Elite or Beginner gym athlete - something for you all here at WGC.com

What is very apparent at any X Training event is the fact that training times are different to race times. Members may be interested to know that they can enter their timings for any challenge within the Grand Prix on Line and straight into their Personal Database via the Enter Your Timings page.

If there is a Verifier at your gym this can be authenticated and a tick placed by your name.

It's not giving anything away and will make the organisers job a lot easier when co- ordinating race plans. Your co operation would be greatly appreciated.

Eventually it is hoped that even if you miss an event you can still submit a time  on line by use of a verified time (It will not affect the Day of Race results).

FYI - The name of the person who records your time - the Verifier - is displayed too. All of these people are respected within the community.

Welcome to the Inspiration behind the Dale Destroyer.

Aidy Cartwright has compiled his own fitness Challenge for the members of Fitness First at Rochdale.

The Dale Destroyer

Since his introduction to X Training just a few short months ago, Aidy has embraced the concept and seen so many benefits that the sport brings to his clients and members that he now runs X Training classes and competes in the National Championships regularly - all this whilst taking his degree in Nutrition.

The sport of X Training makes no secret that the growth aspect of the sport is heavily reliant on Personal Trainers seeing the benefits for their members and clients and relies heavily on their commitment to see the sport grow.

But with Personal Trainers like Aidy out there, who can see quite clearly the benefits of the sport having run one at his gym which raised over £1000 for charity and involved the eldest female competitor at 65 and the youngest at just 18 , it is no wonder that Aidy felt compelled to arrange his own event - which subject to approval will be part of the Grand Prix next year .

The event will be run in December and for those of you who wish to see its disciplines you can check it out in ' Enter your Timings ' and attempt a time on line.

Or alternatively click here to see the event and the reasons why the event is taking place.

It's good to see a steady trickle of X Trainers in the new web site of www.sportme.org. A great oppurtunity to spread the word of X Training.

More photo's have been added to view, so please feel free to have a browse !

www.sportme.org

On Saturday the 27th October one of the greatest sporting moments in X Training history takes place. The marriage of Gary Nicholas and Becky Ciel the owners of Calso Gym in Bromely Kent.

Gary the inspiration behind the Grand Prix and Becky have been at the forefront of X Training for an eternity - which just goes to prove the case that not only does X Training increase your fitness levels - but now an added bonus of marriage is thrown in too!

On behalf of all the members of WGC.com we would like to take this opportunity to thank them both for their dedication to the sport, their commitment to the growth of X Training and wishes them both a life time of happiness together.

Many Congratulations

Stuart's race report is available to view here

With the event now firmly fixed into the X Training calendar - your thoughts and views would be really appreciated , so that the news letter for October/November can be prepared, which will mean more information can be sent out to those that are thinking about X Training in their next visit to the gym.

please contact:

info@worldgymchallenge.com

What do these two Personal Trainers have in common?

Both have introduced X Training to their clients at Fitness First.

Click here to see if you as a Personal Trainer could possibly inspire your clients, to try X Training.

The final pictures taken by Tim Sellars are now avialiable to view.

Please click here to see the photographs.

The Individual Performance Board for the Open can now be viewed here

Keep in contact !

There is a new vote/poll on the Blog page ( bottom left blue column)

Please cast your vote on the recent Gorton Grueller

A few photo's have been placed on the new site of www.sportme.org . It's like Facebook, but for sport enthusiasts. A specific group of X Training has been set up. Please join it - it will be great for the sport.

Wanna keep in contact with the community? Well Sportme.org is a great place to start - it's free and already very succesful in Germany.

WGC.com is talking connection - Are you connected?

Click here to start the first part of the journey to get connected and some of the reasons why you should.

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

For he to-day that sheds his sweat with me

Shall be my brother"

slight variation to Henry V famous speech

Click here to see split times.

Do you want to be part of something special? Register and be part of the UK X - Training community.

Good Luck to all of you taking part in the Gorton Grueller at Fitness First, Gorton on Saturday.

