Frequently Asked Questions
Outdoor Fitness
All the sessions are programmed to work the ‘whole body’ and each session will use a mixture of either your own body weight, partner work, or some additional fitness equipment. All of the sessions will draw upon the combined experience gained over many years from the Fitness Industry, the Military and High-Performance Sport.
This means you will probably come across exercises that you have done before but many that may be new for you. The sessions will improve your ‘Aerobic ability’this means your ability to use oxygen, heart and lungs, cardio vascular i.e. how fit you are. ‘Anaerobic’ your ability to move resistance, this could be your own body or any other resistance, for example a weight bag, kettle bell, battle rope.
The sessions are designed to work well with groups, but to make sure each person gets exactly what they want from the session participants when its suitable are paired with another member who are of a similar ability. This is done by using bibs with colored numbers. At the start of the session all participants taking part in MiBODY outdoor fitness sessions will be given a Black bib with a number, the color of the number will be the only differentiator of ability.
This means you will probably come across exercises that you have done before but many that may be new for you. The sessions will improve your ‘Aerobic ability’this means your ability to use oxygen, heart and lungs, cardio vascular i.e. how fit you are. ‘Anaerobic’ your ability to move resistance, this could be your own body or any other resistance, for example a weight bag, kettle bell, battle rope.
The sessions are designed to work well with groups, but to make sure each person gets exactly what they want from the session participants when its suitable are paired with another member who are of a similar ability. This is done by using bibs with colored numbers. At the start of the session all participants taking part in MiBODY outdoor fitness sessions will be given a Black bib with a number, the color of the number will be the only differentiator of ability.
White Number: Beginner
Green Number: Intermediate
Red Number: Advanced
Gold Number: Elite
All the session are 60 minutes in duration with a warm up at the beginning and a cool down and stretching at the end included within the hour.
You need to be 18 years and over to attend and take part in a MiBODY session.
All participants are required to complete and sign our PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) Just print it off, sign it then bring it with you and hand it to your instructor at your first session. Women who are pre / post-natal should check with their GP before starting any sessions.
You do not need to be fit already, the MiBODY sessions cater for all ability levels, and our aim is to help you reach your personal fitness goals. That said you will need to turn up with a mindset and determination that you want to improve your fitness level while having fun and working with others.
You don’t need to attend a MiBODY Personal Fitness Assessment before you start, just attend your free trial session and take the appropriate bib from the back of the vehicle or talk to the instructor who will advise on the most suitable level.
At the start of the session all participants taking part in MiBODY outdoor fitness sessions will be given a Black bib with a number, the colour of the number will be the only differentiator of ability.
White Number: Level 1 Beginner
Green Number: Level 2 Intermediate
Red Number: Level 3 Advanced
Gold Number: Level 4 Elite
Alternatively, if you wanted to you could take the MiBODY Personal Fitness Assessment. This assessment will give you a great starting point from which to improve upon, and direct you to the most suitable bib to wear at your sessions. (see MiBODY Fitness Assessments)
Level 1 – Beginner: For people that in recent months have done no or little exercise, OR are returning to exercise/fitness training following a break. For example, after having given birth or returning from a medical condition. This is the level everyone starts at and is a great place to be introduced to outdoor fitness.
Level 2 – Intermediate: For those who exercise 1-3 times per week
This level is for people who have been training with us for a while and have progressed from Beginner level, or who are new to us but already have a reasonable level of fitness. So, if the thought of running continuously for 15 minutes would not fill you with dread, you are probably around this level. At this level, you will be amongst others who have a good level of fitness but know they could be a lot fitter with some help and support.
Level 3 – Advanced: For those that exercise 3 or more times per week
The advanced level is designed for people that have been training with us for some time and have progressed through the previous 2 levels, or have completed the Level 3 – Advanced MiBODY assessment. This level is for the fittest among us, and individuals are given very challenging sessions to complete. We can assure you that once you have reached this level your fitness journey is not over – in fact it is just beginning. Because of our expertise in this type of training, we can push you beyond your limits and open up a whole new world of training for people like you.
Level 4 – Elite: For those at the pinnacle of physical fitness
This level is not for the faint-hearted and the Gold number is by no means easy to attain. Very few clients ever obtain a black bib with Gold number but it is achievable if you want it… and you will want it!
You don’t need anything but yourself and the appropriate clothing and footwear. This is very much down to the weather conditions and your personal choice. A pair of trainers with good support and grippy sole (as sessions will take place on grass), T-shirt, Shorts, Leggings or Track bottoms will be fine. During the colder months, additional layers may be required. You won’t be spending all your time on the ground rolling around, but there will be times when some exercises will require you to get on the ground and you could get a bit muddy. You will definitely get sweaty during the session, so make sure you have some warm clothing to put on following the session.
