24th Dec

I M P O R T A N T  N E W S

Click Here

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Flame Awards vs X Training Gym of the Year

During the past couple of years the FIA have instigated the Flame Awards which recognise a service provided by a gym for it's members. The winners this year were >> Please Click Here.

Sponsored by Matrix it is a very comprehensive and well deserved award for any gym to win in the UK.

During 2009 - WGC has instigated it's own awards, without sponsorship and without any backing from any major chain and focuses purely on the member and the personal trainer and the levels of fitness they have achieved as a club.

This year, the winner goes to Fitness First Gorton and member Farouk Vawda, goes on to say just what makes this club special and the members and personal trainers, the best in the country. >> Please Click Here

I guess the question is - could any one single Flame Award winner in 2009 challenge Gorton Fitness First or any other X Training Gym in the UK to a Gym Challenge and let the members fitness decide who really deserves the Awards?

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It is the responsibility of the UK GCA and WGC to inform it's members just what it has been doing during the year to promote and expose the sport of X Training and those who take part.

The sport has been gaining a certain amount of exposure in the media and the UK GCA has been trying it's hardest to give just recognition to the events it has been invited to - click here to read about X Training in 2009.

There is a fun quiz in it and your answers can be published on Facebook page if you like - You will not receive fitness points for getting all 15 right !!!

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9th December

Physique TV

The first Fitness TV station to take an active interest in X Training is Physique TV based in Dubai. They have been involved with the Marriott X Training Challenge and Fitness First's Ultimate X Training Challenge 2009. They have also constructed a show for the 2007 Fitness Extreme held at Luton Fitness First which can be seen on the following dates:

Date	Time	Show
11th Dec	0005 (GMT)	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 2
12th Dec	0805	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 2
13th Dec	1605	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 2
14th Dec	0005	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 3
15th Dec	0805	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 3
16th Dec	1605	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 3
21st Dec	0125	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 1
22nd Dec	0925	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 1
23rd Dec	1725	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 1
25th Dec	0925	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 2
26th Dec	1725	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 2
27th Dec	0125	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 3
28th Dec	0925	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 3
29th Dec	1725	Fitness Extreme Challenge Part 3
It can be viewed via the internet on the following links
http://www.ipstreaming.de/physique
http://www.freeetv.com/sp/Video_Stream-page-watch-id-2731.html
http://wwitv.com/tv_channels/b5367.htm

Thank you to Physique TV for being the first TV production company to show the competitive elements of X Training as a sport.

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Click Here for the final positions for X Training Gym Of the Year

Gorton Fitness First have stolen the show this year, with more entries into any of the events then any other UK Club. Mike Jones and all of his committee have been the backbone of this years challenges and I would like to thank all those members from Gorton who have repeatedly pushed X Training forward, well done to you all.

A recent event in Hampshire took place and although WGC was not involved in would be wrong not to mention that the efforts of Ty Whitlock and The Hampshire Health and Racquets Club have helped raised £50,000 for Help The Heroes. Outstanding and very well done.

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The Ultimate X Training Challenge - Fitness First , Dubai.

On the 20th, 21st Nov, a very unique X - Training Challenge took place in the Battuta Shopping Mall, in Dubai. This event which was constructed by Gary Melhuish at Fitness First in Dubai has a strong cardio and weight exercise balance with many of the weight stations, being percentage of body weight.

Previous Ultra FIT winner Darren Robson won the title this year and full results can be seen on the Results Page

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The December Newsletter

In the next few days the latest December Newsletter will be sent out to all members. But for those of you who just cannot wait - click here, to read all the latest news about this developing sport for gyms.

I'm sure you will agree - the best, the fittest and most motivated of any gym for a Gym Based Sport is the Gym Athlete and 2010 sees a great opportunity to develop the sport and get more of the gyms in UK taking part in events.

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Fancy training to Royal Marine Fitness level?

Amazon have the Royal Marines Physical Training Manual on sale at a fantastic price of just £9.99 - a great Christmas gift. On top of that it's got No 1 Gym Athlete in the UK' Lordy' on the front cover too!

Click here to purchase from Amazon

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Details of the Camberley Ice Breaker are now in your personal folders.

If you would like to see what this new and exciting course has in store for you, please click into Enter Your Timings and check out the course details.

More details will follow, but if you want to remain focused and motivated over the christmas period - then this is the challenge to start training for now.

There is no Club or Beginner phase for this event and keeping focused for this unique X Training Challenge which has some new disciplines, which have never been used before in a XTE, is just the ticket!

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The Battle of the Manchester Gyms

The first ever Gym on Gym Challenge was a huge success at Whitefield Fitness First. Read here about the day in the first of the reports. A newsletter will follow with interviews and more photos.

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'Our Gym'

'We train harder then you - We can, run, bike, row, faster then you - We are stronger and more motivated then you - We have a 'fitness team' and we are better then you"

Who are we ?

The first gym on gym challenge in the whole of the UK took place on Saturday 14th November at Whitefield Manchester. This event based on the World Gym Challenge, saw 'Gym Athletes' from two of the most respected X Training Gyms in the UK (Gorton and Rochdale), Battle it out to see who is the Fittest Gym in Manchester.

Whitefield FF entered as first timers , to see what X Training was all about and were gracious as hosts and learning from the day, so possibly more events could be held in future, in the perfect studio for Gym Based Sports.

Based solely on member participation the results saw some very interesting races - first timers, established 'Gym Athletes', male and female, young and a little older ! ...  all lined up to take their turn in getting results and achieving new levels of fitness.

Come the curtain call, it was Rochdale Fitness First who turned up trumps, winning the X Training spectacle based on Speed , Strength and Endurance and the fitness levels of their members.

So the Gauntlet has been laid - who in the whole of the UK has it in them to take on Rochdale Fitness First? Who in the whole of the UK can say - today we produced a Fitness Team that is better then yours.

Full results.

Part of the Fitness First Rochdale 'Fitness Team' with their photo trophy.

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Gorton Fitness First Vs Rochdale Fitness Fitness Challenge Race Line up.

Team Captains contact info@worldgymchallenge.com for any problems

Fantastic to see so many new names discovering the sport of gyms - X Training.

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Rochdale Fitness First vs Gorton Fitness First - Gym Challenge 2010

And so it begins! The very first gym on gym challenge for members of World Gym Challenge.com who have created their own fitness teams to challenge other clubs in a Gym Challenge. All the motivation and focus is now channeled into this this unique opportunity to show just what you can can achieve in a gym environment, for you, for your club and for X Training as a sport.

Click Here to see the scoring system and the line up from Gorton's 'Team Fitness'

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In agreement with Concept 2. WGC has developed:

The Concept 2 '600' Indoor Rowing Gym Challenge.

This is a race that targets the mind, body and soul of anybody who goes to the gym. The '600' is calorie based. Distance is not an issue here, it burns calories! Anybody who attempts this challenge will burn 600 calories and have a great all over work out in one of the best pieces of equipment in the gym.

As with all Concept 2 challenges, this is weight based and comes in two categories Heavyweight (Hwt) and Lightweight (Lwt) just find your category in your gym challenge folders and attempt this challenge in your local gym (experienced gym users only).

If you are new to the gym, build up to the distance involved and watch your calories burn before your very eyes ... it's very motivational.

Results will be published as from today (first 100 hundred in each category) and personal trainers who are verifiers within the WGC system can authenticate results on line. The challenge will last one year and can be updated at any time.

contact info@worldgymchallenge.com for further information.

 

The Concept 2 '600' Indoor Row Gym Challenge 2009/10 Results will be added soon

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The 'RBR'

Steve Dowse takes the lead in the RBR with a fantastic time of 8 min's 25 sec's. Last year Jason King managed 7 - 50, so there is still scope to see who can bring this challenge time to a unique all beating record.