Please remember, if you wish for your split times to be published on the Results Table you do have to register on this site.

http://www.worldgymchallenge.com/signup.asp

Just click on the above link to register.

It's all happening - Details of this event are on this link - Can you handle it? Click here for details

Wanna be part of something special?

 For those of you who have not seen the recently published latest 'You Tube' link of how X Training was - please look at the following links. Comments can be made on the Blog Page

XZone 2001 http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=CGogzkJxEt4  

Ultrafit 99   http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=3ZnmzKIGP8o  

BOB 2003   http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=62kgKMd5i3w  

The impressive Mr Hywel Davies - showing just what a phenomenal all round athlete he is and what it takes to be - the Best of the Best.

With a week to go to the Gorton Grueller, WGC.com wants to bring to your attention more of a focus on the organiser of this event and her thoughts on X Training - Frances Walton.

For those that know Frances, you will know what an outstanding Personal Trainer she is and her total commitment to the sport of X Training. WGC.com would like to say thank you to Frances for her incredible perseverance and dedication to the sport.

Click here to read all about the Gorton Grueller.

In preparation for the the Best of the Best event being run by www.dbmax.co.uk, in Dubai. It is advisable that you register your name on this site in advance of the 16th Nov so that the tables can be prepared.

The tables and results will reflect timings only of those athletes who have registered on the site - this is down to the Data Protection Act .

For those of you still curious about entering - here is again a small reminder of what to expect .....

and a bit of this too ......

Just how can anybody not be tempted!!!

With the lead up to the Grueller being two weeks away, here is a quick focus on some of the athletes taking part.

Gym managers may recognise some of them and maybe take some pride in the fact that they represent the only sport in the UK that is unique to gyms - your gym!

Click here for brief Athlete focus.

WGC.com is all about increasing awareness of X Training and bringing new people into the sport - please read the following email with interest. It was one of the reasons this site was built for - and if you are one of the many gym managers we have spoken to who have said - no I don't think our members will like that sort of thing - maybe think again. X Training will be the sport of gyms and if you are a manager of a gym we'd like to hear the case for why not - as for WGC.com here is one of the reasons as to why!

Hi Sean,

I have never entered any kind of X-training challenge before and have only recently started training in X-training.  I would therefore only be interested in entering the intermediate challenge as am not where ready for the open.  Last years times are impressive and although I will probably come last! (based on those times from last year), I am entering to give myself a base and hope to improve as time goes on.

Despite all this I hope that I am able to enter as it is something I really would like to experience and gives me a something to train which my training has lacked for some time – a purpose.

Anyway, many thanks again for getting back to me.

Best regards,

Steve

Last years times for the Gorton Grueller can be seen click here for the Open. Click here for the Intermediate

If you wish your split timings to be in the tables for this year, you will have to register on the database.

Please click here to register

A list of those currently registered and taking part in the Grueller is available  click here

Don't forget, after you have logged on - you will recieve a 'Personal Record' of all the events you have entered on the WGC database. Plus many other benefits.

With 15 days to go until Fitness First's sell out Gorton Grueller, the build up begins to look at some of the races that will be happening on the day.

If anybody would like to add comment about their race please contact

sean@worldgymchallenge.com

Click on to the following link to see comments about the race line up.

Race Line up focus

It is with great pleasure to say well done to Lloyd Millichap who has today gained Advanced Status with a verified time of 16 mins 50.

Lloyd has worked tirelessly to improve his time and since 23th Feb (19:41) to where he is now and WGC.com would like to say a massive well done.

"I've been training my arse off and its clearly paid off! x-training is the true true way to greater fitness!"  Lloyd Millichap

Also there is a new No1 time beating Kirk's time. Who is this? I hear you say - well waiting for verification and then the time will be published. The Number 1 slot the time has to be authenticated. Keep posted to see the new time published.

 For your information.

The X Training Calendar now starts to heat up. Until the end of the year there is a X Training event in each month

1. October 20th - Manchester - Gorton Grueller
2. November 16th - Dubai - Best of the Best
3. December 1st - The Hampshire Fire and Rescue X mas Cracker - Hampshire.