There are no changing rooms in Bushy Park for Outdoor Fitness & Yoga and Pilates sessions so the norm is that participants arrive in kit. There are however toilets a short distance from the car park meeting point.
There are no changing rooms in Bushy Park for Outdoor Fitness & Yoga and Pilates sessions so the norm is that participants arrive in kit. There are however toilets a short distance from the car park meeting point.
The classes are 60 minutes in duration. This includes a warm up at the beginning, and a cool down and stretching, at the end of the session.
You will not be shouted at, and no abusive or foul language will ever be used. However, direction/instructions will be given by the instructor which will mean he or she will need to raise their voice. On top of this there will be generic and individual encouragement/motivation, given, but always in an appropriate and well-intended way.
Once you have registered online all you need to do is choose the session you want to attend using the online timetable and booking page. Then you just arrive at the booked timeslot with your signed PAR-Q 15 min before the start of the session.
We would recommend that you do not bring valuables to the sessions, however we understand that from time to time you have no choice. In those instances, you can give them to the Instructor and he or she will look after them, but are not liable for them.
Yes, you can register by filling in the online form at any time. You will then receive an email with further instructions.
You’re welcome to bring your own water and/or isotonic drinks for before or after the session. The instructors do carry plenty of water and there will be water breaks during the class. Please make sure you are hydrated before you arrive.
MiBODY Outdoor Fitness aims to train all year round making the most of all four of our fabulous seasons. This means that we will go ahead with all planned sessions and embrace and enjoy the weather, as long as we are able to run the session safely.
In the event that a session needs to be cancelled, we will communicate this to you at the earliest possible opportunity. This could include: email, text, a message on our website, or a phone call.
In the event that a session needs to be cancelled, we will communicate this to you at the earliest possible opportunity. This could include: email, text, a message on our website, or a phone call.
You can bring a friend along with you for a free trial session, however they will need to fill in the ‘free trial’ registration on the website.
If your membership is for 1 session per week and you have either (1) a direct debit in place or (2) have paid in full up-front for a set period, then you can book an additional session
Example: book an additional session the following week and attend 2 sessions in that week. Missed sessions can only be carried forward for a maximum of 12 weeks
Example: book an additional session the following week and attend 2 sessions in that week. Missed sessions can only be carried forward for a maximum of 12 weeks
If you know in advance that you will not be able to attend your booked session you can cancel your place on a given session, however MiBODY requests that cancellations are made a minimum of 24 hours before the start of a session. The easiest way to do this is through our website. Cancellations later than 24 hours will be counted as a no show and therefore will be counted as one of your sessions. If you feel you have exceptional circumstances please call MiBODY and we will be happy to listen.
You can book 7 days ahead for a group session.
You can pay one session at a time in advance through our website which guarantees you a space in your chosen session/class. You can also pay as you go for one session at a time with cash when you arrive at the start of a session (but please make sure you arrive early to allow the session to start on time). If you choose to pay by cash on the day we cannot guarantee a space will be available. MiBODY offers a suite of packages that offer you a cheaper rate per session. If you find you are attending regularly one of our packages will undoubtedly work out cheaper for you.
If suspension of membership is due to an injury or for a medical reason we will ask for medical proof in order to suspend your membership. The membership can be suspended for a maximum of a 6-month period, and suspension of membership will start at the beginning of the following month.
Yes, a letter from your physio is acceptable: however, it will need to be on headed paper and include details explaining rest periods.
Memberships are only for personal use by the person that registered, and therefore memberships cannot be transferred.
The true answer to this is that it depends on you and your circumstances. we recommend that you speak us on a 1/1 basis to ascertain your ability to participate in a MiBODY class. It is well recognised that exercise is beneficial before, during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time to maintain the fitness you have, rather than embark on tough new training regime your body is not used to. Advice surrounding exercise and pregnancy is confusing, with different Exercise Governing bodies offering different advice. Please speak with us to discuss your individual circumstances.
MiBODY offers 4 packages:
(1) No minimum term
(2) 3-month minimum term
(3) 6-month minimum term
(4) 12-month minimum term
(1) No minimum term
(2) 3-month minimum term
(3) 6-month minimum term
(4) 12-month minimum term
Package (1) no minimum term can be canceled at any time after the 1st monthly payment has been debited. The remaining packages cannot be canceled inside of the minimum term indicated for each package. That said any of the packages can be suspended due to an injury or medical reason.
