Introduction by Sean Blyth.

Pick up any random fitness magazine and read through the pages. I guarantee you somewhere in there will be the words motivation. It is in essence one of the main reasons we either exercise or don't - those with it do - those without it don't.

But does it stop with the individual? What about your gym? How motivated is that? Do you turn up at the gym and exercise alone and not sure about those around you ? Or do you take it to the next level and form a group of members , who are motivated, focused and achieve great results in the only sport for gyms - X Training.

Let's take a look at one gym that is full of the 'M' word and has been for years - Gorton Fitness First.

This gym has just recently received the title X Training Gym of the Year 2009, which means over the course of this year, they have acquired more fitness points then any other gym in the UK, by taking part in Fitness Challenges.

Their history is littered with events from as far back as 2005 and the events cater for the beginner to the very best in X Training.

Awards for gyms have been somewhat lacking  in the industry and what makes this one so special, is that it is 100% member focused - the only award of it's kind in the industry and there is not a club that is more deserving.

This year long standing rivalry saw neighboring club Rochdale Fitness First challenge Gorton to a fitness challenge. The result was a over riding victory for Rochdale and Health and Fitness Manager Rich Ainley will be looking forward to creating opportunities in 2010 to establish closer gym on gym challenges in the Manchester area , to build up the local rivalry and team spirit from each club.

X Training as a club is not really about winning - it is very much about the participation, involving all levels of fitness from your club and the will to train throughout the year and keep your motivation high and this year the honours are very firmly fixed at Gorton.

X Training Gym of the Year 2009

Gorton Fitness First

Female Gym Athlete of the Year 2009

Penny B

Ultimate Female Gym Athlete 2009

Penny B

Male Runner Up Gym Athlete of the Year

Craig Horsfield.

 

 

How motivated is your gym?

Cross-training at Fitness First Gorton - Manchester

By Farouk Vawda

Farouk Vawda (left) with Gym Athlete of the Year runner up - Craig Horsfield.Cross-training at Fitness First Gorton originated with ex-boxer Micky White, who himself was introduced to the sport by that other stalwart of the sport Andy Lett of Rochdale FF. Micky’s first gentle taste of cross-training was at Ironman 2003 & he was hooked. Ably assisted by his partner, the equally talented Naomi Peters, Micky introduced clients and members at Fitness First Gorton to the sport & soon a community of like-minded enthusiasts grew. Micky & Naomi also organised a dedicated weekly Xtraining session at FF Gorton, 5pm on Sunday evening, & this legacy continues to this day.

On 20 February 2005 Micky organised the first Gorton Grueller, with its characteristic row-bike-run finish. There was a further Grueller that November so the 2009 event was the sixth to date.

Micky & Naomi left for Australia in 2006 & thereafter the torch was taken up by Frances Heywood nee Walton. Frances continued to organise the FF Gorton X-training community &, assisted by Rahat Parveen, organised the 2006 & 2007 Gruellers.

Farouk - 60 x 25 kg Shoulder PressPeter Gahan

Mike JonesThe leader of the FF Gorton X-trainers is now ‘Sergeant Major’ Mike Jones.

Mention ought also be made of alumni Kirsty Read nee Wright, who reached the top of the X-training tree in recent times.

FF Gorton X-trainers have always, & I hope shall continue, to support all of the X-training community & event organisers. Collectively we possibly attend more events than anyone else & we have consequently, & proudly, been rewarded with the WGC Gym of the Year award this year. We are also more than willing to host events on behalf of other organisers and in recent years have hosted events for Stuart Leng (Ironman), the WGC & the UKXTA. Furthermore I hope that it is recognised that we welcome all to our own Grueller.

The current ‘squad’ has a range of talents. Star billing possibly goes to Penny, current WGC Female X-trainer of the Year. Among the ladies we also have established veterans like Sarah Green, Terri Downs, Jane Garner & (now from a distance) Vanessa Vear. There are also up & coming future stars like ‘Catalan’ Anna Herrero & Vicky Opara. Among the blokes there’s still old man Jones, Craig ‘Tiger’ Horsfield & myself. Craig is currently King of the Jungle but the old men are still on his tail. There’s also an up-&-coming young buck – Watch out for Romi Muindwa in the New Year.

FF Gorton X-trainers are always welcome newcomers, even if they’re just passing through.  Notwithstanding the regular Sunday session we tend to hook up on an ad hoc basis during the week. In particular Wednesday Nights Girls’ Night is becoming a fixture (guys welcome as honorary ladies!).

It’s not just about the training. There’s also the camaraderie & support through life’s ups & downs.

& it’s not just about X-training either. Most notably Craig did a self-devised Four Marathons in Four Months challenge earlier this year (row in January, Bike (double distance) in February, X-trainer in March & the FLM in April), all in aid of Christies cancer charity. Craig has also done Tough guy over the last two years, Jane is a regular marathon runner & triathlete & Sarah & Penny are regulars on the road running scene circuit.

So look out Camberley, Calso & Brighton, we’re coming in 2010!