Events	Specification	Event Time	Running Time
Treadmill	1000 m	3.37	3.37
Bike	2000 m (level 12 Life Fitness or equivalent)	2.55	6.32
Row	500 m	1.53	8.25
Steve	2009	Total Time:	8.25

 

Events	Specification	Event Time	Running Time
Treadmill	1000 m	3.09	3.09
Bike	2000 m (level 12 Life Fitness or equivalent)	2.48	5.57
Row	500 m	1.53	7.50
Jason	2008	Total Time:	7.50

 

 

This challenge will last till 19th March and all timings can be submitted on line at contacting info@worldgymchallenge.com

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Battle of the Manchester Gyms

Two of the most successful X Training gyms in the UK, will battle one another on the 14th November. Gorton has the title X Training Gym of the Year more or less in the bag - can they take the clash of gyms too? Both Rochdale and Gorton have have some of the best X Trainers in the country, so this will be a particular hard event to call - but who do you think will win?

There is a poll on the Blog Page  just to see who thinks who win win what - It's only one vote each so no repeated votes will count. Also catch up the Blogs that you may have missed. Some intersting views on X Training.

Cast your vote now and see if you are right on the 15th

Battle of the Manchester Gyms is the first ever gym on gym fitness challenge in the UK, where members from a gym take on another gym in a fitness challenge and have all of their results published on the WGC website.

Could your gym challenge another gym to a fitness challenge? Contact info@worldgymchallenge.com for further details.

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ultra - Fit's WOD

In this months edition of ultra - FIT, John Shepherd the Publishing editor has put together a very punishing X Training Challenge, that will test "... every facet of your fitness, strength, power, aerobic and anaerobic endurance - and has that 'fit for everything' agenda that CrossFit espouses. John Shepherd.

What is unique about the challenge is that no bike is involved and so nearly every aspect of this challenge will run true in any gym, as long as you use the concept 2 rower.

Great news ... If you would like to try this challenge, you can. Just log in, go to enter my timings, then click on Gym Brand Challenges, then click on Clubsport - enter times ! Simples ... ! (If you don't know your resting heart rate, maximum heart weight and weight just enter 0) If enough people enter , I will add a leader board section to the website, if ultra - FIT give permission for the first 50 male and female.

Personal trainers that are registred on the site can verify the times.

Read the latest issue of ultra - Fit to see also a section on this years Ultimate Gym Athlete event at Fitness First in Kent. Our very own Steve Dowse is pictured in a near full page article. Penny Bunton and Steve are also pictured in this months Workout magazine.

Getting the message out there is the main aim of WGC.

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New Look

In advance of the small makeover of the web site, members may be interested in the updated calendar for:

• 2010 (Including info on races)
• 2009 (Including features on races)

And also the Hall of Fame for

• 2009 (Update)

The UK GCA takes great pride in publishing these pieces of information as a reflection of it's 100% commitment to reporting on the sport of X Training and the people who run the events and the Gym Athletes who take part.

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Gill Watson

Regular Gym Athlete Gill Watson from Derby, has her hands full when it comes to training. As a keen adventure racer, Gill pushes herself to the ultimate limits of strength and endurance and is a great ambassador for both women in sport and X- Training.

The upcoming challenge in Portugal, will again see Gill push herself and I'm sure all the Gym Athletes wish her every success.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/derby/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8316000/8316693.stm

 

 

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28th Oct

Battle of the Manchester Gyms - 14th November - Whitefield Fitness First.

The first ever UK Gym on Gym Challenge to see who has the fittest members - Rochdale vs Gorton.

Rules and scoring

If you would like to add your views on Facebook, please do.

Gorton vs Rochdale Fitness First

14th November

 

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The latest Gym Athlete of the Year Individual Results are up - Click Here

As the season drawers to a close these will be sent out as a mailshot to show other gyms just what they are missing out on!

Congratulations to Penny Bunton and Jamie Spencer, who are holding on the lead with just a few more events to go.

In the Intermediate Andy Brown (right) from Fitness First Camberley is edging his way up the leader board with a good turnout to events.

The question on everybody's lips though is why has this taken so long? A Fitness Challenge between gyms? Without it, it's like having the Football Association without football matches.

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Check out this site

Good advice is hard to come by these days - this is not so much X Training - but basic simple fitness tips. It's good reading.

http://www.scchiropractic.com/

For more in depth research, try this. OK there is a product at the end it is selling, but again very, very good reading.

http://www.xiser.com/store/pdf/Sprint_Interval_Training.pdf

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GymXTC ™

Gym X Training Championships results for November - Click Here

Congratulations to Fitness First, who lead in the first ever Gym X Training Championships.

Remember only personal trainers and members from any gym gain fitness points for these results.

Read the latest News on the Blog Page and make comments if you wish, but out of all the clubs in the UK that compete in X Training challenges, this year Gorton have reigned supreme.

Individual points will be up soon and it's all change for the leader for the Female X Trainer of the Year !

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Photo's for The Ultimate Gym Athlete.

It takes a certain person to become Gym Athlete - Click Here to find out who!

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Gorton Fitness First take the lead in X Training Gym Of The Year

Which gym in the whole of the UK has the X Factor? Gorton Fitness First, they have entered more events then anybody, gained more points then any other gym and have taken the X Training scene by the horns and dominated this year. A massive well done to the X Training Committee at Gorton who in this first year have put X Training on the fitness map.

The Orbital  (Kent)                     Brighton X Training Challenge              Fitness X treme (Luton)           WGC Gym Ironman

One Gym that is inspiring the whole of the UK - Gorton Fitness First. They host the infamous Gorton Grueller as well!

Gorton Grueller 2009 - Gorton Fitness First - Where results and achievements are made.

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Results  (Open) Are up for the Walsall Terminator - Judgement Day

Alex Woods wins the day with a sub twenty minute finish! Brilliant performance from one of Scotland's best Gym Athletes. Ultimate Gym Athlete winner of 2009 - Penny Bunton won the female heats - her time is steadily improving and it will be interesting to see just how much better Penny can get.

Mike Jones and Farouk Vawda from Fitness First Gorton, again providing the guidance and expertise to those that are brave enough to take on these gym challenges - outstanding work from Gorton Fitness First and the X Training Committee that encourage the growth of this sport in such a passionate way.

Next event on the horizon is Fit Brit, with the finals on the 8th Nov and then the UK GCA's final event of the year Battle of the Manchester Gyms on the 14th Nov. The best two gyms clash in what will be an epic clash of determination and grit in the first ever Gym on Gym Fitness Challenge.

Click here for Beginner Results

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Penny Bunton Ultimate Female Gym Athlete 2009

"I am looking forward to what is sure to be a great Manchester derby.

I think it's a fantastic idea and hopefully it'll encourage new xtrainers (who may find the prospect of competing at a National level a bit daunting) to come and have a go and find out for themselves what keeps us all so addicted to this brilliant sport".

Penny Bunton 2009

 

 

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The Latest October News Letter can be read here

It's got info on the The RBR

What's The RBR ?

It's the Run, Bike Row don't you know !

Have a read and see what you think.

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The' RBR' Run Bike Row Charity Event is in the system.

(Log on and go to 'Enter Your Timings')

Under GymXTC ™ Challenges (It will highlight in blue)

Enter '0' to Body Weight - Resting Heart Rate - Max Heart Rate, if you do not know.

And then enter your times.

From today and open only to recognised 'Gym Athletes' who have competed regularly in recognised X Training events, the RBR gets underway.

• Run 1000 m
• Bike 2000 m
• Row 500m

The results table only for WGC members will be updated regularly - just send your results into info@worldgymchallenge.com

This particular challenge uses Life Fitness gym equipment, but you may use whatever equipment your gym has.

On the week of Sport Relief , gyms will be asked to run this as an event within their gym, or as a Time Trial over a period of time involving as many gym members as possible.

The X Training Committee at Fitness First Gorton have got the ball rolling and results can be seen here and at the top of the page .

Remember this is for the '5% ers' those that go to a gym and love to challenge themselves . Good luck.

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10th Oct

Congtratulations

To both Steve Dowse and Penny Bunton, who as winners of this year's first ever UK's Ultimate Gym Athlete will have their pictures published in the founders of the sport of X Training ulta - FIT magazine and also Work out magazine.

The annual shield will be back next year, for all of the Gym Athletes in the UK to take part in and be part of the growing Gym Based Sport scene.

Elite Gym Athletes only get status, into the Gym Fitness Premiership League (GFPL) on the World Gym Challenge Leader board by entering a verified time of under 15 min's for Male and under 16 min's for female, using Life Fitness equipment.

Good luck to all those that can do it.