All you need to do is contact us at least 7 days prior to the end of the month, to cancel for the following month. If you contact us with less than 7 days to go before the end of the month your membership will be cancelled at the end of the following month.
If you have registered to take part in session mid-month you will only be charged pro-rata for the days left in the month. Important to note that if you purchase any of the minimum term packages the pro-rata payment will not form part of the minimum term.
Example (1): you register on the 15th of the month (more than 7 days to the end of the month) for a 12-month minimum term package. You will be debited pro-rata for the remaining days until the end of the month, and your minimum term will start at the beginning of the next month. (see above – can I suspend my membership?)
Example (1): you register on the 15th of the month (more than 7 days to the end of the month) for a 12-month minimum term package. You will be debited pro-rata for the remaining days until the end of the month, and your minimum term will start at the beginning of the next month. (see above – can I suspend my membership?)
Example (2): you register on the 27th of the month (less than 7 days to the end of the month) for a 12-month minimum term package. It is very possible you will be debited for both the pro-rata payment and the first month’s payment all together. Following this your normal monthly payment will resume.
Yoga & Pilates
Yoga is a system of complete Wellness. Hatha yoga is the name given to a system of Yoga that uses poses to help the body become healthier on the level of both mind and body (so despite the various styles of Yoga you may see on other timetables, any Yoga class that uses bodily postures is a form of Hatha Yoga). Yoga is for everyone and can offer something to everyone on his or her road to fitness. It builds general strength, core strength, flexibility and the ability to control stress in our ever-busy minds. Hatha yoga incorporates poses for the body and breathing exercises which all help to keep the body working well and free of dis-ease. Classes typically include some practice on relaxation or meditation towards the end of the session. 6000 years ago, Yoga was developed as a tool to help us control our minds. Hatha yoga uses the body in the form of poses, to give our minds a focus and to help us control our inner mental chattering (often worrying) running away with us. So, although improved flexibility is a by-product of practicing Hatha Yoga, it’s not the primary goal! It can reduce stress, improve sleep, decrease general aches and pains and foster a better sense of awareness within us.
Pilates consists of a system of exercises that increase strength and flexibility to improve posture and core strength. Many of its exercises are similar to Yoga, so don’t be surprised to see some overlap, but many more exercises besides designed exclusively to strengthen the lower back, buttocks, abdominal and shoulder area – all key to good posture. Pilates helps you learn body awareness and is based on a set of 6 or 8 principles (depending on the training of the instructor), which need to be incorporated into the practices. Pilates aim is to improve the function of the body so muscles work in the correct order and that the body can be aligned to perform at its best without unnecessary wear and tear.
Pilates is mainly concerned with the health of the physical body, whereas Yoga has the capability to be used as a total system for mental and physical health and well-being. Pilates is a holistic programme in terms of using mindfulness and body awareness to enhance practice. Yoga can be presented as tool for managing the ups and downs of life together with improved bodily health.
Absolutely not, and please do not be deterred because you are not flexible. If this is the case then you really need these forms of physical exercise to keep you mobile and moving. Mobility is something we all take for granted. We want to be strong and be able to run around without becoming breathless, but flexibility is too often forgotten. Keeping our bodies mobile through flexibility training can not only ensure we live an active life for longer, but also reduce the risk of other injuries for both new, amateur and elite sports participants.
The true answer to this is that it depends on you and your circumstances. Until we begin our Pre-and Post-natal sessions we recommend that you speak us on a 1/1 basis to ascertain your ability to participate in a MiBODY class. It is well recognised that exercise is beneficial before, during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time to maintain the fitness you have, rather than embark on tough new training regime your body is not used to. Advice surrounding exercise and pregnancy is confusing, with different Exercise Governing bodies offering different advice. Please speak with us to discuss your individual circumstances.
MiBody will provide all the equipment needed to participate in a session. We provide mats, blocks and straps and anything else necessary needed to participate. Please feel welcome to use your own equipment if that is preferable for you.
Above all wear clothes you are comfortable moving in, and which allow for movement. When exercising outside layers provide more warmth and allow for removal of garments according to your comfort. Some of our classes infuse walking, so please consider footwear. We advise a sturdy pair of trainers with a non-slip sole.
Without a doubt, these programmes will make you physically stronger. Both programmes have the ability to build mental strength and resilience.
A good general class can improve physical strength (including core strength) flexibility and foster feelings of well-being together with reduced stress and anxiety levels – and these are just the side effects of practicing Hatha Yoga (yoga that involves physical poses with the body). Yoga has also been documented as beneficial in facilitating weight-loss. This effect is largely attributed to the enhanced mental awareness and control that Yoga can bring.