Admittedly some of you may not be able to enter Dubai due to a slight travel commitment being involved! But the point being, the upcoming months are going to be some of the most physically challenging due to the proximity of events. And on top of all that WGC.com is pleased to announce that next year - as part of the UK X Training Grand Prix another venue has been secured for another event to cope with the expanding numbers wanting to participate in this amazing sport.

WGC.com is pleased to represent some of the most incredible athletes in this country - who love nothing more then to challenge themselves and take part in a sport that some have been competing in since the 90's. It is high time that the athletes who compete should get recognition they deserve and WGC.com is committed to that very important goal.

Please keep posted on the only web site that is committed to see X Training becoming a national sport - your support is greatly appreciated.

What happened last year in Dubai?

Do you want to be part of something really special ?

Click here for further details    and check out the Events Calendar "Best of the Best"

Are you up for it ?

The Gorton Grueller

For those of you who are entering the above event it is important that you register on World Gym Challenge.com so that your results will be published on the event results table - or your personal record.

Sign on here by clicking this link

Just enter your email address

Enter a user name

Click the terms and conditions

Done. Thank you.

Task Completed Date Level In Time Evt WGC Advanced Course 18-Aug-2007 Gold 19.26 WGC Advanced Course 13-Jan-2007 Gold 22.49 Sp lit Time: 217 days apart -3.23

The above table goes to show that in the 217 days since my first attempt, I have improved my time by 3mins and 23 sec's.

Just so members can keep track of how their times are improving on the WGC Challenge - if you click the tick box in Edit Profile then ...Edit details then tick the last box on right Personal Record - You will be able to track improvements to your world gym challenge attempts and they will be displayed on your Profile Page and your Personal record Page.

The tick on the right means the time has been verified and witnessed.

Ever wondered how you are improving at the gym? Put it to the test - try the challenge. It is free for all particiapting gyms. And free for individuals for the first three months.

There is a new Poll about the Gorton Grueller on the Blog Page. Some feedback about this event is essential to maintain the growth aspect of the sport.

Please feel free to post a comment on the event and cast a vote on the Gorton Grueller on the Blog Page.

Remember if people are not talking about X Training - no body will know the sport is out there. The best kept secret in the Health and Fitness Industry needs to be shared. Please feel free to post a comment and let others know about this sport.

For those that want to know a little bit more about the Gorton Gruller at the Open Level read on .....

Sorry for stating the obvious but Francis Walton the organiser of the Gorton Grueller has just announced that the event is full. All things considered no real surprise there - an excellent venue (Fitness First Gorton) a challenging course and people that love to rise to the challenge.

But WGC would like to inform members that even if you can't physically get there - you can enter the event on line. Your times will not be verified and as such cannot hold merit in any official recording (un ticked) but the future of this sport can mean they could be - all you need is a verifier at your gym - either recognised by REPs or recognised by WGC.

So if you have been unlucky enough to be too late to enter this year , try the on line challenge and see how you get on.

Remember - this is a very hard challenge and only those of you who have the capability to do so should attempt it. It is therefore only in the Enter your timings folder for those that have reached Silver Status.

Here is a reminder of what happened last year

Write up

A result of the tables from last year

Masters

Intermediate

And to top it all of a few pictures of the shoulder press!!!!

Don't even think about the Open Course unless you can endure the above!

But please do enjoy the Intermediate and Starter Course for a taster into this incredible sport.

Post any comments you like on the BLOG PAGE

Continuing the theme of advancement and development. The next change brought into exercise practice is the squat thrust.It is hoped the Jack will be phased out and the double leg Squat Thrust be phased in. Again in keeping with Calso - the Calso Squat Thrust has been developed - to give good indication of range of movement and an area that is consistent with making exercise easy to judge and easy to set up.

The two Reebok benches are level to the floor

They are placed 20 inches apart

The hands are held on the board and supporting the body in the prone position.

A line marker (normally 14 inches) apart is set for the feet to cross over

All other rules apply ( no ghost tapping etc)

The course organiser can define whether they are alternate squats - or double leg squats.