 

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Apologies

Due to a technical hitch with the mailshot system - all the News Letters were not sent. The second batch have been sent today. Please contact info@worldgymchallenge.com if you are not receiving your News Letters.

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The clock is ticking .... Battle of the Manchester Gyms ... 14th Nov 2009

The world gym challenge was meant to originate in the Medway Towns in Kent, but after much hard work in starting it there, it became very apparent that Manchester is the heart of the X Training community.

In fact two clubs in the whole of the UK stand out more then any other, Rochdale and Gorton Fitness First. Both Gym's have their own unique X Training Challenge and both gyms have regular Gym Athletes who compete all over the UK.

So it makes sense to get these two gyms to battle it out and see who has the fittest gym in Manchester.

There is talk of one other club entering too - but we will have to wait and see!

On the 14th Nov at Gorton Fitness First the first ever Gym vs Gym Challenge will take place and results will be displayed on the WGC web site.

This is the chance to prove just who is the best fittest club in Manchester and who will get the results ?

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The Walsall Terminator - Judgment Day - X Training Fitness Challenge

Created by two of the UK's Leading Gym Athletes, Steve Mead and Paul Morton from Fitness First Walsall, WGC is pleased to announce that the fitness Challenge has been added added to the Gym XTC ™ Event Listing and can now be found in 'Enter your Timings'

Time Trials will be held at Fitness First in Gorton Manchester on the 18th October for a fee of just £5.00 and all timings will be entered into the system and personal files. You will also gain fitness points for UK's Gym Athlete of the Year and X Training Gym of the Year.

If you would like to get a registered time please contact Mike Jones at Fitness First Gorton Manchester to arrange a time slot.

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Latest News Letter

Has just been sent out - included in this issue is The Ultimate Gym Athlete story board.

It's possible some of you may not have received this - please contact info@worldgymchallenge.com if you need your news letter sent to you direct.

The Latest News Letter

Click Here to read the latest News Letter

Gym Athlete Of The Year

Due to the voting system being abolished this year - The Gym Athlete Of The Year Award will go the Gym Athlete who has entered more events and achieved best results over the season (1st Jan - 15th Dec) This Award works coincide of X Training Gym of the Year and reflects the individual points archived throughout the year.

Leading so fa this year is Jamie Spencer from Corals Health and Fitness Club in Brighton and Penny B from Gorton Fitness First.

The closing date is 15th Dec. Click Here for Results so far

X Training Gym of the Year

Mike Jones from Fitness First Gorton and Lloyd Millichap from Fitness First Camberley lead the way as Team Captains.

The only fitness League in the whole of the UK that reflects members achievements is turning into a nail biting finale. There are clubs that are dominating the leader spots and clubs that are separated by just a few points for personal one on one battles.

The success of the Leadership is building up nicely to a fitting end to the season (31st Dec)

Points can still be achieved by clubs - but points have to be displayed in the WGC system and entered into personal folders.

Click Here to see where your club is

The First of many reports on UK's Ultimate Gym Athlete will follow, but here are the results in both board form and Inter Searchable form.

Board Form

WGC Inter Searchable Results

Make sure you are logged on to view all the splits and information from the searchable results.

The latest TV ad for the 'Ultimate Gym Athlete'

Physique TV based in the middle east are running a series of ads about the 'Ultimate Gym Athlete'

Click Here to see the ad.

http://www.youtube.com/physiquetv#play/uploads/0/x3kYo9HJRQE

 

The Ultimate Gym Athlete Race Plan

Click here to see the first ever race line up in the Ultimate Gym Athlete - The UK's Premier Gym X Training Challenge (GymXTC™)

In support of this event tonight on Meridian News from 6pm Paul Belverstone (Sports Reporter) tries a first stage XTE a Bike, Row, Run

1km Bike

300m Row

800m Treadmill.

My thanks goes to Paul who gave it a 100% effort and experienced first hand just what vigorous exercise at its best is all about.

Well done Paul - a great effort on the day and hope to see you take part in the World Gym Challenge soon!

WGC goes global

How many 'Gym Athletes' are there worldwide?

The database has been updated to include (based on hits on the site)

• Germany
• Brazil
• Japan
• New Zealand
• United Arab Emirates
• Canada
• USA

Have these countries got the mustard to cut it against the UK Gym Athletes? Using Life Fitness Equipment it would be good to find out.

New measures will be introduced shortly to enable a easy mass participation sport. Keep posted folks - this sport and this site just keeps on popping ideas to increase growth and participation in X Training - the new sport for gyms. .

Welcome to Star Trac

Star Trac are the first branded manufacturer (outside of Life Fitness) to be entered into the WGC system, if your gym uses this equipment you can now set course records on line for the WGC Challenge, using Star Trac Treadmills and Bikes.

Just check out Branded Equipment in the set up menu for  creating gym events .

What's the differnce between a 'Gym User' and a 'Gym Athlete?'

Personal Trainer Lloyd Millichap (right) is getting results for his clients ! Not in Triathlon, Duathlon, Swimming or Cycling, but in conditioning them to be fitter then they have ever been before and having the times to prove it. Why? Because he works in a gym and he trains all of his clients for the environment they train in!

in this case Olivier Jacquet takes part in X Training , the first Gym Based Sport with a central database to record results.

Well done Olivier and Lloyd - Outstanding work.

Click Here to see's Olivier results

The Ultimate Gym Athlete

For those who have not received their latest Mailshot about The 'Ultimate Gym Athlete' on the 26th Sept at Chatham Fitness First - please click here.

This brief news item gives you news about the current world record and those that have tried to beat it and more importantly what makes a 'Gym Athlete' different from a 'gym user'.

It's not too late too late to enter and have your name on the UK's Ultimate Gym Athlete Challenge Leader Board.

The Judges for The Ultimate Gym Athlete

The judging for this years event is almost there - just two more needed to make the event complete. If you have the required skills and would like to take on this role, then please contact info@worldgymchallenge.com .

It's free entry in to the event for Judges!

Without doubt the most important quality of any event is the standard of judging - It is hoped that this year, in the first ever Ultimate Gym Athlete that the impressive line up of judges will ensure that the day will be as successful as possible.

Click Here to see the line up of judges so far.

The Cat and Mouse Race 2009

Last year at Rochester during the GymXTC™ finals husband and wife Gym Athletes Nelson and Amber Anderson raced each other into a thrilling spectacle based on pre submitted times down the World Gym Challenge Course. Nelson won and was only 5 seconds out of being classed Advanced Gym Athlete. It was a very inspiring race which nobody wanted to lose! And great to watch.

This year see's a new format - training partners. Is there somebody you train with at the gym? Yes? Then race them ! And what makes this unique is that male on female racing is possible. A pre submitted race time will start the differential in racing -

Male Expected Finish Time 15 :15

Female Expected Finish time 17:25

Lane A (male) will start exactly 2 min's and 10 seconds after Lane B (female)

Welcome to Cat and Mouse racing!

This year good friends and training partners Nicky Humphrey and Simon Bellinger from Fitness First Luton will race each other as the first race - who will win ?

2010 Calendar.

What is a X Training Challenge? And what is the history of each event in the calendar?

The new look calendar approach takes a look at the Open (Advanced) record and also a few introductory notes about the event.

It's one thing seeing a name for a challenge , but letting people know a little bit about what they are letting themselves in for is a new approach by the WGC to encourage participation.

Click Here to see the New Calendar for 2010

Bonus Points for Intermediate Entries

The Ultimate Gym Athlete is encouraging Intermediate's to try and Open event - if they enter they will receive 5 points additional points into the placing's for Fittest Gym Athlete 2009 A good Intermediate should be able to complete this course in under 20 min's Male and under 22 min's female.

Judging at 'The Ultimate Gym Athlete'

'Judging is the absolute vital ingredient to any good event'

A new approach to judging this year has been undertaken by WGC to ensure the best practice for judging. In the eight stations that are involved in the challenge only two are paramount to judging - the bench press and the shoulder press and these will be the primary role of judges to ensure good clean reps.

The other stations Run, Bike, Row, Sit Ups, Bench Jumps, and Step Ups are considered secondary disciplines where as long as the feet clear the lines in the Step Ups and the body is upright, there is consistency in the judging.

All judges on the day will be first to race - they will have experienced what you are about to do.

