From Military Roots to Manchester’s Green Gyms: The Story of Manchester Outdoor Fitness
When you think of fitness in Manchester, the mind often jumps to gyms and treadmills. But since the early 2000s, a different kind of training has been thriving in the city’s parks—built on discipline, teamwork, and the great outdoors. This is the story of Manchester Outdoor Fitness.
Our Beginnings: British Military Fitness in Manchester
The story starts with British Military Fitness (BMF), founded nationally in 1999 as the UK’s first outdoor bootcamp provider. Led by Ex-Military instructors, BMF quickly grew in popularity across the country. British Military Fitness (BMF) was founded in 1999 by retired Major Robin Cope (Anglians), Corporal Harry Sowerby (4RGJ) and Corporal William Skinner (10 PARA). The idea was born on the film set of Saving Private Ryan in October 1998. (Wikipedia)
8 March 2001 — BMF launched in Manchester at Platt Fields Park.
10 March 2001 — Just two days later, BMF expanded into Heaton Park.
These early Manchester sessions set the tone: structured drills, progressive conditioning, and a big dose of camaraderie in the open air.
First ever BMF WebPage in 1999
Expansion Years: New Parks, Bigger Community
As demand grew, new venues were added across Greater Manchester:
January 2005 — Bruntwood Park launches in Stockport.
31 October 2006 — Sale Water Park opens in Trafford by popular demand.
September 2011 — Stamford Park launches in Stalybridge, expanding into Tameside.
September 2013 — Carrs Park launches in Wilmslow, bringing outdoor training to Cheshire.
These expansions gave more people access to outdoor training and cemented BMF as a community fitness movement across Manchester and beyond.
BMF WebPage in 2006
BMF WebPage in 2012 (Lion still had a crown)
BMF webpage 2013 (New Crownless Lion logo)
From British Military Fitness to Be Military Fit
In 2018, BMF rebranded nationally as Be Military Fit with Bear Grylls, bringing in new training programmes and a fresh brand identity.
Rebrand to Be Military Fit
Local Leadership: Graham & Taz
A pivotal moment came in 2019, when Graham and Taz purchased the Manchester franchises under Be Military Fit. With local leadership, the Manchester operation gained stability and direction, laying the groundwork for the next big step. The next big step/hurdle being Covid and national lockdowns! Fortunately for all (Instructors and members alike) BMF in true Military style, were quick to transition online to BMF at Home workouts.
BMF at Home
The Birth of Manchester Outdoor Fitness
In 2022, the rebrand was complete: the launch of Manchester Outdoor Fitness (MOF) with its own website, identity, and a growing community.
The mission stayed true to its roots—Military-inspired outdoor training for all abilities—but with a stronger local focus and community-driven ethos.
Manchester Outdoor Fitness Web Image 2025
Nationwide Partnerships
In 2025, Manchester Outdoor Fitness formed partnerships with many former BMF communities. This meant members could now train nationwide, from Manchester to other cities and parks across the UK, while still belonging to their Manchester home base.
Find our national partners here
Manchester Outdoor Fitness Partners
What Makes Manchester Outdoor Fitness Different
Unlike a conventional gym or bootcamp, MOF sessions are held outdoors in Manchester’s parks, year-round. Every class is structured but varied, ensuring no two sessions are the same.
What sets us apart:
Ex-Military instructors — discipline, safety, motivation.
Colour-bib system — workouts tailored to all abilities.
Community spirit — accountability, encouragement, and friendships.
All-weather resilience — rain, shine, or snow.
Fun with purpose — strength, cardio, and team games mixed together.
All year round whatever the weather
Where We Train Today
Our outdoor military style bootcamps are some of Manchester’s most iconic green spaces:
Heaton Park
Platt Fields Park
Bruntwood Park
Sale Water Park
The Carrs
Stamford Park
With 120+ sessions a month across these venues, there’s a time and place for everyone.
Our Training Philosophy
We believe fitness is about more than press-ups and burpees. It’s about:
Resilience — keep going when it’s tough.
Character — build discipline, confidence, and grit.
Community — progress together.
Holistic health — strength for the body and the mind.
📖 Our History at a Glance
1999 – British Military Fitness (BMF) founded in the UK
The UK’s first outdoor bootcamp provider launches, led by ex-military instructors.
8 March 2001 – BMF launches in Manchester at Platt Fields Park
First Manchester sessions begin.
10 March 2001 – BMF expands to Heaton Park
Manchester’s second park launches just two days later.
January 2005 – Bruntwood Park launches
BMF expands into Stockport, adding another key Manchester venue.
31 October 2006 – Sale Water Park launches
A brand-new Trafford venue opens by popular demand.
September 2011 – Stamford Park launches
A new venue in Stalybridge adds even greater reach across Greater Manchester.
September 2013 – Carrs Park launches
Expanding into Wilmslow, BMF brings outdoor training to Cheshire.
2018 – BMF becomes Be Military Fit with Bear Grylls
A national rebrand introduces new training styles and wider recognition.
2019 – Graham & Taz buy the Manchester franchises under Be Military Fit
The Manchester branch grows stronger under new local leadership.
2022 – Manchester Outdoor Fitness launches
The rebrand is complete: new website, new identity, and an independent company.
2025 – Nationwide training access through partnerships
MOF partners with many former BMF communities, allowing members to train in parks and cities across the UK.
Today – 120+ sessions a month, 6+ Manchester venues, and a thriving community
From Heaton Park to Stamford Park, Manchester Outdoor Fitness is now one of the largest outdoor training communities in the region.
Looking Ahead
From the first sessions in Platt Fields back in 2001 to today’s thriving network, Manchester Outdoor Fitness has grown into one of the largest outdoor training communities in the region.
The future is about:
Expanding to new venues.
Hosting outdoor events and challenges.
Offering hybrid options like audio/online workouts.
Strengthening nationwide partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Manchester Outdoor Fitness?
Manchester Outdoor Fitness is a community-driven outdoor bootcamp in Manchester, led by ex-military instructors. Sessions are held in local parks and combine strength, cardio, and team training to suit all fitness levels.
Where does Manchester Outdoor Fitness train?
We run sessions in Heaton Park, Platt Fields, Bruntwood Park, Sale Water Park, Stamford Park, and The Carrs. With 120+ sessions every month, there’s always a convenient time and location.
Do I need to be fit to join?
No — our colour-bib system means every class is tailored to your level, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Everyone trains together but at the right intensity.
What happens if it rains?
We train in all weather, year-round. Our sessions are designed for the outdoors, and training in the elements helps build resilience. Just bring appropriate clothing — the community spirit keeps everyone motivated.
Is there a free trial session?
Yes — we offer a free first session so you can try Manchester Outdoor Fitness before joining. Book your spot online at www.manchesteroutdoorfitness.co.uk.
Can I train with MOF outside Manchester?
Yes — thanks to our partnerships with former British Military Fitness communities, members can now train nationwide at partner locations across the UK.
