Military-style bootcamp aims to give new option to community

A former army physical training instructor is aiming to give Wearsiders a helping hand to fitness after setting up a military-style boot camp.
Battle Fit's Tony Waters and charity bootcamper Elaine Brown, who raised money for SADS UK.Battle Fit's Tony Waters and charity bootcamper Elaine Brown, who raised money for SADS UK.
Battle Fit's Tony Waters and charity bootcamper Elaine Brown, who raised money for SADS UK.

Every Thursday, Tony Waters is hosting a fitness camp, called Battle Fit, at Hetton Lyons Park, in Hetton.

The high-intensity sessions last for an hour, and see participants take part in full-body exercises and games in the park.

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Mr Waters, 27, is hoping the community will take advantage of the boot camp.

He said: “It’s going really well, and I’m confident the numbers will grow in the months ahead.

“We do high-intensity training, with full-body exercises and games.

“I’ve delivered physical training in the army for the last 10 years, and now I want to promote health and well-being to the community.

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“I want to offer a different service, and bring an option to the community.”

The boot camp was launched last month with a charity event which took place at Riverside Park, in Chester-le-Street.

The event saw money raised for the charity Sads UK, which aims to prevent loss of life from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (Sads), and highlight cardiac risk in the young through to middle age.

One of those who took part was Elaine Brown, whose brother Robert died of Sads in 2010. A Sads UK spokesperson said: “Sads UK are very grateful to Elaine for raising awareness and funds for Sads UK following the tragic death of her brother Robert in 2010, aged just 34.

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“The premature sudden death of a healthy person is devastating.

“Sads UK provides information and support to people living with life-threatening cardiac conditions and supports people who have been bereaved through a sudden cardiac death.

“Charity counsellors and helpers provide support. Sads UK also funds research into Sads to discover more about how we can prevent these devastating deaths.”

The boot camp is on from 6.30pm and costs £3.50 per week to attend, although the first session is free.