There is a maximum of 12 judges on the day, and it will be one on one judging, meaning that primary judging will concentrate on the Bench Press and Shoulder Press and time keepers will ensure correct time and distance is completed at each cv station with the support of the judges.

What else ?

Each Judge is experienced in X Training. They individually have all competed in past events and are all proficient in training techniques and are therefore more qualified in being able to judge correctly.

Click Here to see the first line up of judges for this years event.

Next Year's Calendar

 

National Gym Challenge Championship Events

Click on above

The first line up for next years Calendar can be seen here. The events have all had previous participation and have experienced orgainisers to ensure that the very best Gym Challenges are safe and exciting to compete in. They are unique to having full results that specifically give 'live results' straight into Personal Folders and Result Tables.

All ' National Championship' events carry points towards UK's Fittest Gym and templates to train for are in 'Enter your Timings'

Any Event can happen three weeks from one another (as precedents were laid down this year) and geographically anywhere throughout the UK. It is important to have participation from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If you think your gym has the quality of UK's present best Gym Athletes and would like to host a Gym Challenge please contact

info@worldgymchallenge.com

Places are limited to 12 National Events annually

UK GCA Profile - Paul Morton

The gym is full of very interesting people from all walks of life - it is a conundrum of personalities , fitness levels and Gym Athletes. One such Athlete is Paul Morton, who has been competing in X Training for four years. The early days saw him quickly rise to fame as somebody who dominated the Intermediate races - but perseverance has meant that Paul now is a force to be reckoned with at the Open level.

Click Here and have a quick look at what Paul thinks about the sport.

Results so far for X Training Gym of the Year

Click here to see the points system for UK's X Training Gym of the Year

Individual points will published shortly for the top 6 gyms.

Well done to Lloyd Millichap from Fitness First in Camberley Surrey for getting his team to events and putting events on to earn the points.

The UK GCA Latest News Letter

This month's News Letter can be viewed here by all those who have not received it.

In it the change from 'Gym User' to 'Gym Athlete' are explained - any views would be welcome and Facebook Group will have a topic section for this.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Walsall & Midlands X Training Gym Challenge is Saturday 22nd August. Please get your entry forms in as soon as possible

Postal Entry Here

If you go to the gym and if you think you are fit - this is one of the only ways to truly test yourself. Could you ?

The real test to see if you have what it takes is to compete against the best .

Update on events next year (2010)

The Camberley X Training Gym Challenge will be held on Sunday 7th Feb (Fitness First Camberley)

The Brighton X Training Gym Challenge will be held on Saturday 27th March (Corals Health and Fitness Club Brighton)

The Gorton Grueller X Training Gym Challenge Saturday 26th June (Gorton Manchester Fitness First)

The Ultimate Gym Athlete will be held on Saturday 25th September (Venue to be confirmed)

 

Interview with Cpl Chris Lord 'Lordy' and Cpl Martin Stapleton 'Stapes' from the Royal Marines.

Is this the UK's Ultimate Gym Athlete?

Taking the X Training Gym Challenge scene by storm is a relative newcomer to the sport Chris Lord.

Dominating more or less any event he enters the sport has taken a rise in popularity due to his calm and very relaxed views about X Training and the performances he displays at each event.

Chris Lord loves the sport and will always give a true 100% performance.

That is mentioned about Lordy - is that in all of his events he has entered, he has been one of the best competitors to judge as his technique is near flawless.

The UK GCA caught up with him at Lympstone to ask what he thought about the current state of X Training and how it benefits anybody, particularly the forces in achieving great recordable levels of fitness.

Also, fresh back from the US, a quick interview with 'Stapes' from the Ultimate Fighter series.

Click Here To Read

The Royal Marines Cross Training Challenge 2009

The first of a two part report on the this years event can be viewed here. More details will follow, including interviews with Cpl Chris Lord 'Lordy' and Cpl Martin Stapleton ' Stapes' from the Ultimate Fighter series just recently on tv.

The Walsall and Midlands X Training Gym Challenge

Entry Form Can Be Downloaded Here

Entry to the first ever X Training Gym Challenge at Walsall has limited spaces and is strictly on a first come first served basis. If you wish to ensure that your place is secured , then you will have to get your applications forms in asap to the Organiser Stuart Leng.

Good luck to all of those taking part

The Royal Marine Cross Training Challenge 2009

22nd July saw the annual Royal Marine Cross Training Challenge take place. Units that could attend from all over the Royal Marines turned up to prove who was the Fittest Gym Athlete of them all.

In as much as there is an arena for the athlete on the track and field - there is now another arena for the emerging sport of X Training - The Gym. It is here where Gym Athletes are tested in endurance levels specific to a gym environment, testing their speed, strength and endurance capabilities.

It is appropriate that this test of character and this sport be spearheaded by the best fighting unit in the world - The Royal Marines and over the next few days, a few interviews with those involved on the day will be published.

 

Hall of Fame 2009 Update.

Well done to Ben Stroud and Kelly Friel for setting course records forThe Gorton Grueller 2009. As winners of these events they are added to the WGC Hall of Fame for 2009.

Click here for details

The Journey

To start the sport of X Training it is always advisable to start at the beginning (Club Challenge) then work yourself up to the Club Plus Challenge (Intermediate) and then when longevity and improvement collide and all of your training has been for a reason, the Club Xtreme Challenge (Open)

You do not stagnate at X Training you always aim to improve and the versatility of training - running, rowing , bike, weights - core work etc, everything you would normally do in a gym, really gets results.

Those that get real results do X Training .

Click here to read the report

The Gorton Grueller News Letter

Click here to read all about the Gorton Grueller

 

The Gorton Grueller

Attended by some of the best Gym Athletes in the UK, the Grueller this year just goes to show what real results are all about.

A new course record of 17:07 set by Ben Stroud.

A new course record of  20:47 set by Kelly Friel.

News, Reports, Results Interviews. It will all be on latest news soon.

 

X Training is the only sport in gyms that gets real results

The Gorton Grueller 2009

The Race Line Up can be viewed here

This is a first draft - with the possibility of late entries causing a slight disruption to the schedule.

Elite profile races will be updated throughout the week.

The Gorton Grueller 2009

Former winner Kirsty Wright will be head judge on Saturday.

A slight change to the course since 2006 - but Kirsty's time is supremely impressive and puts her very well placed to over see events on Saturday

Click here to see Kirsty's rules.

2 Days to go for final registration ...

Gorton Grueller 2009

6 Days to go .... before the registration period finishes 

 

For the Gym Elite - can you wait that long?  And don't forget those fitness points for your gym - The end of the year will see some very close fought final points - but now is the time to earn them - Are you the Fittest Gym in the UK?

You can claim all you want about your members - but unless they are taking part in the UK Gym Challenge scene representing your club in the only sport for gyms, X Training then I suggest you remain quiet. The UK Gym Elite are leading the way and the next event they will be at is The Gorton Grueller 2009.

To those gyms that serve nice coffee - leave the hard work to the members who are passionate about fitness and achieveing real results !

In the UK - there are two types of gym - those that serve good coffee - and those that get results for their members - which one are you ?

Entry On line

A Time To Remember !

The Latest Mailshot has just been sent out about The Gorton Grueller . The closing date for this event is June 22nd .

Please ensure that all entries are received by the closing date.

 

The Response

"The sport of X Training is no different to any other sport, Boxing, Formula One Racing, Wrestling - there will always be indifferences. It is the Gym Athletes who matter most though"

Sean Blyth UK GCA

Click Here

The Gorton Grueller 2009

Time is running out fast to enter this very challenging event. You could be crowned one of the fittest Gym Members in the UK by winning it.

Could you be that person?

Or will you think after the event has past, I wish I had done that?

X Training is a sport for not necessarily the Ultra Fit - but the Ultra motivated.

Click Here for entry details.

The aims of X Training are quite simple.

• Gets you Fit.
• Keeps you Motivated.
• Keeps you focused.
• Gets incredible results
• Sense of achievement.

In any one gym these are the characteristics that are mentioned to you, but X Training is the only sport in a gym environment that will get you them.

June's Newsletter

June's newsletter has been slightly delayed - but for those of you who can't wait here it is:

June's Newsletter

You do not become part of the UK Gym Elite without having experienced real gym pain.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=124341&id=619210551&l=393f190a79

 

Who exactly are the Gym Elite?

