Northampton man, 39, praises Abington Park exercise boot camps after losing half-a-stone in a month

A Northampton man has said weekly exercise boot camps at a popular Northampton park during the pandemic have helped him fight his natural laziness and get into better shape.

This newspaper has teamed up with Get Fit Today - a fitness company which runs boot camps, personal training and park sessions across Northampton - to promote the importance of health, fitness and diet, especially during the pandemic.

Simon Imossi, 39, regularly attends the Get Fit Today boot camp classes at Abington Park in the evenings and has said he has lost half since restarting the sessions at the end of March following months of lockdown.

The husband and father praised the sessions and highlighted what specifically helps him.

He said: "I realise that if I don't have a set time to go to something then I won't go. I'm lazy by nature, especially during the pandemic. There were times during the pandemic I didn't do anything because of my own laziness. But now after work I get my kit on and go straight down to the park.

"I like the thought of going to boot camp, switching off and being told what to do. Some people are motivated and go to the gym, but my discipline is not so good. I go to boot camp, in a sense, to get a beasting."

The Open Reach worker said he also enjoys the camaraderie, the atmosphere and how the sessions have allowed him to get back into fitness.

He added: "It's made me fitter, healthier, and it gets me out and about at the weekends. It's highly enjoyable and it's getting me back into fitness."

Simon said to anyone thinking about going to 'give it a try'.

Get Fit Today owner Pete Gill praised Simon's attitude.

The former military man said: "Simon has been attending sessions with us now for about 10yrs and has an incredible attitude towards his fitness. He readily admits during the last couple of years he has been otherwise occupied with his family life and new born child, and in the process has put on some weight.

"He gives 100% every session and is a pleasure to train. He is great at encouraging his fellow members along as well and with his brilliant sense of humour, he helps to make each session enjoyable for everyone taking part."

For more information on Get Fit Today, visit their website or Facebook.

An NHS spokesperson said on its website: "Given the overwhelming evidence, it seems obvious that we should all be physically active. It's essential if you want to live a healthy and fulfilling life into old age.

"It's medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have: up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, up to a 50% lower risk of type two diabetes, up to a 50% lower risk of colon cancer, up to a 20% lower risk of breast cancer, a 30% lower risk of early death, up to a 30% lower risk of depression, up to a 30% lower risk of dementia, and more.