Let’s face it, the gym can be boring, stuffy, not to mention tough when trying to motivate yourself and for some, a little intimidating. So, Steve Harris (two-time world kayak champion & former head coach for Paralympic GB) used his experience from high-performance sport, fitness education and the military to create FlipFit – instructed equipment-based, outdoor fitness. It’s a lot of fun, social, stimulating and effective!
There are many studies now to show that the benefits of outdoor exercise include stress reduction, restoring mental fatigue, improving mood and building self-esteem. Add FlipFit’s social group aspect, and you have sessions that are not only enjoyable but that you are more likely to work harder in and look forward to attending.
“I knew how I felt after being around the positive energy of the group and I wanted to show up for them like they always showed up for me,” says one FlipFit regular, Phil Blower.
Steve coined the term ‘FlipFit’ because he wanted to flip people’s perception of outdoor fitness from military-stye boot camps where everyone does the same exercise (aka Officer & Gentlemen vibes) to a supportive, inclusive environment where you exercise with instruction and guidance at your own pace and ability. No one gets shouted at or covered in mud!
“Halfway through my first free session, I knew I was coming back and joining up as a member,” recalls Gurpreet Chana. “Now it’s my hour of sanity, my hour to be me, to push the dial on strength I didn’t know I had. It’s my hour of laughter with fantastic people.”
Technically, FlipFit is a mix of proven training methods and specially chosen equipment (including your own body) which combines MIIT (Moderate Intensity IntervalTraining) and HIIT (High Intensity IntervalTraining).
The use of functional training is key to help improve fitness, movement, balance, coordination, agility, strength, speed and stamina. These attributes are fundamental to understanding how to get your body to work for you, utilising all patterns of movement, both in everyday life and when the body is under physical stress, such as in a fitness session.
FlipFitters are coached and guided throughout all the sessions, which are designed to allow all levels of ability to work out at the same time. Add a big dose of fun, energy, enthusiasm, a positive mindset, and the fact that everyone is welcomed and encouraged to achieve, and you have an effective, energising, and fun fitness provision.
“To tackle the two main enemies of the home worker – inactivity and loneliness – I joined FlipFit,” explains Adam D’Arcy.“Anyone can exercise on their own, but the variety and camaraderie of FlipFit training keeps me coming back. There was no reason for me to have been concerned about the clique or an insider/outsider mentality. What I love about FlipFit, and what keeps bringing me back, is that it’s outdoors all year round, no matter the weather,” says Carla Gibson who regularly runs through Bushy Park to get to and from sessions.
Enjoy a free seven-day trial on us - sign up: (flipfit.co.uk/free-trial).
FlipFit is based in Old Tiffinians Association Sports Ground, East Molesey KT8 9LU, with more locations coming soon. Call or text Steve Harris on 07796 952277 for more information. Join the community! We'll see you there.