In the Facebook Group - Under ' My Photos' is a Album called the Gym Elite .

These are random pictures of events from the last three years and feature the very best Gymathletes in the country right now at all levels - not just the Premier Gym Athletes, but those who have the bottle to compete year on year - turn up at events and compete against the best other gyms have to offer - this is what makes them Gym Elite .

A Gym Challenge against those at your gym - or your brand of gym is only the beginning - you are seriously kidding yourself if you think if you have achieved anything at all in the X Training world unless you competing now and regularly in this growing sport.

Are you good enough to be branded Gym Elite ?

The UK is leading the way is recording results from the only Gym Based sport in the world of X Training - and the best Gym Athletes and Gyms in the country compete in the only recognised sport for gyms by the UK GCA ( United Kingdom Gym Challenge Association) Gymxtc ™ (Gym X Training Championships)

Think you are good enough ?

These are not random remarks - each event that has taken place has had judges and time keepers to record results - and the results are published all on the only site in the world that was built for this purpose World Gym Challenge.com.

The UK Gym Elite are building the future for Gym Sports and anybody is welcome to try and better their times.

Men's Fitness - Fitness Test

The Fit Brit returns this year for Men's Fitness Magazine. Interestingly last year it was classed as a X Training Challenge , but has reverted to a fitness test this year.

Cassius and Annabella won it , with Andy Lett and Richard Vint in the top 5. A great result for the Gym Athletes of the UK.

More details can be found on Men's Fitness link here.

It doesn't matter who is running Gym Challenges , as long as they are being run there will be a feed in to other events and I applaud Men's Fitness and probably (unconfirmed) Women's Fitness too for introducing this challenge. It looks like once again that Fitness First are running the X Training scene for gyms with them also supplying the venue for the Ultimate Gym Athlete on the 27th Sept.

Great to see the increase in numbers that this event will bring - but whereas the Fitness Test is a test - X Training is avery serious minded sport - for the Gym Elite of any Gym to take part in and on that front here is the difference - With the Ultimate Gym Athlete an annual world wide time is recorded and it is tried to be bettered by one second each year and any gym in the UK/World can take part for free. There is also a minimum standard required of fitness and the Results table has its own built in verification process.

The end game is to get a recognised sport for gyms by Sport England - X Training and the UK has the best Gym Athletes in the world.

Hall of Fame Update

Congratulations to both Trudi Hawksworth (LA Fitness Derby) and Chris Lord (RM) who go into this year's Hall of Fame for the Luton Fitness X event.

Chris set a new course record, but Sarah Deed's WGC Course record still stands from last year.

Click here to see the updated records.

Who will set the next course record at Gorton?

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome !

A new greeting messages now goes out to all the new Gym Athletes who sign up to WGC. This message will also have your password and username attached - meaning its far easier to log in now with the added benefits your password close to hand for the use of the Chat Room or inputting times in to your free on line training diary.

And on that note - to all those who have recently joined or renewed their expired membership - Welcome to the only sport for gyms X Training and the only web site to record your times for free.

The Superfit

Congratulations to Ross Benson for winning Scotland's Premier X Training Challenge.

It is hoped that next year or maybe later this year this event may well form part of Gymxtc (Gym X Training Championships) as I know Alex Woods who came second and Jamie Spencer who came fourth have missed out on some critical points.

Well done to Inverclyde Leisure for putting on a X Training Challenge and broadening the scope for this sport.

The Gorton Grueller 2009

Closing Date 20th June 2009

Click here for more info

The Gorton Grueller

Taking the reigns this year to organise this event is personal trainer Mike Jones.

What is unique about this year is that Gorton have set up an events committee to distribute the workload in preparation. This is bringing together the gym as a community and involving member, client and event - a great way initiate a challenge and achieve great results together.

The UK GCA will focusing on members of this event in the lead up to it - so keep peeled to see a new wave of enthusiasm that is gripping the event management of X Training.

"Bringing member, client and event together"

The Gorton Grueller 2009

The Gorton Grueller is now on the horizon, which makes a good time to announce the Grand Slam of Gym Fitness UK .

Gym Fitness UK - Grand Slam

Five titles in one year that are searchable on the WGC.com website will produce, The Grand Slam Winner of Gym Fitness UK.

Chris Lord has won 2 titles this year so far he will be crowned - Grand Slam Winner of Gym Fitness UK.

This is another initiative by the UK Gym Challenge Association to show that the UK has the best Gymathletes in the world - and right at the moment , Chris Lord is dominating the sport.

There is of course one title missing - The Ultimate Gym Athlete  and build up to race of the year at The Orbital could be something quite spectacular.

UK's Fittest Gym and UK's Fittest Gym Member

The points have been updated. Fitness First 'Team Fitness' Camberley have romped into the lead at the half way stage through the year. Gorton have yet run the Grueller and there must be some more points up for grabs in the 'Other' categories.

Well done Camberley - hosting your own event, with all of the pawns has added you to the top of the pile so far this year.

The events are open to any gym in the UK to run, but only the Gym Elite do.

Click here to see the updated Tables.

Jamie Spencer with his victory in Iceland still holds on to the top spot as Fittest X Trainer. Lordy is catching ... watch this space.

New Events and News Update

Two new events are planned for this year - one in August and one in November. Don't forget Fit Brit is also happening and The Orbital - The only X Training Challenge in the UK that grades X Trainers .

From now on - entering a national event will not automatically grant you Silver status. You will have to have competed in 5 UK GCA (searchable on the internet) events to upgrade to the next level (All current levels stand)

A suitable term is yet to be announced for new X Trainers but another UK GCA step to increase numbers into national events.

Also from next year, entering a nationally recognised UK GCA event (searchable on the internet) will gain you two points for UK's Fittest Gym Member at Open Level for you and your gym. Entering at Intermediate or Sprint will gain you 1 point.

In the new events both gyms contacted WGC and expressed an interest in running an event. This is great news for the sport and hopefully will feed new members into The Gym X Training Championships in 2010.

Keep posted for more details.

Fitness Xtreme 2009

The ability to categorise your self into groups for the World Gym Challenge - means that there can be only one Ultimate Gym Athlete who earns his title at the Orbital.

But there can be many different variations of winners - fastest football player, fastest rugby player etc but also crucially fastest policeman.

Lets look at one of the fittest police officers in the UK at the moment and see what he has to say on the sport for gyms .

Is this the fittest police officer in the UK ?

Click here to read about Richard Vint

(last year's runner up in Fit Brit) and his views on X Training.

The UKGCA

The great safety debate on if an event should finish on a treadmill or on a weight station has now spread to the Blog Page -

In the blue corner, Men's Fitness Magazine Fit Brit Challenge , Ultra Fit Magazine Challenge and the UK GCA and in the red corner ... over to you

Fitness Xtreme 2009

The soon to be entered Hall of Fame Winners from Luton Fitness Xtreme 2009

                      The current UK Ultimate Gym Athlete - Chris Lord           LA Fitness finest X Trainer Trudi Hawksworth

                                                         16:10                                                            20:04

Fitness Xtreme 2009

Gymxtc ™ 2009

Gym X Training Championships 2009

The first race report can be seen here. A series of reports will follow and if you should wish to add any positive comments about the event - particularly from any of the women who took part, I would be happy to publish them.

 

Gymxtc ™ 2009

Gym X Training Championships 2009

Well, well, well - what a day ! One of the most successful X Training events ever. The term of phrase that is so important here, is quality rather then quantity. That is where you will find the UK Gym Elite.

As events go - Fitness Xtreme consistently hits nearly all the right buttons on all fronts and that is down to Mark Drury, who ensures that when you turn up for the day - from registration to perspiration - everything is taken care of.

Keep posted folks - this week will see interviews with first timers, dynamic race reports, photo's and news all round about the UK Gym Elite and the only sport for gyms - X Training.

Apololgies

UK's Fittest Gym Member Award missed adding crucially earned points for one of the most outstanding Gymathletes.

Jamie Spencer travelled to Iceland this year and came third. Iceland was an international event and 15 points were up for grabs. As Jamie came third , he earned another 8 points and a point for entering.

On this year trial year, it has been decided to award these points, but from next year only results from any International Gym Challenge that are entered into the WGC database and are searchable will count.

