Getting fit

[Adrian]

I haven't had much exercise for the last couple of years and though I've started orienteering again I need to do something else between events, prferably some kind of training in a group. Old-fashioned sports-hall circuit training would suit me, if such a thing still exists. Are there any options in Birmingham other than classes at the local leisure centre?

Anyone got any experience of British Military Fitness? It looks interesting, and Coventry's not too far to go, but it seems a bit expensive.

[graeme]

Join a running club?

BMF train alongside us on the Meadows, they're well organised and the people seem to be having fun. If you like paying lots of money to be shouted at it might be worth trying.

[King Penguin]

off-road running in Sutton Park ?

[Harley]

Adrian,
If you want road running then Birchfield Harriers have groups going out (Tuesday's and Thursday's - I think - check the website http://www.birchfieldharriers.net/ ).

For circuit training, there used to be a group on Monday's and Wednesday's at Hollyhedge Sch at Stone Cross, West Bromwich - I'll check whether that is still going.

And if you want off road training, then I have started a thread on the Harlequin's forum.

[Kitch]

firts may I suggest you need to think about what sort of fit you want to be and why.

Is going orienteering just one step in a general desire to get fitter ?
or do you want to get fit for orienteering ?

if the former then circuits / BMF can be another good way to train different aspects of you r fitness.
if the latter then regular running is your best bet.

Orinteering clubs in the Brum area are Halequins and Octavian Droober , To the north Walton Chasers (Stafford) to the west Wrekin (Telford / Shrewabury) - they'll have training too. Walton Chasers have (had when I was a kid) regular Wednesday O' training on summer evenings on Cannock Chase. Through the winter - Tuesdays I think - they had circuits, followed by run, followed by swim (or water wrestling /mutual drowning of teenage peers) all the essential nutrient groups in one evening !

google around, you are bound to find lots of running / tri clubs in and around Birmingham, all will have a regular program of weekly runs / training and none of them is likely to mind you turning up and trying it for size.

[Adrian]

Thanks for replies. I know I may be being wrong-headed, but even though I suppose the main aim of any training I do will be to improve my orienteering, I don't really want to do those run 3k-jog 1k-run 3k-jog 1k etc sessions that runners generally do. I'd prefer to spend 60-90 minutes working on my general fitness (plus, separately, work on my O skills). One club I was a member of held circuit training once a week - there were always 20-30 there and it was very enjoyable.

[mappingmum]

I used to live in Solihull and THE place to go for Circuit Training in Brum was Fox Hollies Leisure Centre. Thursday @7pm. It was such a good workout and packed every week. None of this have-a-break after each circuit or pause between stations.

I left Solihull at the end of 2002 so I've no idea whether the class is still running or more importantly whether the same guy still does it.