Yoga is 6000 years old, and has far more going for it than just a group of exercises to be performed on a mat. At the other end of the spectrum ‘Yoga Therapy’ can be used to treat any condition or disease. A service MiBODY is able to offer from June 2018.
Yoga is 6000 years old, and has far more going for it than just a group of exercises to be performed on a mat. At the other end of the spectrum ‘Yoga Therapy’ can be used to treat any condition or disease. A service MiBODY is able to offer from June 2018.
The focus of Pilates is to improve physical core strength, and to address general postural imbalances that prevent the body moving efficiently. Inefficient movement patterns, or put simply using the wrong muscles for certain tasks, can all contribute to aches, pain and injuries. Pilates is concerned with flexibility but in so far as to correct postural imbalances in the body.
MiBODY can offer Yoga Therapy from June 2018 and Pilates Therapy will be offered very soon. Pilates therapy is concerned with tailoring a 1-1 Pilates programme of therapy exercise to treat specific physical problems such as Frozen shoulder, Tennis Elbow, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Repetitive Strain Injury, Osteoarthritis, Hip Bursitis, Stress Fractures and many many more.
MiBODY can offer Yoga Therapy from June 2018 and Pilates Therapy will be offered very soon. Pilates therapy is concerned with tailoring a 1-1 Pilates programme of therapy exercise to treat specific physical problems such as Frozen shoulder, Tennis Elbow, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Repetitive Strain Injury, Osteoarthritis, Hip Bursitis, Stress Fractures and many many more.
Much depends on the type and site of injury. Please contact MiBODY and speak to us on a 1/1 basis if you have any concerns prior to attending a session.
No prior experience in either discipline is required. Our expert instructors will be able to offer varying levels of practice within classes. Over the coming year we will be offering sessions for all levels of participant.
These programmes in their essence are not designed to improve cardiovascular fitness. They can facilitate better breathing and enhance the mechanics of breathing making our bodies more efficient. These programmes have transferable benefits to cardiovascular activities such as running, cycling and swimming etc. but will not directly or significantly enhance cardiovascular capability alone.
Usually both classes involve a short relaxation practice at the start to improve mental focus for the practice to come. This is followed by a warm-up which can be either lying down on the mat or standing/walking. The main phase of these classes seeks to offer an overall body session to move, strengthen and stretch the body in all directions. At MiBODY our instructors offer easier and harder alternatives of every exercise such to support all levels. The end of the class involves the tapering down of intensity and again a longer stretch or relaxation/meditation practice to aid mental and physical consolidation of practices completed.
Absolutely they will. Both increase general strength, core strength, balance, coordination, self-awareness and proprioception. Yoga training in particular can improve mental resilience and focus, a trait needed in competitive sport and life in general.
If your membership is for 1 session per week and you have either (1) a direct debit in place or (2) have paid in full up-front for a set period, then you can book an additional session
Example: book an additional session the following week and attend 2 sessions in that week. Missed sessions can only be carried forward for a maximum of 12 weeks
If you know in advance that you will not be able to attend your booked session you can cancel your place on a given session, however MiBODY requests that cancellations are made a minimum of 24 hours before the start of a session. The easiest way to do this is through our website. Cancellations later than 24 hours will be counted as a no show and therefore will be counted as one of your sessions. If you feel you have exceptional circumstances please call MiBODY and we will be happy to listen.
Example: book an additional session the following week and attend 2 sessions in that week. Missed sessions can only be carried forward for a maximum of 12 weeks
If you know in advance that you will not be able to attend your booked session you can cancel your place on a given session, however MiBODY requests that cancellations are made a minimum of 24 hours before the start of a session. The easiest way to do this is through our website. Cancellations later than 24 hours will be counted as a no show and therefore will be counted as one of your sessions. If you feel you have exceptional circumstances please call MiBODY and we will be happy to listen.
You can book 7 days ahead for a group session.
MiBODY requests that cancellations are made 24 hours before the start of a session. This easiest way to do this is through our website. Cancellations later than 24 hours will be counted as a no show and therefore will be charged for. If you feel you have exceptional circumstances please call MiBody and we will be happy to listen.
You can pay for one session at a time. You can pay in advance through our website which guarantees you a space in your chosen class. If you choose to pay by cash on the day we cannot guarantee a space will be available. MiBODY offers a suite of packages that offer you a cheaper rate per session. If you find you are attending regularly one of our packages will undoubtedly work out cheaper for you.