This puts Jamie well out in to the lead and is a a reminder to all those that are taking part in Gymxtc ™ this year - Fittest Gym Member Award is about those that take part in Gym Challenges - not neccersarily who wins them. For WGC that is what The Orbital was created for , the search for The Ultimate Gym Athlete and that will be held this year at Chatham Fitness First on the 26th Sept, with coverage soon to be added to a national press outlet.

Fitness Xtreme 2009

Gymxtc ™ 2009

Gym X Training Championships 2009

With the publication of the race line up announced, it is great to see so many of the UK Gym Elite competing at this event.

Alex Woods making the supreme effort of traveling from Edinburgh to give Chris Lord a very challenging race will close the day.

We are seeing new entries this year into the Open Event form the male category and Luton has entered some of the members there to see what exactly X Training is all about for the first time, as well have the Likes of Simon Bellinger, Riz Perez to add to their experienced team.

The truth be told - you do not become part of the UK Gym Elite by competing in gym challenges in your club - it may be a start, but the only real test of character, of speed, of strength and endurance and to be considered the very best , is to compete against the very best from any gym in the UK - and at Luton on the 16th May is where you will find us.

The next gym challenge is the legendry Gorton Grueller at Gorton Fitness First in Manchester and if you have missed this one - then the on line entry is at the top of the page for Gorton.

If you want to be considered the best - then you have to compete against the best.

Fitness Xtreme 2009

Race Line Up - Click Here

Looks to be some really good races for this one. Great to see the WGC website bringing in new members and please make them welcome on the day .

Good luck to all taking part and thank you to Mark Drury and Fitness First Luton for again hosting another brilliant X Training Challenge, the fastest growing sport for gyms.

 

UK's Fittest Gym and UK's Fittest Gym Member

Gymxtc ™ 2009

Gym X Training Championships 2009

S T R E N G T H - S P E E E D - E N D U R A N C E

Points will be awarded for the UK's Fittest Gym at Fitness Xtreme. As host Fitness First Luton get their 50 points and this could really open up the championships this year.

Favourite so far have got to be Gorton Fitness First with their soon to be event The Gorton Grueller - but there are a lot of points up for grabs here.

It's a game of Kings, Queens, and Pawns that will determine the UK's Fittest Gym. One gym may well have the winner, but the pawns from another gym,could well put their gym on the map by earning points for entry.

Winning so far is Fitness First Camberley, with Fitness First Gorton in 2nd Place

It's approaching half way through the season, so if you wish to represent your gym at these events please make sure you give the name of your club at registration.

Fitness Xtreme is this saturday at Fitness First Luton

Directions

Fitness Xtreme 2009

The very best UK Gymathletes will be competing at Fitness First Luton (Skimpot Lane).

If you are curious about these events , or are thinking of taking part in the next event, Luton is well placed to see some of the best racing this year.

If you are thinking about hosting a X Training Event or any Gym Challenge, then the UK GCA would welcome the chance to discuss the various options available to you.

Remember it's totally free to run a event and publish all the results on line specific for your gym and you could end up with the title' UK's Fittest Gym'.

Fitness Xtreme 2009 - 16th May 2009

sean@ukgca.com

Give yourself a reason to train at the gym.

 

Advanced Male - Sub 17 mins

Premier Male - Sub 15 mins

Advanced Female - Sub 18 mins

Premier Female - Sub 16 mins

 

Luton may be just too close to enter - but on the horizon are more events . Pencil this one in your diary now.

 

The Orbital - 26th September 2009 - Chatham Fitness First

 

This event will enter all timings in the only National X Training Database and you will see just how fit you are compared to the Gym Elite of the UK.

 

The male course record stands at 13:36 by former Royal Marine PTI and now serving Firefighter Neil Cameron

Click here to see the recognised UKGCA Gym Challenges

UK Fitness Gym Elite

Get 'Fitness Points' for your gym so you can be crowned 'UK's Fittest Gym' or enter this event so you can add points to be 'UK's Fittest Gym Member'

'The Gathering'

In true 'Highlander' fashion on the 16th May 2009 there will be a gathering of the UK's Fittest Gym members - the UK Gym Elite - competing in the annual Fitness Extreme Gym Challenge run by Mark Druy of Fitness First Luton.

'There can be only one'

The winner will be simply the fastest man or woman down the course, which tests speed, endurance and strength. It will be the purest form of a fitness challenge - one on one racing - and the UK Gym Elite will again demonstrate just why they are the best and the fittest gym members in the world.

Setting standards and records for gym's to follow, The UK GCA will be there recording the results and publishing them so others can try this incredible sport of X Training, but not until you have taken part in a equal playing field of members of gyms from all over the UK can you consider yourself part of the UK Gym Elite.

There is still a few days left to enter this event and then the doors will be closed till Manchester (Gorton Grueller) where the best and fittest members will be competing again.

Testing Strength, Speed and Endurance - Fitness Extreme 2009

Craig Horsfield

At the beginning of the year, a series of marathon challenges began to take place - the first three were Static Marathons meaning although the distance was completed - Craig actually didn't move anywhere. Craig, rode a double marathon on a Upright Bike, then rowed a Marathon in Feb on a Concept 2 rower , then used the Life Fitness X Trainer in March.

These types of marathons are particularly hard , because the sense of movement in any challenge means that you are one step closer to finishing - but not with static challenges, so motivation and focus are predominantly your primary sources of inspiration to complete the task.

Craig has so far raised over £890.00 for Christies Cancer Research in Manchester and has yet to add his latest Challenge - The London Flora Marathon, where it must have been a welcome relief to actually move and one where he completed in in  a time of 3 hours and 49 minutes.

If you would like to support Craig for latest Marathon Challenge - the link to his Just Giving Page is here.

On behalf of the entire X Training Community a massive well done to Craig for his incredible fitness and determination in his Four Marathon Challenge .

The May Newsletter

The May Newsletter will be sent out shortly, but for those of you who cannot wait ! ... or are having problems receiving the Newsletter click here.

 

To be part of the UK Gym Elite there are many qualities that you should possess. Winning is only one of them ....

Jason King - last year's winner for Fitness Extreme in Luton - gives his views on the current state of X Training.

The UK Gym Elite have earned their title by competing against a line up of the best Gymathletes from other clubs, including the armed services.

Read more about what it takes to be part of the UK Gym Elite .... more

 

Fitness X is to be held at Fitness First Luton on the 16th May

Chris Lord enters the Gymathlete Hall Of Fame again

Setting course records to be broken is what this site is all about. Chris Lord proves yet again that he is the best Gymathlete in the country.

Brighton X Training Challenge.

Click here to view what time he did it in

Is Chris Lord the Ultimate UK Gymathlete?

Latest Blog says yes - Do you agree or disagree ? Free to post your remarks and it's good for the sport too.

It also quotes a very important topical issue ... X Training

....it concentrates on one muscle in the body more then any other - the heart - recovery and anaerobic thresholds are tested more here then in any other sport  ... again do you agree or disagree?

The Blog Page is here for you to discuss the sport and see the sport grow.

 

Traveling from David lloyd Gym in Basildon. Nelson Anderson regularly competes in most XTE's throughout the UK. His comments reflect the thoughts of those there and could fit the bill for any Gym Challenge.

"What do you think of today"? (4th April)

"Brilliant!, really good day, really well run, good competition"

Any Gym in the UK can set up these challenges - they have the equipment, the members and the venues, what they don't obviously have is the Gym Elite - Gymathletes that train for hours being motivated and focused so that every time they visit the gym, there is something different to train for.

X Trainers in the UK are that - The Gym Elite versatile in:

 

S P E E D - S T R E N G T H - E N D U R A N C E

The next event that UK GCA has been invited to is Fitness X - to be held at Luton Fitness First on the 16th May - keep posted on the information on that challenge on Latest News and get those entry forms in early. If you wish to compete against the fittest and best Gymathletes in the UK start training now, you are going to have to prepare for this one.

Could you compete against the UK's Gym Elite ?

Fitness First - May 16th - Luton

The number one reason why gyms should run X Training Challenges.

The growing sport of X Training is not supported by FIA, UK Athletics , UK Sports, Sport England, Skills Active .