When the chance arises - one of the most revolutionary developments for judging the sit up will be shown on WGC - again developed by Calso - watch this space.

Again any comments are more then welcome on the Blog Page

Developing advancement and bringing the age old question - how do you judge a press up for X Trainers? WGC would like to bring your attention to the "Calso Press Up"

Thought up by Gary Nicholas, to bring fair and maximum range of movement that is easily visible to judge, the "Calso Press Up" seems long over due. Make comments on the Blog Page if you agree , disagree - like dislike or anything about this press up in competition or for normal training.

The chin touches the bar.

The arms lock out to full extension

Back alignment is kept horizontal throughout the movement.

Complete dip to 90 degrees is easily visible by the chin touching the bar

Further advancements in the squat thrust and Sit Up will follow - but your views would be appreciated on the Blog Page. Post your comments on the "Training" Stream

Well done to Aidy Cartwright for reaching Advance status on the WGC Challenge. Aidy who only recently discovered X Training and was introduced to the sport by Andy Lett is proving to be a real asset and a glowing example of what good Personal Trainers are all about and why they are vital at development stage within clubs.

Motivated, Professional, Caring and Committed. I do not think anybody at Fitness First Rochdale would disagree.

Aidy (Left) with Andy Lett.

Continuing the theme of X Training for everybody. It is really important that the misconception of X Training being for the extremely fit is dealt with. X Training is about creating the right environment for anybody to train in. See how a great X Training class is run at Calso in Bromley and ask yourself - could I do that ? Click here for further details

Have you ever wondered what it is like to do a X Training event?

Did you think you are not fit enough?

Is X Training only for the seriously fit?

If you are thinking of entering a X Training event in your local gym - read this

Just a few reminders to the members of WGC.

The Cyber Gym is a community of X Trainers whom have done the WGC Challenge. You will easily find timings of anybody who has completed a challenge in your own Personal Record if you join the Cyber Gym. To join just find the Cyber Gym in 'edit your profile' section.

The Blog Page is available for comment on section of X Training. Comments are moderated which mean they will not be published until they have gone through a screening process. Only positive and constructive views will be published. You do have to register to posts comments , your log in details for WGC will not give you access.

The nature of this web site is that any sport (football, rugby, tennis etc) can take part as well the services (Fire, Military and Police). If you 'edit your profile' to say which sport you take part or if you are a member of the services, you will be the fastest entrant for that sport if your time is fast enough. Again, it's that tricky little 'edit your profile' section that will allow you to do this.

Finally did I mention the' edit your profile' section ?

The latest August news letter has just been sent out. I hope you find it informative and news worthy.

If anybody would like to be featured in next month's news letter - or has any news about X Training please get in contact at

info@worldgymchallenge.com

For the record, this site was never built for any other reason then to promote the sport of X Training and to get recognition by Sport England as a credible sport - then see it grow into a mass participation event. Any gym that wishes to be involved is more then welcome to join the free database and we hope that any gym that takes part will see the benefit of XTraining at their gym and especially for their members.

The health of a Nation and any means to encourage fitness is something that WGC in it's present format will continue to do

The next UK Grand Prix Event is the Gorton Grueller

If you would like to order your Stash vest at a price of £17.95 please contact David at www.stashmeup.com

The front of the vest Gorton Grueller 2007

Back of the vest your name and the words X - Trainer which makes you part of the fastest growing sport in gyms.

Congratulations to Andy Lett who has been the second person to break 15 minutes for the Advanced Challenge at Fitness First, Rochdale.

This makes Andy Premier Status.

For those of you that know Andy, you will know what a great ambassador for the sport he is and I'm sure I am with you all when I say - well done.

A massive thank you to our sponsors for supporting and giving away prizes for Saturdays event.

The next event for those that have got the bug - is the Gorton Grueller - will you be there?

If you are still wondering what X Training is all about - read this link and then ask yourself - could I do that?

