Shoreditch start-up takes functional training outdoors

A new outdoor training facility in the heart of London’s Shoreditch is offering functional training and an array of intense classes for people who are serious about their fitness.

Aimed mainly at hardcore trainers who participate in outdoor fitness programmes like decathlons, triathlons and obstacle course races (OCR), BaseFit is very much in-step with the growing trend towards extreme fitness propositions.

Flanked by five-a-side football pitches and atmospheric railway arches, the 2,000sq ft (186sq m) astroturfed outdoor training ground features a container for equipment storage and functional rig on the outside. Classes on offer include Bootcamp, Insanity, Tabata and other HIIT formats, while there are also plans to official training camps for several OCRs.

The concept is the brainchild of fitness industry stalwart Andy Milne, who has spent 15 years working variously as a PT, health club manager and senior area manager for suppliers such as Technogym, Cybex and Matrix Fitness. Milne, who has hopes to expand the brand across London, is self-funding the venture through his company Canned Fitness.

“I have had this business model for a while and have been waiting for the right proposition to get it started,” he told Health Club Management.

“The main operational challenges will be the weather. Currently its good and looking to getting better which will aid sales, but I'm sure by being an outdoor facility we'll need contingencies in place for when the weather turns.”

“There are plans to expand – BaseFit is a trading name of Canned Fitness and we have two other brands we wish to launch and expand BaseFit to other suitable locations across London.”

Situated next to Shoreditch High Street Tube Station, BaseFit launched on 1 March and charges £44.99 monthly or £12 PAYG.