Catch up on a few words with some of the X Trainers who competed at Brighton 2009

Simon Bartlett - Dave's Gym Sidcup

Simon has competed in a substantial number of X Training events. He can be found in Manchester, Hampshire, Luton and always gives a 100% performance. As with many of the guys of his gym (Dave's in Sidcup Kent) Simon finds X Training and the events one of the best ways to train. Personal Trainer form Dave's Gym - Dave Hall has worked a real bit of magic there getting his guys compete, but the final words go to Simon ..

What was the hardest bit for you?

Press ups, always press ups !

Agree or disagree ? If you haven't entered a X Training event you will never know. Press Ups by themselves are pretty tough. Press Ups mid way through a Xtraining event are pretty torturous!

Becky Nicholas - Calso Gym

How did you enjoy the course today?

Really enjoyed it, thought it was well judged, good course and thoroughly enjoyed racing, pushed me to my limit but I enjoyed the race

The first event are you looking forward to the rest of the season?

I have yet to decide what race i am going to do because I am running a marathon on the 26th April. I have got some serious training to do for that  so I am gonna decide after the marathon what I am going to be doing – I would like to do Luton, but whether I have got enough time to train for it I am not sure?

How is X Training going on at Calso at the moment.

Very good, what we are going is organising inter-gym competitions  to try and get people into national competitions. We are doing our bit to try and get people into X Training. We had 4 potential people here today to do it but 2  had to pull out through illness, but we have got some more interest in it.

Calso Gym in Kent

A small gym in kent that gets big results. Many is the time that in the modern era of gyms that owners and proprietors of gyms actually care little about their members achievements - this is so not the case at Calso. All over the wall are records of what members have achieved annually and just what real results are all about.

Last year Becky's husband completed the London Marathon and did 100 step ups (14 inch high box) at every mile carrying two 10 kg db which he was not allowed to put down. An amazing feat.

Becky has also rowed the marathon for charity.

Anton Micallef - Daves Gym

How did the day go for you today?

It went alright, I always find it hard on the day though to be honest, it was difficult.

What did you find the hardest?

Probably the sit ups and the press ups, it was different to where I train

Who was you racing against?

Mike Jones

Between you and Mike how did that race go?

He won by about a minute - great race though

Stacey Cross - Calso Gym

Stacey how did it go today?

Yea not too bad I wish I had done the advance now.

What was the toughest part for you?

The run (400 m @ 10% Incline) definitely, it always gets me in every competition the run but hopefully the fitness extreme one the flat will be nice

What did you run on the run?

An average of 11 – it killed me

Here's a thought - next time you are in a gym and you are physically fit enough. Try running 400 m at 11kph on a 10% Incline. It kind of makes what Stacy says a little easier to understand.

Craig Horsfeild - Gorton Fitness First

No one was more pleased then me to see Craig do well here. Craig represents somebody who through persistence and determination has grittily clawed his way to the ranking positions.  On top of entering these events Craig has completed the Marathon three times already this month - a double marathon on the bike - a concept 2 rower and a X Trainer and finally the final marathon - The London. Just after that I expect to see Craig at Luton for his next XTE.

The guys at Gorton Fitness First are all really gelling as a team - they are earning good points for Fittest Gym and have achieved some amazing results this season - Penny, Craig, Farouk, Sarah and personal trainer,Mike Jones .

How do you think today went?

Brilliant competition

Your result, best 3rd place, pleased with it?

Yea really pleased there is no classifications, there was no advance there was no open or masters so to be 3rd overall , yea brilliant

What was the toughest part for you?

Probably press-ups after that it was just a case of grim and bear it and get on with it

You spoke to me earlier about Andy Lett, give me a few opinions about Andy

Andy is awesome athlete, When I first started X Training I looked up to Andy Lett and still do, he is a legend in the sport.

Best reult so far?

Getting 3rd today is a real result for me as there were no other categories. I'm really chuffed with it

Craig Horsfeild wins  a special award for his performance at Brighton and the charity work he has done this year.

UKGCA outstanding X Trainer Award

Sam Manning - Dave's Gym

How do you think it went today Sam?

Very humid, overall I thought it was a really good race

Who did you race?

Sahil He was very fast.

What did you find the hardest?

Step ups I thought they took a lot out of you

What about press ups, technique?

It was a good technique but I prefer just plain press ups I think

Sahil Siam

What did you think of today?

Yea really good, my first competition and the experience was really good, I think I will do more competitions.

Who got you involved in this?

It was Jamie actually, I saw the application the event itself was posted on the gym walls, I was looking for ways to challenge myself so contacted Jamie went through the event started training for it and here today.

How long have you been training for this event

Oh about one and half two months

So you said you been training for 8 years and this is the first x training event you have done, do you think you will do any more? .......

"Yeah I have got the bug for it, definitely I will compete again".