It is run by the people of gyms - for the people who go to gyms - to show what they can achieve in a gym environment given the chance. It is a non contact sport , which can be played as a team or individually and requires no skill. It can be carried out in Schools, Colleges, Universities, by the Armed Services, The Police and has an infrastructure totally in place for the sport to grow.

The ultimate reason for a gym to support X Training is here - Achieving real results for your members

Ultimately the UK Gymathlete is the fittest person in a gym who has the the three characteristics that create results from training in a gym - SPEED - STRENGTH- ENDURANCE and WGC has the times to prove it.

There may well be fitter individuals out there and more then likely are - but until they enter X Training Challenges and perform and achieve results that are published - then they can dream on.

10 Reasons why your gym should consider X Training Events.

If you own a gym - or go to a gym - here are 10 reasons why you should think about running or entering a X Training event - if you don't your competition will !

Click Here

Snapshot Interviews - Brighton 2009

Nigel Hodges - Dave's Gym Sidcup Kent

Your thoughts of today

Really enjoyed it, good experience - really good fun. My first open, it was exhausting, but well worth it - really enjoyed it.

How many form Daves Gym travled here today ?

There is a group of us here about 7 or 8, we have all given each other encouragement and had a great time.

More ....

It's quite simple - X Training delivers on so many fronts .... the question is are you or gym going to host or take part in the next one?

 

Steve Dowse

The personal training element of X Training is essential to the growth of the sport - but more importantly , it's having the right personal trainer - somebody who is passionate about making a difference in somebody's life - a lifestyle coach, friend and someone who can lead by example.

UK GCA caught up with Steve Dowse - one of the best personal trainers in the country and asked him his views on X training

"The one to one racing element of X Training is different to Marathon racing – it’s basically you versus him, whereas Marathon running is a whole field of people. When it’s one on one there is more desire to push yourself and the intensity of it all drags you more into the race" .... more

Steve Dowse

The Brighton X Training Challenge

A series of interviews took place during Brighton. The first with the organiser Jamie Spencer and rising star Kelly Friel can be see here. more ...

UK's Fittest Gym

It's a game of King, Queens and Pawns here. Firstly you have to run an event! Then you need members to represent your gym - and then you can earn the points. The more who enter from your gym , the more points you earn , it's that simple. I don't care what all the other gyms in the UK are saying - the fittest clubs in the UK are doing gym challenges - and getting real results.

After just three events this season in the lead is Camberley Fitness First - having run an event and then had a number of entries into the other events, they are leading by quite a margin at this moment in time. Having said that Gorton Fitness First has yet to receive their 50 points for when they host the Gorton Grueller and them boys and girls with rising star Craig Horsfeild in the team is really the club to look out for at the moment.

Calso and Daves Gym both from Kent are showing the big boys too - you don't need thousands of members to compete in the UK's fittest gym, you just need members that are focused and motivated - the big clubs could learn a lot while they sip their nice fluffy cappuccinos!

Full results Click Here

UK's Fittest Gymathlete

If Lewis Hamilton only entered one Formula One Grand Prix race this season - he may well be considered still the best driver out there, but would end up with few points. And so works the principle of UK's Fittest Gymathlete. Points are acquired by entering events and finishing in the top ten from January to December.

 

In the lead at the moment for the male's is non other then the incredibly popular Jamie Spencer - a fitting tribute thus far for a man that has put so much time and effort into the sport.

For the ladies - it's Becky Nicholas from Calso Gym in Kent

Full Results are here

There is a long way to go to the end of the season ! Well done to everyone so far - watch out for a comment on the Blog Page soon

The latest News Letter

The latest News letter can be read here

(apologies for the error's in certain sections of this news letter and to Sahil Siam for wrongly publishing his incorrect surname)

UK GCA reaches 1000 members

On the day of the Brighton X Training Challenge - the UK GCA reaches it's 1000 th member. This is an amazing result for X Training and those members of gyms who really want to achieve a new found level of fitness and show just what is possible.

News will follow about the Brighton XTE, but for now, the UK GCA would like to thank Jamie's Spencer who worked relentlessly in preparing the venue and arranging the race schedule. Also to Corals Health and Fitness Club in Brighton who allowed this event to happen and the members of Corals, X Trainers friends and family who turned up and supported this incredible new X Training Challenge.

More details will follow during this week.

Brighton X Training Challenge

The best Gymathletes in the country meet at Brighton to compete in the first X Training Challenge at Corals Health and Fitness Club.

Click Here to see the final race line up

Please note, with the permission of Ultrafit Magazine and the late Charles Mays family, there will be a minute silence before presentations are made.

Gemma Rudd from Acorns Gym at Lordswood Leisure Centre

How do you find working in the fitness industry?

I absolutely love it - just what I was born to do. I am a real people person and meeting new people and helping them achieve their goals really is a passion of mine more ....

Lordswood Leisure Centre

Gemma Rudd, from Lordswood Leisure Centre (Acorns Gym) in Kent takes on the role as Gym Challenge co ordinator for the World Gym Challenge. A brief interview with Gemma today will be published shortly - but as we can see from the photo - this gym in Kent is very motivated and already has raised lots of funds for charity and this will continue when WGC hits their main hall on October 10th.

Gemma Rudd

Brighton X Training Challenge 2009

Jamie Spencer , the creator of this exceptional Fitness Challenge has the pleasure to announce the race order.

Click here to see who you will be racing against.

For Goodness Shakes will be supplying the ultimate recovery drink on completion of each race to those who have entered.

The UK GCA will publish results live on completion of each race .

And for the first time ever - for those who took part in this challenge - The WGC Chat Room will be Open to talk about the day - Sun 10 00am am till late.

Just make sure you are logged in and chat away about the day.

 

Charles Mays

It is with a great deal of sadness that WGC reports that Charles Mays Editor of Ultra Fit Magazine passed away last month. Although this news reaches you late in the day, I felt it appropriate to mention this sad event.

Charles and I had several very lengthy conversations on the phone about X Training and there was never a more passionate man about its concept and about the sport itself. I think it would be fair to say that he was a supporter of the X Training Challenge and could see as a man of vision of just how this type of training can benefit the industry as a whole.' The suits' as he would call them would never let this happen.

Sadly and respectfully I would like to add, that the only magazine that truly represents the keen fitness enthusiast has lost a editor in chief who would be remembered for his endearing passion for fitness and those who possess true fitness.

Charity Marathon on the X Trainer.

Craig is at it again ! This time it's a grueling 26.2 miles on the X Trainer. Let's remember he's already done a marathon on the rowing machine, a double marathon on the upright bike, and now at the halfway stage he sets out to another marathon on the X Trainer , with completion of his marathon task in April when he competes in the London Marathon!

All for charity - and again it's Christies who will benefit from Craig's efforts.

Fitness First in Gorton are providing the equipment and close friends Farouk Vawda, Mike Jones, Penny B and Sarah Green will there to support him all the way, along with anybody else who be there for Craig - why not pop down if you are in the area ? Any support is always welcome and you could have a look at one of the best clubs in the UK and the best gymathletes too !

Good luck Craig for Saturday

The Brighton X Training Challenge

The best X Trainers in the country are looking to compete at Brighton. Who knows they may even be persuaded to take the delights of this remarkable sea side town whilst they are there - but one thing is for certain - a tough challenge awaits them when they set foot down the new course which has been designed by Jamie Spencer .

The course record is waiting to be achieved and for those of you who are not there - you can do nothing but admire those who are

Click Here to see some of the best Gymathletes in the UK right now

Keep checking too - it will be updated as race day closes in.

The Brighton X Training Challenge

Although the race line up isn't completed yet, lets have a look at some of the best Gymathletes taking part in this new event.

You will notice that a few of them have got WGC grading's and this is only possible by completing the WGC Challenge in under the set time at a verified event or by a official verifier.

Click Here to see who is brave enough to take the challenge on.

Points will be allocated into Fittest Gym of the Year and Fittest X Trainer of the Year - no later then two weeks after this event.

The latest Addition

UK GCA is pleased to announce the following news. Lordswood Leisure Centre in Kent have agreed to host their own X Training Challenge on the 10th October.

 

The latest News Letter

For those of you who have not seen it due to emailing issues - the latest UK GCA News Letter can be seen here.

