What better way to start a crisp, winter’s morning than a walk, run or even some exercises in the park?

What better way to start a crisp, winter’s morning than a walk, run or even some exercises in the park?

Every Sunday at Christchurch Park you can find a small group of men and women exercising before breakfast.

I even spotted a group dressed as Santas over Christmas.

My fitness routine often includes a walk or run in the park.

Some people prefer something a bit more organised.

That is where The Fitness Unit comes in, organising Bootcamp style training sessions - in the fresh air - in parks in Ipswich, Felixstowe and Woodbridge.

It is a medical fact that keeping fit helps you avoid certain types of ilness.

And, of course, it is great for your self confidence,

The Fitness Unit, started by Anita Bond seven years ago, has grown in and developed over the years.

“I think it is important to keep yourself healthy and fit.

“We started with Bootcamps,” she said, “Then opened the gym for classes, fitness sessions and personal training.”

Anita has always looked after her own health and fitness, so it was a natural fit to combine her hobby with business when she wanted a change of direction.

“I have alwlays kept fit and it is something I have passed on to my children. Rachel works here and son Dan also helps out here when we need him.

“Even when I was at Murrayfield Junior School I used to love going to the gym at lunchtime.

“I had helped set up other businesses before and thought I would like to do something for myself.

“I had qualifed as a trainer a few years ago.

“We have come through the recession and are still doing well.

“We all love what we are doing in the training here.

“The emphasis is on personal service. You can join classes, exercising with others is fun.

“And if you have a personal training programme there is always somebody to help you with it.”

Many people join gyms, with the best intentions, each January only to let their memberships lapse, or simply not find the time for it, she said.

The key to continuing was a good level of personal support and guidance, which they offered. she added.

Bootcamps, including residential camps, have grown in popularity over the years.

They also offered pre and post-natal sessions, she said. “Mums can make friends in the pre-natal classes. Some are still friends long after their babies are born.

“It is all about designing the right programme for them.”

Gym members included deaf people, she said, “and we even had one lady who exercised despite a broken arm.”

And one new type of class proved a surpise to me was the buggy workout groups, started three years ago by Rachel and now in Ipswich and Kesgrave.

It is a long time since I pushed a buggy on a daily basis, but I’m sure it is great for fitness.

“We were the first people to start these locally,” added Anita. “Mums, and dads can take part.

“We have a wide age of customers, from an 11 year-old girl to people in their 70s.”

Clients from the Fitness Unit regularly take part in competitive events, like the muddy obstacle race, The Whole Hog Race, at Wantisden in Suffolk.

They also support fundraising events, for charities such as the Wooverstone Wish for cancer day care treatment at Ipswich Hospital.

The Fitness Unit, 243 Felixstowe Road, Ipswich

Teleopon 01473 715243

www.thefitnessunit.co.uk