Nearly £1000 raised for Charity at Fitness First Rochdale

What a quite incredible day. Keep posted for more photo's interviews and views on yesterdays event.

Remember to register on the home page if you want to see your split timings

And a massive thank you to everyone who organised, took part and supported this event.

All the guys and girls who are taking part in Saturday's Gym Challenge at Rochdale Fitness First and want their times displayed on the On Line Tables need to Register at

http://www.worldgymchallenge.com/signup.asp

Once you have completed the On line Registration, all the times that are recorded for the challenge you complete on Saturday will go in to the On Line Result Table and your Personal Record.

Good luck to you all

 Rochdale "Fitness First" X - Training Challenge.

With one week to go a devoted Personal Trainer goes to show what one man can achieve at a gym.

Step up to the podium Aidy Cartwright.

What I have heard so much from gyms is what they can't do for their members - what I hear from Aidy , who trains out of Fitness First in Rochdale is what he can do for his members.

Raising money for Charity, creating a sense of community and having a fun day at the gym he, his clients and members train at, is exactly what what this website is all about.

A massive thanks to Aidy for setting up this challenge.

Keep posted for further details.

The Gorton Grueller is run every year - and every year it get's more popular. Why is this? Well the answer is quite simple - X Training is growing because people like the three competitors above like the competitive edge to train. They also like the sense of community that develops as each race meet happens. They also meet up with friends they have made at the gym - or they have been training with them for the challenge that is approaching and more importantly - when each competitor takes their turn, there is mutual understanding and respect about what is involved in this challenge - because they have attempted it themselves and they are getting cheered on by those that know what they are going through.

This is why something like the Marathon is so popular - mutual respect for one another. Now in the same light as in the Marathon for instance, having completed the course at Beginner or Intermediate each competitor can marvel at the performance of the Advanced athletes of X Training.

           Nik Kandola                                                   Francis Walton                                    Rebecca Ciel

Last Year's times for the advanced can be viewed here

But let's face it?

The bare facts of the matter is that " You train at a gym and all of this is possible to do at the gym you train at - at any level !"

Now still thinking about what to train for at the gym?

The extremely popular Gorton Grueller details have just been announced by the equally glamorous and lovely Francis Walton (right)

The event will take place on the 20th October 2007 at Fitness First Gorton

Click here for details of last years event.

And if you think you are up for it after that click here for this years course

Still interested?

Click here for further details ... 2007 format   Entry Form 2007  Fitness First directions  RULES AND EXERCISE DETAILS

 Now after all that will there be any new takers who will take this course on?

Those that do these challenges know what's involved - do you want to be one of these extra ordinary athletes? And consider your self a X Trainer!

Mick Gooch's amazing ability to do one finger push ups on a nail or bottle of beer were again displayed to an amazed crowd. Featured on Meridian tonight, Mick really is something of a local celebrity - and raises money for many good causes.

Mick's records are recognised by Paddy Doyle's International Record Holders Association. A recognised governing body for world record attempts.

Anybody who needs to contact Paddy about World records they may be attempting - please visit his web site

Paddy Doyle - World's fittest athlete

The Ministry of Muscle in Aylesford Kent saw the final of Britain's most Powerful Man.

Host's Steve and Gina Winter event was worthy of high praise, slickly run, hugely entertaining and something for everybody.

The Gym Challenge is a celebration of athletes of all shapes sizes and fitness levels and one thing is for sure about these exceptional guys today - they train hard and perform to the max.

A massive well done to them all for raising money for charity and putting on a show - which everybody in the crowd was entertained  and amazed by their incredible strength.

Click here for more pictures

On the day the result for best event this year for the Grand Prix is announced , the final voting placed 3 out of the four events a dead heat, each receiving 28% of the vote.

Calso - Dragons - Fitness Extreme all take their place in the best event for X Trainers this year.

The chance to vote again on a subject will come around shortly - maybe a X Trainer would like to suggest a poll? Just think of 4 or 5 questions and just contact:

info@worldgymchallenge.com

and let it go to the vote - easy!

