Well done Chris ‘One Stop’ Lord. Who went on to prove that at this moment in time - he has more victories this year to his name then any other X - Trainer in the UK.

The versatility of X Training is such that these events are proving as exciting to watch for the Xtreme Gymathlete as the Beginner.

‘lordy’ now has three titles to his name this year, including Fittest Royal Marine, Gym Ironman, and the latest run by the UKXTA , the Octathalon.

It’s about time the Paras, started waking up to these challenges and started a bit of who is the fittest ‘Gymathlete?’ in the forces events going on - come to think of it , the Army, Navy, Air Force could all have a go and WGC has the database to put it all in place and record the results. But why stop there ? UK Finalist take on a international group Armed Service personnel and let the games really commence!

Why not gyms? Although the infrastructure is in place to find a worthy gym champion - it is unlikely this will happen, unless gyms embrace the concept of Gym Challenges - getting people fit, using only the equipment in a gym.

For some very bizarre reason  X Training or Gym Challenges are not high on the priority list of gyms at this moment in time - so more then likely this sport will develop in the forces first, then the gyms will play catch up. Interestingly earlier on this year, the Marines came to ROKO in Gillingham for a time trial in the WGC - one of the instructors there, casually remarked after Lordy had set the WGC record ” You seem to have records broken every week” as if what he had done was easy ! I hasten to add, that instructor had been asked to compete in the challenge - but politely refused !

If it’s good for the Royal Marines - it’s good for WGC.

During the month of November the X Trainer of the Year Poll Vote and email vote will go ahead. The award will be made at Ty Whitlock’s Hampshire Xmas Cracker.

Nominations can be found on the Latest News section of WGC.

There are six more nominees to be added to the list (9 in total)

Although not the greatest image to have “eating burgers” there is no doubting McDonald’s input into the FA in forwarding many football initiatives to enhance the profile of football - at school level, senior level and female level is full on commitment to raising standards - promoting football and providing funds from their profits.

Why not get them interested in X Training?

WGC contacted Tom Barnesly and was politely informed that it is purely football McDonald’s is sponsoring - shame as there is great potential for this fledgling sport right now, but budget restraints will not see McDonald’s sponsor X - Training this year.

Interestingly though, it was mentioned that the FA recieve the funding, and they manage and budget those funds - so in theory - if a sponsor for the sport of X Training came along - and they wanted to invest into the sport - what Association that represents X Training and supports all the X Training events would receive those funds?

Certain clubs up and down the country win the accolade of outstanding service to their members and achieve  certain status by the FIA for achieving Club of the year. Obviously WGC wishes these clubs every success and congratulates them with their awards.

Next year - the WGC “Fittest Gym of the Year” starts its trial period to see if gyms that wish to compete for this title can rival the Flame Award.

The big difference being - members earn points for their gyms, by entering Gym Challenges, on both a local and national level.

It is ultimately the member who decides who has the Fittest Gym in the UK and no one else.

In line with criteria to be met by Sport England - WGC today contacted  Wheelpower to see if a course could be set up for athletes confined to a wheelchair in a Sports Hall.

Although this adds another dimension to X Training it in theory is certainly feasible.

Suggestions are welcome for those that are qualified to maybe design a course that enables disabled or wheelchair bound athletes to compete in X Training events.

It is with regret that I have to inform members that splits for the Gorton Grueller at this moment in time will not be put into the Worldgymchallenge.com database. All Personal Folders will have to have the information put in manually by members from results collected at the time or by subsequent publishing on another website.

WGC was created to inform not only competitors about the times it took to do the event, but also potential X Trainers about the times expected from Gymathletes to complete these challenges.

This information was to be centralised for easy access for information on X Training and results.

WGC has put these times up for the last two years and before (Micky White’s event)

WGC would like to apologise to its members for this inconvenience to their records in the Gym Fit Database.

Page 49 of this very influential magazine, that goes right to the decision makers in gyms, sees a report by Neena Dhillon on communities in gyms.  World Gym Challenge and the Dale Destroyer get a mention and Aidy Cartwright mentions the benefits for Rochdale Fitness First about the lead up to an event and the feeling of anticipation that builds up before race day.

The Gym Elite

WGC has launched another initiative to get the sport recognised for it’s own individuality and be considered unique. WGC believes the sport of X Training  is taken on by only those at the upper level that are considered the ‘Gym Fit Elite’

Events have happened over the last 15 years that are undertaken by members of the Armed Services, Prison Services, and the Health and Fitness Industry - the sport happens.

Over a period of years certain individuals have begun to shine and show really what a great sport this is and what it can do for you in terms of physical fitness, motivation and inspiration.

WGC would like to make this individuals more known to the Health and Fitness Industry - they are the Gym Elite.

TAGS are being suggested to certain individuals who have accomplished much in this field - they have earned their chance for recognition as much as any wrestler, boxer, UFC fighter and deserve that individual TAG that says I have accomplished much in a sport that too many shy away from because it is too hard and too demanding.

Danny and Andy Lett at the Dale Destroyer at Fitness First Rochdale.

Being a little behind the pace with the Sky Sports  Soccer am Iron Soldier Challenge, it’s good to know that X - Trainer and Army PTI Sgt Danny Watson is currently the fastest soldier sown the course. For those of you who don’t know what the challenge is … a shuttle run , where at each turn there is a weighted bag to put in the back of a lorry. Danny’s time of 1 min 16 will take some beating. Good luck to all those that take part and hope Danny holds this title.

For those that missed the show click on the link below and view Iron Soldier 27th Sept.

http://www.socceram.com/media/video/0,21631,,00.html

A trial opportunity to see who has the fittest members in any gym in the UK is to be launched by WGC.

The results will reflect members who enter WGC recognised events and have their times published on leader Boards and are members of WGC.

The first ten gyms will be accepted by nominated members from gyms for this trial year.

The results will prove interesting reading - Flame awards by the FIA say which gym has provided the best service - WGC - Fittest Gym of the Year says which members of a gym earned the title of UK’s Fittest Gym. And they have the results to prove it. It’s the member who counts here - they earn the points for their gym.

Is there a big prize at the end of it? No - a WGC trophy that says well done to the “Fittest Gym in The UK” is what you will recieve and your members would have earned it for you.

Details will follow - but your opportunity to have your say before this event goes live is here …. please respond if you have any questions.