THE LOWDOWN

Ben Tucker founded Fit Yard in 2020, in what was a former storage space on his parents’ farmland in the heart of the Kent countryside, which he has lovingly crafted using his carpenter skills. Taking a step away from the commercial typical gym space, you will find a raw, no frills performance hub that is now a thriving fitness community.

Alongside his decade’s worth of experience in the fitness industry, Ben also has a passion for sport and physical development as he has competed within the rugby, boxing, football, squash, athletics, and bodybuilding world so there is a lot of variety in the activities and passion for different disciplines.

He’s cheeky and charming but more importantly, incredibly well-equipped to help those who want to deepen their fitness levels plus he is very supportive and patient with the apprehensive first timers too.

A friend from my local book club had been waxing lyrical about Fit Yard for the past four years as she initially joined with her husband, but she has now built a whole new friendship group through the community with pizza nights thrown into the mix so there is a happy and healthy attitude to life about the place.

The downside is that we now can’t pin her down for book club as she is often heading to Hyrox events around the world, but it’s really changed her perspective on fitness (not to mention the size of her biceps) so there was much intrigue about trying out a class.

THE LOCATION

You will find Fit Yard tucked away in the stunning Kent countryside, just outside the village of Teynham, with views that beat any treadmill TV screen. This is probably the one gym that I can think of where you need to allow extra time for tractors you may encounter en-route along the country roads.

If you want apple trees and crop fields all around you as the ultimate work-out backdrop, rather than floor to ceiling mirrors, you are in the right place. This is no ordinary fitness destination as Fit Yard combines indoor and outdoor functional training in a way that’s designed for real people with real goals.

There’s plenty of space with both the indoor and outdoor gyms kitted out with every torture (sorry training) contraption and device that you may need for your session.

Even though it’s a rural setting (people will run past you pushing gigantic tyres) you are not compromising on quality as it rivals any urban gym. You will find fun beats playing, the smell of good coffee in the air, and all the latest gym equipment so rest assured, you can still work out in cool places even if you live in the sticks.

THE VIBE

It can be overwhelming joining a new gym with nerves about trying to keep up with the uber fit and all that foreign equipment to handle BUT there is a hugely welcoming vibe.

You are quicky scooped up by your Fit Yard trainer who did hold my hand (quite literally at times) every step of the way, so you don’t feel daunted. Post class, you will often find people milling around sharing stories and plans for the weekend so it’s clear why many people get hooked as you find you are amongst a like-minded crew.

The setting may be rural but there has been no expense spared when it comes to equipment and there is a diverse class lineup which will challenge and support all fitness levels. From the signature YardFit session which is all about mixing strongman-style exercises, cardio, and functional training to the Engine classes which boost endurance through short, high-intensity cardio sessions.

However, if you are the kind of gym bunny that wants to watch re-runs of Sex and the City whilst on the Cross Trainer, this is not the one for you. Be prepared to get stuck in, embrace the sweat and shower when you get home.

THE EXPERIENCE

I had signed up for the classic Build class which uses weights and movement in a reps and sets scheme which is designed to craft, tone and strengthen your body. That sounded ideal post a summer of too many crisps and maybe one too many glasses of Rose.

As we know, it’s not just about looking good but also feeling that you have the strength to help with daily tasks as I lug a lot of sports equipment around for my children, as well as the household chore slog, and I want to feel that I can do it all. It also appealed as the class is easily scalable as I didn’t want to feel that I wasn’t able to keep up and could dial up or down according to how I felt on the day.

The irrepressible Corinne was our Fit Yard trainer who I used to know via the local Bounce circuit when I could confidentially jump up and down on a trampoline for a sustained period. She is exactly the sort of person you want on your side as she is overflowing with enthusiasm and motivation that normally comes in the nick of time just as you are about to give up.

You are taken through a quick briefing and a demo for the session before being separated into pairs with you taking ownership of how much you want to take the session with reps and weights. It’s social as you feel you are in it together plus, you could say, more exposed as there is a witness if you walk away. Corinne is never too far way to help correct your posture, adjust your weights and shout sweet (positive) nothings in your ear.

Even though it was more rainy than sunny, we could still use the outdoor space for some of the reps which makes you feel that little bit tougher, so it works for your head space too. Not only did I torch some calories, I also felt my mobility steadily improved as I tested my body beyond the daily grind.

Four days on, I can still feel the burn on my thighs as I climb the stairs which is a healthy reminder of what I had achieved and leaves me wanting to go back for more.

ANYTHING ELSE?

For those eyeing Hyrox races, they have dedicated classes which mimics competition movements to sharpen your technique and stamina. My Build class followed on from a Hyrox session and it’s mind-boggling how many people it attracted and the positive impact it has on so many of their lives.

My pal tells me that she loves it as it ‘drives your fitness through a hybrid approach of strength, running and endurance’ and Fit Yard is now like her second home. You can’t get higher praise than that plus hot off the press, she just won her age group for Hyrox in Rome. Next stop Gladiators…

If you prefer to train solo, Fit Yard have you covered on that front too. The Personal Training programme is led by a small, expert team dedicated to helping you become the strongest, healthiest version of yourself. Whether you are after building functional strength, improving fitness, managing weight, enhancing sports performance, or rehabilitating from an injury, they can put together personalized sessions to meet your needs.

There is also Fit Yard Elevate which is the perfect balance between personal attention and group motivation as it is personal training in a small group environment. With a maximum of four participants per session and a 1:6 coach-to-client ratio, you’ll get expert guidance on form, technique, and performance without the cost of one-on-one training.

We also love the sound of The Yard Games, an annual event celebrating strength and stamina, taking place this year on Saturday 4th October (9am to 2pm), which hosts a series of workouts ranging from functional fitness to strongman.

In pairs, you battle it out (it does sound rather Hunger Games but I am assured is not) across three different workouts and is open to novices as well as the Fit Yard veterans. Plus, there is a live DJ as well as food and refreshments for that party atmosphere not forgetting trophies and goodie bags up for grabs too.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

GOOD FOR? If you want to push your fitness levels and get results, Fit Yard have the team and resources to help you do that, even if you thought events like Hyrox were out of your grasp. It’s a nurturing environment too for the first timers -everyone can move at their own pace, and you can ogle the super fit whilst you celebrate your small achievements along the way.

NOT FOR? Those who want to plug their headphones in, zone out on a treadmill and enjoy a long hot shower afterwards in a swanky bathroom. You may not find hair straighteners, but you will get stronger and make new friends.

THE DAMAGE

The one-hour class was £14 for a Pay as you Go or there a variety of membership options (single £95 per month, couples £150 per month) which allows you to have unlimited weekly classes and open gym sessions and no joining fee or contract – hurrah.

Scuttington Manor, Dully Road, Sittingbourne, ME9 9PA, fityard.co.uk, fityardkent@gmail.com

Review: The Fit Yard, Sittingbourne

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