Emma proves she is ‘Army fit’

AN Oldham nurse is swopping the wards at the Royal Oldham Hospital for war-zones thanks to a new online fitness plan.

Losing weight hasn’t been easy for Emma Louise Stacy, until she enrolled on the programme and managed to shed three stones.

Reporter USMA RAJA spoke to the 21-year-old about her weight loss and the big career change

OLDHAM nurse Emma Louise Stacy is to fulfil her dream of joining the Army, but only after a long march to fitness.

Determined to join up, she took up the challenge of the British Army’s online fitness programme, succeeded, and is now set to report for duty at the Pirbright Army Training Centre, Surrey, in May.

But the chance of a career change looked a long way off when Emma, of Stamford Street, Mossley, was referred to the Army careers office in Lord Street, Oldham, where she was told her Body Mass Index (BMI) was too high.

This spurred her into action and, intent on getting her weight down so she would be considered fit in the Army, she tried the online fitness programme.

She explained: “There’s different levels of training on the internet and it tells you how you can lose weight, and gives you additional help if you want to join the Army.

“I started off with the lowest level of training which involved walking, running, doing sit-ups and press-ups and I gradually built that up week by week.”

The fitness programme — dubbed “Army Fit” — was launched after a survey revealed that people across the UK were conscious that they won’t be able to lead a healthy and active lifestyle due to financial problems in 2009.

For example, financial commitments such as gym memberships and fresh and healthy food being culled in order to keep household finances balanced.

And it paid off for Emma, who works at the Royal Oldham Hospital. She added: “I found it extremely helpful. It really motivated me because I want to join the Army.

“I lost three stones. I have gone from 12 and a half stone to under 10.

“I would definitely recommend it whether you want to join the Army or just want to lose weight. This is the programme to try.

“Looking back now, I feel so much better and much, much fitter. I’m glad I have done it.”

Sgt Brett Faulkner, from the Oldham Army Careers Information Office, said of Emma’s training: “She has followed it rigorously and the whole office is very proud of what she has achieved.

“Now that she has started the programme she is continuing with it and not only is she improving her fitness but her health as well.”

Senior recruiter CSgt Andy Crawley hoped local people will also follow Emma’s footsteps.

He added: “I hope residents in Oldham go online and try out the program, as it can save cash and help maintain your fitness levels.

“Army Fit is an attempt to provide the public with the tools needed to combat what could be termed a ‘keep-fit crunch’.

“You can click online to gain access to a wealth of information on maintaining all aspects of a healthy lifestyle such as fitness, nutrition and motivational tips.

“It also provides the chance to follow a 14-week official routine which the Army is confident should make you ‘Army Fit’ enough to join up — irrespective of your present fitness levels.”

For Emma, she is now “Army Fit” and looking forward to her training.

She added: “I am going into the army as a nurse.

“I could be going to Afghanistan in the future, but you never know.

“My family are very happy about me joining up and have been extremely supportive.”


The complete workout is available now, together with a wealth of fitness and nutritional advice at www.armyfit.mod.uk