Talking of the Grand Prix. Gary Nicholas (organiser of the Grand Prix) gives his views on X Training this year.

Read the full interview here

                Lloyd Millichap                                                                                                                     Kirk Gibbons

Are you a Personal Trainer?

Are you fit?

Challenge other Personal Trainers On Line.     

Be part of the PT Leader Board!

The Personal Trainer Leader Board is only for Personal Trainers who embrace the concepts of Gym Challenges. You do not have to have incredible levels of fitness, but you do need to submit time, commitment and passion towards your clients.

The absolute benefits of witnessing your clients fitness improve as they attempt these challenges is something that you as a trainer can take pride in.

Then again .... maybe you don't like the fact that you can advertise for free on this site. Or keep a track of your clients details or create events at your local gym and publish times on line - or challenge other Personal Trainers to a fun competition ?

And guess what else ? Male of Female Personal Trainers are all equally welcome .

Try  X Training for your clients because the growth of the sport is depending on Personal Trainers who care about their clients fitness.

Llangollen Leisure Centre is the first Club in Wales to take part in the WGC challenge.

Sarah Andrews and her husband James have embraced the concept of what we are trying to do and between them and their member's represent the true meaning of what X Training is all about - Motivation, Participation and Incentive to train.

Sarah has set the challenge for her gym members and is leading by example by entering herself.

WGC would like to say a special thanks to Sarah and her husband James for their initiative and passion for supporting what can only be described as the best sport for gyms in the world today.

Stuart Leng has been involved in X Training for nearly 15 years. His event The Ironman is held annually in Manchester and considered one of the hardest events in the UK X Training Calendar.

Stuart's views on X Training are interesting and varied and he is never one to pull any punches - if the sport is to grow , then it is with the Grand Prix in mind and future events should encompass the whole X Training scene.

Read here the full interview

The Blog Page Vote on the best event this year so far - will close on the 31st July.

Winning so far with 31% of the vote is Fitness Extreme at Luton.

If you would like to change this or increase Fitness Extremes vote then please register and vote for your best event so far.

It is really easy to do -just go to the Blog page (register). Find the vote section (bottom left of blue column) choose your best event so far and vote ! Easy.

Here's the deal. Anybody who is qualified as Silver and above, there is a new Challenge in town!

The Duathlon and X Train Challenge.

2 km Row - 5 km Bike - 200 Alt Squat Thrusts - 50 press Ups - 5 km Bike - 2000m Row.

The problem with X Training is that it is so versatile and training for it leaves the appetite wanting to test yourself.

This event is in the system and can be found by clicking "Enter your timings" It can be verified using the same process as any other challenge. The difference for this challenge is that the middle part (Squats and press ups) just drains you because you have that all important final 2000m row to finish off on! ..... Enjoy!

This challenge should only be attempted by those who are physically fit, have no medical conditions, have consulted a fitness professional for guidance and are of Silver Ranking on WGC listing or above.

If enough timings are submitted a league will be set up of fastest times.

WGC is pleased to announce that this site is not dedicated to the gym - but the person at the gym.

Every gym when it closes it's doors is just machinery and weights waiting to be used. It is the members that make the gym special.

What WGC offers for free - is a database for a gym to take pride in their members and focus on the incredible performances in gym challenges that their members are capable of; that may be a first timer trying X Training for the first time, or a seasoned athlete who competes in the Grand Prix for X Training - either way, what WGC provides is motivation to train and a sense of community and achievement for their members and the following pictures all have something in common .....

                   Surrey                                                       Essex                                                   Worcestershire

            Manchester                                          Derby                                                 Bedfordshire

.....X Training ! It is sprouting up all over the place - is your gym getting the bug yet?

Be part of the community and enjoy the challenge...contact info@worldgymchallenge.com for further details

In conjunction with Paddy Doyle's website www.worldsfittestathlete.co.uk, WGC will publishing on it's site any record attempt that has the correct verification to be entered on to the International Record Holders Association web site hosted by Paddy Doyle.

WGC particularly wants to focus on the charity aspect and welcomes submissions from gym's around the UK to be focused on our pages for any challenge or record that you attempt.

