The survival expert talks to Magali Robathan about the launch of his new BG Epic workouts and studio franchise model

British adventurer and TV presenter Bear Grylls is set to launch his own training programmes and fitness studios, based on a method he’s developed in conjunction with personal trainer Natalie Summers.

The BG Epic Training workouts are based on the principals of enhanced interval training and typically involve the use of alternating periods of short, intense anaerobic exercise with less intense recovery periods. The programmes will be delivered via group exercise classes in no-frills BG Epic studios across the UK.

1Rebel co-founder James Balfour and Jungle Town director Sarah Grimsdick have both recently joined the BG Epic team, with a concept store due to open in Q4 2015 to showcase the BG Epic adult fitness and BG Kids studio models. Franchises with then be sold for both concepts. We speak to Grylls about the inspiration for the new venture.

How has 2015 been for you so far?
2015 has been a big year for us as a team. I never thought I’d see the day when I was on the cover of GQ magazine, taking the US President on an adventure or winning a BAFTA, but I’ve learnt to be ready for the unexpected!

Programming-wise it’s been a busy one for sure, with the airing of our first big primetime ITV series Mission Survive, plus a second season of The Island on Channel 4. Meanwhile, in the US, we’ve just finished airing the US version of The Island, as well as season two of NBC’s Running Wild with Bear Grylls. The highlight of this was receiving a personal request from the White House to take Barack Obama to Alaska on a mini adventure. It was such a special time together, and a privilege to help champion his climate change ambitions along the way.

I also released my first adult fiction thriller novel, Ghost Flight, based on the discovery that my grandfather commanded one of World War II’s most clandestine military units.

When and where did you get the inspiration for BG Epic training?
When I was younger and training with the military, although it was very physical, it was mostly about endurance and building mental resolve.

After that I got into climbing, which was endurance again, and then I did that classic male thing where I went to the gym but never actually got very fit!

Then, four years ago, I started training with Natalie Summers and learnt a new style of training. Since then I’ve totally changed in shape, in fitness level, leanness and flexibility. It’s quite counterculture to find myself fitter at 40 years old than when I was 25, but the reason for this is the innovative style of high intensity, functional strength workouts that we do. And the best bit is that we do it all in around 25–30 minutes.

So many people started asking about the new type of training we were doing, because they saw the results. From this, the BG Epic concept was born: results-driven, fun, challenging, functional workouts that guarantee you maximum results in minimum time.

Can you briefly describe the BG Epic training exercise programme?
The Epic workouts are based on the proven and recognised principles of high intensity interval training (HIIT).

Our workouts are made up of a variety of short, intense blocks of exercises that promote excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Put simply, this type of training means that our bodies are burning calories long after our actual workouts end.

The blocks of exercise are inspired by my and Natalie’s functional training approach, and they vary from bodyweight exercises to kettlebells to power stretches. Every workout targets the whole body, with an emphasis on posterior chain and core work.

I like to think there are three main things that make us different: firstly, our unique BG Epic no-frills studio experience where we specialise in express, 30-minute workouts; secondly, our community-focused customer service; and finally, great results in a group exercise environment.

What stage are you at with the fitness project?
Phase one has been all about testing the products and setting up our BG Epic training academy and concept studio. There’s been a lot of testing, researching and refining both as a business and while writing the programmes.

We’re confident we now have a unique product and business that will empower fitness entrepreneurs to build their own businesses, while also helping change people’s lives for the fitter and better. We all want to be fitter, stronger, leaner, more flexible versions of ourselves, and what better way to do it than while at the same time building a fun business with like-minded people?

Natalie and I were keen to expand our team after phase one and have taken the time to bring on the right expertise to transition to phase two – developing the business franchise model. So I’m excited to say that we have two new additions to our Epic team, to help achieve this growth: James Balfour (1Rebel) and Sarah Grimsdick (Jungle Town) both bring a wealth of experience to our project.

I’m excited to see BG Epic now really starting to gain traction, with the imminent launch of the BG Epic adult fitness and the BG Kids studios.

The next 12 months will see the roll-out of these Epic studios across the United Kingdom, with a longer-term aim of taking the Epic concept global.

What for you is the most exciting thing about this project?
Changing lives and seeing the results people experience is so exciting. Our goal as a team is to empower people to be healthier, happier and fitter, and to achieve it in fun 30-minute sessions a
few times a week.

There’s nothing more humbling than receiving letters and tweets about how Epic is improving individuals’ self esteem, reducing body fat and weight and giving people the confidence to go out and live healthier lives. We’ve had so many of these already, both through Natalie and my book Your Life Train for It, as well as through the BG Epic test studio.

My three young boys also love Epic and have helped design the choreography and moves for the kids’ workouts.

In the latest version, Huckleberry – our youngest – inspired the Eagle poses for the children’s power stretch; at six he’s already a strong natural athlete and he thrives in our BG Kids workouts. That’s very fun to see.

How do you keep fit?
I plan 5 x 30-minute BG Epic express workouts a week – including a mix of kettlebells, power stretch/yoga and bodyweight sessions. The great thing with these short, highly effective workouts is that I can fit them around my schedule and family time… taking just 30 minutes a day, there are no excuses!

How would you set about tackling the obesity epidemic?
By educating individuals to be able to take responsibility for their own health, fitness and food choices, on a daily basis. It’s about instilling the idea that you’re the only person who can look after your body, fuel it correctly and get it moving.

BG Epic and BG Kids can genuinely change lives for the better. It just takes a great team of motivated individuals to build the franchises across the country.

What drives you?
The 5 Fs: Family, friends, fun, faith and following dreams.