauna. This increases variety and interest and presents challenges in its own right. There is a big feel good factor at having been outside in the elements, be it rain or shine and having challenged themselves physically in this environment.Military fitness is for anyone wishing to improve their fitness, add variety to their training or simply for those who want to get outside and do something. Your current fitness level is unimportant.
It’s a session where you can exercise in a baggy t shirt and tracksuit or whatever else is most comfortable once it’s appropriate for the weather. This creates a situation where people of different appearances and body types can feel at ease, and the range of training demands will variously push or stress different people of different strengths and weaknesses creating a leveling effect. Sessions also assist in building the team mentality which is a very large factor in supporting less confident participants and helping them adhere to the programmesIs it fun?
Is there any point in exercise if it isn't?
Is there a skill level required or a skill aspect to the sessions?
No! We’re not all good at skill-based sports! Our sessions are something everyone can do if they are willing to have a go. Look on it as team training for those who won’t, don’t or can’t play team sports. And there’s plenty of us. I’m not saying you’ll never see a ball if you remain a member for a long time, but I doubt you or anyone else will have seen one used in the manner that we might adapt them to!! (Sign up folks to discover more exciting information on this!)
What happens when I arrive for my first session?
On your first session, you will be asked to complete a medical screening document for your own health and safety. The instructor will assist you and the whole process will take all of five minutes. This information enables our instructors to advise you and adapt exercises appropriate to your current health status. The information is strictly confidential and is held solely for purposes indicated.
After that, it’s on with the session. The nature of the training is such that, everyone is in it together so from the outset you won’t feel alone or isolated. The session will have a basic structure of, warm up, main training element, cool down, and stretch. The main element will last for approximately thirty to fifty minutes, and is adapted to suit different levels. Total session is one hour.
Training Tips
Go regularly
A minimum of two training sessions per week will produce noticeable improvements and that’s what you’ve paid for. Less than this will produce improvement but much more slowly and sessions will not get easier very quickly. Missing a week of training through no fault of your own will sometimes happen but get back on board as soon as possible.
Disclaimer - (Management cannot guarantee results if you drink your own body weight in beer after each session.)
Bring a friend
You'll be made very welcome and fit in very quickly if you come alone, but teaming up with a friend really helps especially when you may need a little extra persuasion to actually get to the class. It's worth linking up with someone in the group who has around the same level of fitness as you if you come alone. Keep good form.
Do the exercises correctly
Quality is far better than quantity. (You'll find this out in quick time if you do one of the fitness test sessions and the instructor only accepts ten of your fifty press ups!).
Know your limits
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. The best way to progress is to remain within safe limits for your current ability. Progress will come more quickly. The instructors are skilled at managing the levels and know when to push you and when to hold you back, but you must pay attention to your own body too.
Stay hydrated
Drink. (Water please.) Even in cold weather water is essential to well being and performance. So bring your water bottle.
Be prepared to get your hands dirty
What can we say? It’s outside, on the grass.
Dress appropriately
Arrive more or less dressed to start. For the current season, training shoes, shorts/light leggings, a windproof /rainproof jacket if weather is inclement. You will warm up quickly! It s not that cold in the summer even here! Your instructor will advise all participants of what is most appropriate.
Fitness Classes
All classes are open sessions and all categories from Novice upwards are catered for within the group.
In general people can categorise themselves as:
Novice - People who take little or no exercise, or are those returning to training after a lay off.
Intermediate - For those with a reasonable standard of fitness or who have progressed from Novice level.
Advanced - For those with a high level of fitness.
If you are in doubt as to where you fit in, attend the open classes and you will get an indication of where you feel is most suitable for you. Our instructors will help you here.