Training Partner - South London Area

[mpg]

Hi,

I've just registered with the site after spending a load of time reading the various forums.

I am training to join up with the TA and started getting fit a few months ago. Progressing well, though a long way to go!

I have been told and read that it is essential that I get some boots and a bergen to prepare with. I am in the process of doing so and am getting a pair of Lowa combat boots. Would anyone be able to provide any further advice on whether these are best suited to train in?

I am also looking for a training partner or a group to get out with when doing more of the hill training and other fitness stuff in general. I'm currently in South London but more than happy to travel around London.

Does anyone know of any such groups or individuals?

Thanks

[misterpurple]

I am in the process of doing so and am getting a pair of Lowa combat boots. Would anyone be able to provide any further advice on whether these are best suited to train in?

I wouldn't go for Lowas mate. You won't be allowed to wear anything non-issue in training, so you'd be better going to a surplus store and getting some issue assault boots and breaking them.

Does anyone know of any such groups or individuals?

Have a look through this thread: http://www.mfat.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15800

All the best

[Illustrious]

http://www.britmilfit.com/ is a good thing to try. Lots of fitness classes avaliable for £38 a month membership. Ran by lots of ex-forces ranging from the Army, Marines, RAF, Navy. I do it in Brighton and love it (when I dont have shinsplints.

[mm1306]

I think that I have seen these guys operating, I thought that they were just individual soldiers making a bit of extra money. They get 50 women and men to follow them about running, doing pushups etc.
It occured to me as a brilliant business plan with no cost, just charge a few quid per person and run about the park.
You don't even need to be a soldier, just get yourself fit, develop a military bearing and a loud voice and it's a license to print money. Any ex-marines or paras etc could set up an "elite para/commando/SAS/SBS superfitness club" which would be the same but charging double.

[Illustrious]

MM, they only hire those who have served or are currently serving, for example one of the instructors is in 'ghanners now.

I cant speak for any other locations but the Brighton branch is a hoofing good time.

And MM, another thing. They have just been officially recognised by the British Army as the best thing to do before starting basic training.

I know in the Brighton AFCO, they have BMF posters and leaflets around in the offices so they arent just hillbillies playing soldier as you make out

[mm1306]

Didn't say that, I'm sure they are good, just thought that it was individual soldiers freelancing that I saw and since allot of people won't know the difference a non-military person could set up a similar business on a small scale.

[mm1306]

In Russia they have something a little bit like this. It is essentially for Russians who feel they have gotten soft and who will pay former spetnaz soldiers to beast them and even bash them a bit for a few days. The spetsnaz soldiers supposedly believe that their customers are idiots and they cannot believe their luck in getting paid to do what they find such an easy job.
Anyway from what I've seen of britmil fit they get people sweating and breathing hard which is the bottom line of getting fit so I'm sure they must be good.

[mpg]

Thanks for the advice all. Have had a look at the training suggested and am attending a 'taster' session to see how it goes.

If anyone is interested in training independantly in South/North London however give me a shout.

[mpg]

Hi,

Went for the taster session and have now signed up. No matter what people say about it being expensive and its just a bunch of people over charging. I didn't agree. Had a thorough training session that left me knackered. Been back since and equally as hard. Got different levels depending on what level of fitness you are at. Would definitley recommend it to people trying to get fit!

[Sarastro]

BMF is top class, and I hear the Battersea Park / Clapham Common ones in Sahf Lundun are pretty hard (Hyde Park & occassionally Hampstead for me). Similarly don't agree about overcharging, having staff there to push you, other people to compete against, & a program which isn't under your own control (ie you can't just do the easy bits) is invaluable.

If you're training for the TA, tell them or ring the office, & you should be able to get the corporate discount (unlimited classes for £36 a month). Certainly I got the discount from when I was doing my recruit cadre.