What the School of Physical Training Offers

As a focal point of RAF Cosford, the School of Physical Training sees a huge footfall every week. Trainees on phase two and three training courses, Military permanent staff, civil servants, dependants, visiting service personal from across the United Kingdom as well as other countries.

We provide a service of some description 24 hours a day every day of the year.

The Arena Gymnasium is open to all fit club members as well as those visiting the unit (induction is required by all) and boasts a variety of fitness equipment to cater for all users. Fixed resistance machines, free weights, cardiovascular machines (bikes, rowers, treadmills, steppers, ski-ergs), lifting platforms, kettlebells, gym balls etc, etc. This equipment ensures that whatever working pattern you may be on, there is a facility you can use to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Functional Training area has been detailed in previous editions of the magazine so needs no real introduction. However, its use has grown extensively over the year. Boasting 16 stations that can each have a bench, 20kg bar and a variety of Olympic weights as well as structures that allow pull ups, resistance bands an TRX attachment as well as targets for weighted ball throws. Complimenting this area further is a multitude of equipment that allows the individuals to carry out all forms of training to complement their routine or formal training lesson as the need arises.

Station Circuits/Spinning/Cos

Run are carried out throughout the week to give individuals the chance to participate in an instructor led physical activity that can tax the participants. By using specific equipment, improvements can be made in cardio-vascular, muscular strength and endurance as well as increasing bone density and weight loss.

Circuits take place every Monday and Wednesday 1200 – 1250, Spinning takes place on Tue and Friday (Friday is spin/ conditioning). 1200 – 1250. The Cos Run has seen less participation over recent weeks. This may be due to the cold weather but the PEd flight are keen to promote this again. A 5 km route that takes in the technical site as well as the domestic site (areas around mess and quarters). This takes place every Thursday outside PEd flight from 1200.

Yoga / move better is carried out every Tuesday in the SofPT quadrangle 1200 - 1250. Formally (and by some still) known as Broga. The sessions have been re-designed to move away from the Bro category with emphasis on strength, to a more modern approach that is inclusive and concentrates on moving better through flexibility, mobility, and functional strength. This still includes improving breathing patterns, Joint and muscle range of movement with an element of tensile strength that promotes the ability to maintain everyday functional activities.

The Station Swimming pool is also open to all fit club members and visiting service personnel.

It allows the PTI to provide pool activities to trainees in phase two training that can develop confidence in water as well as conducting much needed swimming techniques which can be a lifesaving skill in some instances.

The pool also allows individuals to maintain their own fitness in a way that works for them! Swimming allows individuals to carry out physical activity without excess impact on joints and is an excellent way to maintain fitness and health.

(See poster - right - for pool opening times)

There are many other clubs and facilities that can be used or joined at RAF Cosford with a full list available from PEd flight staff. If you would like more information on what is available, how to join the Fit Club (non-service personnel) or indeed join a sports team, please pop in to PEd Flight located in the offices above the arena gymnasium or contact any of the individuals below.

Our Journey Through The Pandemic

When the pandemic happened, we had been in business since 1982, and on the 14th of February 2020 had just become a Limited Company. So things were changing for us in any case before the Country was 'Locked Down'. We had 4 employees, had just taken on a large maintenance contract for over 20 new sites who wanted us to get started, so we needed more staff. But we then had some existing jobs where people were frightened and didn't want us to come. The net result was that we had to furlough 2 out of 4 people. That didn't go well as HMRC wouldn't pay the furlough salaries because we hadn't been trading long enough as a Limited Company.

Once people became less apprehensive, things returned to normal by the second week in May, and things took off again. Since then we have 6 more employees and things are looking good.

We are now proud to say that we have 2 Grounds Estate Management Teams, 2 Landscaping Teams & a Lawn-Care Specialist, along with a handful of Professional Awards acquired along our journey. We hope to go from strength to strength.