Keir Woodhead BRNC
Keir Woodhead - Leading Physical Trainer BRNC
Job description: Plays a key role in developing the health, fitness and wellbeing of the naval cadets.
Nickname: Woodhead
What are the cadets expected to do when they arrive?
There’s a range of tests they have to complete including a 2.4km run (1.5 miles) in a set time. There’s also a military swim test, sit-ups, sprints and press-ups. Fitness levels are varied at the beginning – some have prepared and some obviously haven’t!
Talk us through the swim test?
We have to make sure they can cope if the worst happened at sea. They have to tread water in overalls for two minutes, swim 50 metres and then get themselves out of the pool - not easy when you are exhausted.
Are you strict?
Yes, very! You have to be. We do shout and bawl. Not because we want to be mean - it’s not a power trip on our part - these men and women are going to be the naval officers of the future, they have to be disciplined.
How disciplined is disciplined?!
We use a very disciplined method of training called ‘initial military fitness’. In the gym, cadets have to stand on the spot and not move unless I tell them to. They carry out a full range of upper and lower body exercises – rope climbing, arduous camp runs and circuits. Physical trainers can be quite intimidating but we need to be. We’re here to help, coach and mentor – it’s not about weeding out the weak – we’re making the weak stronger.
How do the cadets cope with the strict regime?
Some take to it straight away. Others not so much! You have to remember we have all types of people from all over the world.
How does your typical day unfold?
I live at the college or ‘on board’ as we call it, so that helps if I have a 0600 PT session! I’m usually in work by 0730 and take the cadets through their paces throughout the day - whether that’s in the gym or in the grounds. Then it’s paperwork, reports etc until about 2000hrs.
Do they get to play sport?
Yes, we fully encourage as many sports as possible. It’s a chance to shine for those who might not be as comfortable with the hardcore physical tests. They can play cricket, football, squash, hockey, table tennis….the list goes on.
How long have you worked at the college?
Two years. I hope my next posting will be Culdrose - nearer my two little girls in St Austell.
What’s the best part of the job?
I like that we’re working with these men and women at the very start of their military career. Shaping them both physically and mentally and taking their bodies to the extremes. Some of them are surprised at what they’re capable of.
First published By The Dart July 2016 issue