Instructors from the Army Physical Training Corps reported to Terminal 5 this morning and put more than 40 volunteers from across Heathrow through their paces in the airport’s first ever boot camp, held in aid of Help for Heroes.
Volunteers were challenged to a series of exercises based on those used by serving troops during an hour-long session which took place in the middle of Terminal 5’s check-in. The army devised a circuit-based course featuring: press ups, sit ups, burpees and bench work.
Heathrow's boot camp culminated in a ‘plank-off’, with Tony Lopez from Heathrow’s Motor Transport Division outlasting Sgt David Payling in a six-minute abdominal endurance test. The ‘plank’ involves participants resting their body weight on their elbows and toes for as long as possible. It’s considered to be highly effective for improving core strength.
Cheryl Monk, Heathrow’s Head of Community Relations said: “We are delighted to be working with the Army PT Corps on this event. It has been a great opportunity for staff across the airport to improve their fitness, have some fun and raise funds for Help for Heroes.”
Passengers looked on as airport staff worked up a considerable sweat. William McCarthy, flying out to Hong Kong said: “I didn’t expect to come to Heathrow and see this! It’s a great fundraising idea and it will certainly give people something to think about as they fly off.”
Staff Sergeant Gillies of APTC said: “Terminal 5 is a fantastic venue to host a fun event for a very worthy cause. This is the 150th anniversary of the Army Physical Corps and events like today’s boot camp are a great opportunity for us to show people what we can do.”
The event is expected to raise over £1,000 for Help for Heroes which was nominated by Heathrow staff as their charity of the year.