The WGC Hall of Fame Course Records

The 2009 Course records for X Training Challenges has been updated (Click Here)

All timings have been verified by an event they have entered and are recognised as the fastest in the world.

Do not smirk or think you can do better without entering - you are nothing to this sport if you just sit by and watch.

The WGC Gym Ironman Standard Course has been withdrawn from the system and taken on by another source. To comply with the organisers wishes WGC will not have access to this event in 2010.

Phillip Snowden from Fitness First Chatham - sets the bench mark for all others to beat

Getting people on the first level is the idea behind setting a smaller version of the WGC Challenge. Personal Trainer Phillip Snowden from Fitness First Chatham starts the ball rolling with Kent Fitness Week Fitness Challenge. A keen rower this online event suits Phil and any X Trainer out there who reckons they can do better here are the splits . It took 5 minutes to set this event up in the gym studio.

Name	Bike (L12- 2km)	Bench Jumps (50)	Sit Ups - Full (50)	Step Ups 2 x 12kg db 50	Bench Press 40 x 40 kg	Row 750 m	Total
Phillip Snowden	2.26	0.37	1.20	1.46	1.09	2.50	10.08
*Sean Blyth*	3.00	0.40	1.11	1.57	1.42	3.21	11.51

 

Equipment used Life Fitness Bike and Concept 2 rower.

For somebody who has not competed in X Training before Phillip looks like a real good prospect. If you send your times in to info@worldgymchallenge.com - and if you are in the community - they will be published.

Mike Jones takes control of the Gorton Grueller.

In terms of hard gym challenges - there can probably be no greater challenge in this year's calendar then the legendry Gorton Grueller - first stated by Micky White at Gorton Fitness First, this event event is notoriously hard and eagerly awaited for by the X Training community - The 60 Bench and 60 Shoulder for this challenge alone would scare of most normal sane person - but not the dedicated X Trainer - grit the teeth and take the challenge on and this is what makes them the Gym Elite.

27th June 2009 Gorton Fitness First

Full details, including On Line booking will be on the Events page soon, but for those that dare , here is  quick reminder of what you can expect ...

Do you have what it takes to be part of the Gym Elite?

A Global Sport?

The recent Iceland competition had a huge turnout - more then any UK event - little is known of what happened and WGC would welcome any articles that wish to be mentioned about it from anyone who took part.

But what is certain is that there is the potential for international events - with worldwide gymathletes competing - and If i was gambling man - one of them would be Hasan Itani from the United Arab Emirates. WGC caught up with Hasan and asked him about his current views on XT and his passion for the sport.

Click here to read it

Are you curious ?

The last XTE was at Fitness First in Gorton - have a brief look at what happens at these events and then ask your self - could you ?

Click here to see what happens

The GYMXTC ™ Photo Trophy

Displayed at Brighton this year will be the very first trophy award which captures that moment of motivation , achievement and success - the photo frame trophy award.

The image of X Training is one of the most powerful in the world - and probably the one sport that translates better on picture then it does on film - that is why WGC has introduced the GYMXTC ™ Photo Award and Trophy.

Click here to see if you would like to order on of these incredible moments in your life.

The Best of the Best Personal Trainers

Where do you find the best Personal Trainers in the UK ?

At the next X Training Challenge - why ? Because they know the secret of what it takes to succeed in a gym environment.

Many more personal trainers were there ... leading and setting examples in fitness ... mouse over the pictures to find out who these personal trainers are - The answer is these guys inspire - the question to all the personal trainers out there is ... could you ? info@worldgymchallenge.com and find out if you have what it takes.

Hempstead Valley X Training Challenge

Due to negotiations stalling in the process of setting up this event , WGC has had to postpone this event until a future date.

It is hoped that this event will again be on the table for early next year .

WGC - Definition of X Training

The definition of X Training as a sport has just been published. if you would like to make comment on this please use the face book group to do so.

Click here to read the definition.

UK GCA News Letter

The first News Letter has just been sent out to all members.

For those members who for some reason have not received their email - please check your spam settings or click here to read the first issue.

 

Fitness X 2009

The Fitness X time sheet is now in all personal files should you wish to try this course.

Always seek medical advice before undertaking a strenuous physical challenge .

Due to the organisers request there will no on line entry for this event. Entry form's can be downloaded from the following link and clicking onto Fitness X ... more

Fitness X 2009

Mark Drury has announced this years discipline line up at Fitness X - 16th May 2009 ... more

 

Gym Ironman - Ironwoman 2009

The final chapter to the race report with the photo gallery of the winners has just been published ... more

WGC would like to thank For Goodness Shakes for supplying a post race drink for all the competitors who took part this year.

Craig's 2nd marathon

Craig Horsfeild will be biking for charity - a double marathon (82, 390 m) at Manchester's Crown Point Shopping Square from 10 30 - members of the public can ride along side Craig and do their but too.

Another great effort and on completion , Craig will have another 2 marathons to complete in March and April.

X Trainers this year are certainly doing there bit for charity and WGC will do all it can to promote these challenges on the website.

Good luck Craig and well done

 

Race Report from the Gym Ironman Ironwoman by Sean Blyth (updated 28th Feb)

With so much to write about with the Mens Open the race report will be in sections with the first here .... more

Race Report from the Gym Ironman Ironwoman by Sean Blyth

This years race reports will be in two sections - The Intermediate and Female Open, followed by the Male Open Race Report.

The first can be read here ... more

 

Quote of the Day (Gym Ironman/Ironwoman)

"Gym Ironman / Ironwoman is always a professionally run competition and the only event where I feel mentally, as well as physically, spent at the end. I reckon I say "KEEP GOING" 1000 times in my head during the competition"

Alex Woods (Personal Trainer) www.golffit.org.uk

The Charity Gym Challenge

A new record has been set by Jason King from David Lloyd in Basildon.

Events	Specification	Event Time	Running Time
Treadmill	1000 m	3.09	3.09
Bike	2000 m	2.48	5.57
Row	500 m	1.53	7.50

This beats the previous by ten seconds and there was a slight problem with tranistion too as the Bike to the row was a fair distance - any other X Trainer fancy a crack at this - please get in contact.

Equipment used Life Fitness and Concept 2 and incluses tranistion, ie start on the run and finish on the row.

Fittest Gym and Fittest X Trainer of the Year

Check out your position for the trial year for Fittest Gym and Fittest X Trainer

http://www.worldgymchallenge.co.uk/WGC-FittestXTraineroftheyear2009.asp

Jamie and Emma are the leaders after two events and Camberly Fitness First lead the way with fittest gym, spearheaded by Lloyd and his faithful crowd of X Trainers who are making a real impact on the X training scene this year.

 

Dream Team 2009

The current UK's Fittest Gym will have a new category entered into it   'The Dream Team'  This is so, should any past elite X Trainer who once took part in the sport decide to enter one of the many XTE's this year, it will not upset the current scoring balance and points allocated will reflect positions fairly in the tables from WGC.

 

The 2009 Gym Ironman / Ironwoman

Stuart Leng would like to thank all those that are taking part in this very tough Gym Challenge tomorrow. He realises that a lot of time and effort has been undertaken by those Gymathletes that have taken it upon themselves to train to extreme fitness to be able to compete in this event.

For those that take part you are the Gym Elite and WGC salutes you.

 

Close races?

Another close race to look out for is the Nelson Anderson and Paul Moreton race. It looks like Paul has really been upping the pace in training as his recent time in the Hampshire was a blistering result for him - but Nelson will be hard on his tails for the longer event seems to suit him.

Lets just have a quick look at last year and then let Saturday decide !

Nelson Anderson vs Paul Moreton

Close races?

No pressure to perform on the day.... ! but based on established times from last year lets just have a look at what could be one of the greatest races ever seen at a X Training event .

Kirk Gibbons vs Andy Lett

The Gym Ironman/ Ironwoman 2009

The new course for the Gym Ironman/ Ironwoman has now been entered into the database.

The winners will still go into the Hall of Fame, but the course record (since times were registered on WGC) stands with Chris Lord of the Royal Marines.

WGC would like to thank Stuart Leng the organiser of the Gym Ironman/ Ironwoman and all those who have entered.

All timings will be entered live on the day and a tailor made photo frame will be available for order at a cost of £17.50 from Kaizen Gallery