At Boot Camp Shaws Bridge (Bootcamping) Belfast, where every workout is an adventure, and the world is our gym, age is truly just a number. It's all about attitude.
I'm in my 50s (as in 50), much to the shock of many; I'm not entirely sure whether they think I look older or younger. But the consistent reaction of surprise, feigned or genuine, reveals a common misconception about age and fitness. Despite what chronological ageing techniques might suggest, I feel much younger, and that's no accident. It's the result of years spent outdoors, where the air is fresh, the activities boundless, and the spirit of fitness permeates every corner.
A Journey Through Fitness: More Than Just a Fad
Fitness has been the consistent drumbeat of my life, echoing through my years with various rhythms. It's not just about keeping fit; it's about maintaining continuity in a life filled with diverse experiences. Whether lofty or less weighty, these experiences have shaped my approach to fitness and life, bringing me back, full circle, to the vibrant and scenic Shaws Bridge for more Bootcamping.
The fitness world can often seem exclusive, with high prices that limit access. I've seen what's out there, and while I say good luck to those charging premium rates, my mission has been to democratize the joy and benefits of fitness. That's why our sessions are pay-as-you-go. Accessible, straightforward, no strings attached. Because fitness should be for everyone, regardless of age or economic background.
Personal Motivations: The Niches Within Fitness
My love for fitness extends beyond the general; I thrive in finding niches within it. From running boot camps across the UK—from the north of England to the Isle of Wight, and now back in Northern Ireland—I've found that each location offers unique challenges and rewards. However, Northern Ireland is notable for its rugged terrain, majestic mountains, and, most importantly, its people. The robust community here makes it the best part of my fitness journey. Northern Irelanders can overcome a lot, so maybe, just maybe, that might help to bring back another season of Muddy Mental for something a wee bit more extreme; time will tell ;-)
Older and Wiser: Real Achievements, Not Just Promises
As I've grown older and, hopefully, wiser, I've learned that talking up potential achievements can grow stale. Instead, I focus on actual, tangible results. I do the hard work, erm, hang on, no!... YOU do the hard work, I just stand about looking pretty, like a jolly welcome distraction to the aches and pains and sheer exhaustion you might (will) experience. You're not just going along for the ride or simply going through the motions like an (erm... I was about to make an inappropriate joke there... filter applied); you're an active participant, achieving things you once thought impossible. Sure, you might end up cursing my name or joking about running me over with a bus, but as time passes, you'll look back and marvel at how far you've come—from barely tolerating me to perhaps, just maybe, missing our gruelling sessions when we're apart.
Nutrition and Diet: Let's Be Real
I could groan on about the virtues of specific diets (I'm a carnivore, by the way), but let's keep it real. I can offer personalised diet plans, but I know all too well the lure of a tasty McDonald's McMahoosive McTasty burger. We might even bump into each other while ordering one from those horrendous machines! If you want general guidance, I'm here for that though, free of charge, other than the workout fee, cause this ain't a program of booty in the community, which, of course, potentially means something completely different. Anyway, let's move on.
Every Workout: An Adventure
Life is supposed to be an adventure, as is every workout with us. Rain in Northern Ireland means we get wet, and leg day means your legs get "hurty-wurty". Our pay-as-you-go rate remains the same, whether it's a regular session, a muddy mental challenge, or an adventure boot camp.
So, what would you like to do next, other than possibly learning to drive a bus to run me over? Let me know, and let's schedule it over a McTasty burger :) I look forward to seeing you there, hearing your gripes, and watching you burn and grow.
Join us at Shaws Bridge, and let’s prove that age is merely a number, but attitude is everything.