Nunney Fitness Bootcamps Update
The Nunney Parish Council had overwhelming success of the trial fitness bootcamps this summer. Largely in thanks to the Community Health & Wellness grant we received from the Somerset Association of Local Councils (SALC), the organisation of the events by Councillor Julie Lane, and the shared programming and teaching of each event by local husband and wife personal training duo, Beth Johnson & Theo Sackett, with assistance from both Julie and her husband, Darren Gerry.
Each session literally went from strength to strength as we watched the locals, ranging in age from 16 to 80, gain confidence in trying new and challenging exercises and equipment that was purchased through the grant. Beth has an incredible ability to orchestrate a fun group fitness session that included the use of battle ropes, TRX suspension training, resistance bands, booty bands, smash balls and kick boxing pads and gloves.
Beth Johnson commented “teaching group exercise to our local community has been such a joy. There’s something incredibly special about the people of Nunney coming together and watching them grow stronger…not just physically, but in confidence and connection as well. I’ve loved seeing friendships form, barriers break down, and the spark of accomplishment light up someone’s face when they realise what they are capable of. It’s more than just fitness, it’s about building a community where everyone feels supported, encouraged, and celebrated. I’m looking forward to doing more!”
After each session, the attendees were polled for feedback, including what they would have paid for the session, and a chance to vote for their favourite trainer with the opportunity to win a free one to one session with the overall winning trainer. We’re pleased to announce that local participant Amanda Sheridan has won a session with Beth! Amanda says: “Bootcamp has been just brilliant. I normally hate organised group exercise, but the sessions were very well structured, fast-paced, fun and doable by all levels and ages. Best bit was knowing many of the 20+ people who turned up each week and getting to know new people in the village. And, it was free! Blooming marvellous. Thanks to Julie, Beth, Darren and Theo’s great organisation and enthusiasm.”
Amanda Sheridan won the Rate Your Trainer competition and wins a free fitness session with Beth.
Cllr Lane confirms the success of the Bootcamps and says: “the Parish Council will now run these sessions sporadically throughout the year and charge a small fee per session. Whilst we realised in hindsight calling these sessions ‘Bootcamps’ was possibly too daunting for many, the attendance was at or slightly over capacity of 20 people each week.
Future camps will be marketed as ‘all abilities fun group fitness sessions’, but will now be branded ‘Flashcamps’ due to the spontaneous nature of future sessions – which will largely depend on good weather over the autumn and winter months. We hope to get back to a more scheduled series of events late next spring and into the summer months. We are incredibly grateful to SALC for this amazing grant and the opportunity to use our Old Quary Gardens ‘refurb in progress’ space for these sessions. Thank you.”
The first Flashcamp will be held at the OQGs on Saturday, October 4th at 10 am, pending fair weather. If it rains, the class will not take place.
The cost is £10/session