Check out Mick Gooch's incredible record of one finger press up's here and realise that not only is WGC interested in X Training but also the human spirit in any challenge that is attempted.

It is my pleasure to announce to the members of worldgymchallenge.com that Paddy Doyle - World's fittest man and supporter of what we are doing, is now the official title holder of another world record, making his career total to date of 148 fitness and endurance records.

Paddy today broke the Arden Walk 26 Mile Marathon Challenge . His time was:

7 hrs 32mins and 2 seconds

previous record was

9 hrs 8 min's

Impressive? That's not all - Paddy was carrying 45 lb pack, the previous record was with a 40 lb pack.

WGC is privileged to announce this amazing achievement.

WGC - says well done to Paddy Doyle, a true inspiration. ....

The vote for the best event this year is pretty much too close to call. In the lead so far is:

35% Fitness Extreme

25% Dragons Gauntlet

20% Iromnan

20% Calso

If you want to change the vote or increase the lead - it's pretty easy to vote. Just register on the Blog page and vote! easy..

Not only that, but in time - a vote survey for all the events, based upon questions that X Trainers want answers to will take place. Will it be democratic? Yes because X Trainers get to vote.

The race report for a fun and exciting day at Camberley can be seen here.

The day was a huge success and proves that X training needs to flourish at the fun element - in the same way marathon running does in order for it to grow.

What I will say - is that for those at Camberley, they experienced the finest performance of all of their training and every single one of them take pride in what they achieved that day.Well done to you all.

X- training is not about what you can't achieve - but what you can.

What happens when a group of X Trainers get together and decide to have a challenge day? .....I tell you, everybody experiences the true essence of X Training. A group of friends,who train at the same gym - who are of all levels of fitness and are pushed on by their Personal Trainer to see who can enjoy themselves the most - and in that degree it was dead heat!

Thank you to Fitness First in Camberly Surrey, especially Lloyd Millichap

More  pictures ......

To see the splits become a member of the WGC Cyber Gym! And be part of the WGC Challenge.

Today - the first official Cyber Gym member joined. Who was it? Well you can join and find out! It is free!!!

What is the cyber gym?

It is a community of X Trainers where any attempt of the WGC challenge is displayed in your Personal Record.

Why start the cyber gym?

This is for the X Training community to see how each other is doing with this challenge. Also for for gyms that have not signed up to the WGC free site, this enables a member to see how another member is coping. You cannot belong to more then one gym.

Can I contact another member?

Absolutely - if they enabled their contact me via email in their profile settings - it is easy to drop them an email.

What do I have to do?

This is the really easy part!Join the Cyber Gym. Try the challenge! Enter it in into the system. As soon as you do, all the members of the Cyber Gym will see your time. Just choose gym in 'edit your profile' settings and register under WGC Cyber Gym.

How many times are displayed in my Personal Record?

Only the twenty fastest times nearest your time and class are displayed in your Personal Record .Another link will take you to all the times.

Be part of this growing community. The gym you belong to may not be doing X Training yet - but WGC is and it welcomes you all

Another quote from Dragons. This time form the very fit and capable Phil Talbot.

"A good well run event. I found it very inspiring watching the last four race in the Male Open. They have the same as you, two arms two legs and it motivates you to get in the gym and train harder"

                                                                                                          Phil Talbot

Another face is added to the X Trainer focus page, Farouk Vawda . As you are all aware Farouk is one of the most dedicated X Trainers out there and is constantly at each event - where possible.

Where Farouk, has been added is a great example of how X Training is beginning to grow in Manchester. Three events each year - Ironman, Dragons Gauntlet and Gorton Grueller.

I think it would be fair to say - the other counties have some catching up to do!

If you wish to be in the X Trainer Focus Page ( No matter what level you are - just fill out the on line questionnaire .........

Another time posted in to the Male Leaders Board. Paul Chase, who is part of Lloyd Millichap's Fitness First crew in Camberly completed his time in 18 02. Heading straight into Board.

X Training is finding it's place snugly at Camberly due to the devotion and persistence of Lloyd pushing it to his clients and members.

The principle being that unless people are doing it in gyms - the sport can't grow, because a gym is the ONLY place you can do it!

Another time to be added tomorrow - local Kent Personal Trainer with his first attempt! Goes in at 18 48 ... more details to follow.

On another note.... It's neck and neck on the race for the best event this year - keep voting on the Blog Page !

Stuart Leng Race Report can be seen here with additional photo's added.

Steve Oxlade (right) has been added to the X Trainer Focus Page.

If anybody else would like to be added please just fill out the online questionnaire, submit it and the watch you appear on the X Trainer Focus - it's that easy!

More requests about the X Trainer vest are pouring in - Stash will be contacted shortly and informed to make some more for the next event, or if you wish, you can order them now.

The latest Poll is on the Blog Page.

            Ironman                                      Calso                                                Fitness Extreme             Dragons Gauntlet

This one is aimed at all the X Trainers out there and wants to know what event you think has been the best so far this year. This includes Sprint, Intermediate and Open categories. You are voting for personal overall enjoyment, organisation and performance. It in no way reflects on any one organiser - it is just a vote to see what event so far has been enjoyed the most by all of you X Trainers out there.

The voting Poll is on the left blue column of the Blog Page

Just register on the Blog Page and vote.

Over the next few days a few quotes from Last weeks Dragon's event are going to be displayed. The first is from Jenny Davies Hoare, who is a nutrition expert and fairly new X Training.

"Events like this inspire me to train harder, I don't want to keep coming second in my age group! It is also incredible that some people can run at 15 -16 kph on the treadmil after the bike! Things like that make me train harder in the gym "

Jenny finished the race in a very respectable 16 mins

Well done Jenny, who is now a regular at these events and a welcome addition to the community.

What is the next event?

The On Line Challenge is all year round. Can be carried out at any gym and can be tried as many times as possible - for free as an individual time trial.

You can check each other's time by belonging to the Cyber Gym

You do not have to travel anywhere but your local gym.

And if your gym has a verifier in it and it is fast enough, you will go straight into the Leaders Board. Contact info@worldgymchallenge.com for further details.

You can also try any event this year and a number of other challenges including a mini duathlon - a 2000m row and others.

Good news. All the available splits are now up on the web site. If your timings are not there, you are either unregistered or did not compete!

if you haven't registered and want your timings to be added to your Personal Record - It is quite easy to do.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT WGC CAN ONLY PRINT TIMINGS THAT ARE SUBMITTED TO US IN FULL FOR ANY EVENT YOU MAY BE TAKING PART IN.

Over the coming few days WGC will publish it's light hearted views on some of the races that are due on Saturday. No predictions will be made, just a look at some of the athletes and some of the amazing matches that will ensure a good, clean close and exiting race day. X Training is on the Health and Fitness horizon and very shortly - the band wagon to jump on board will ensure it's growth and realise what an incredible sport this is ....read on

Continue to read this section for updates.

Over the next couple of weeks - World Gym Challenge will become free to gyms. This will include free advertising in the Gym Directory.

This means that your gym can either set up X Training events for you in their gym and record them on a table just like WGC Events/ Results page - only it will be specific to your gym, with anybody who registers from your gym involved.

If your gym doesn't like X Training or feels its too tough for their members, then there are always other challenges that can be attempted - for instance, the 2000 m row, or a mini duathlon.

The good news is that - it is free for the gym. It is free to register.

What is needed to enhance the growth of this sport are verifiers. In the blue column (left)is the Verifiers Listing. These people have been granted authentication privileges - they have the ability to place a tick next to a time. If you wish to become one and are in the X Training community - please contact info@worldgymchallenge.com

More information will follow in the June News letter

WELOME TO THE WGC CYBER GYM.

The first of the WGC initiatives comes into place today. The Cyber Gym

WGC has just taken another step towards uniting the growing sport of X Training. Your Personal Record will now include anybody from the Cyber Gym a community of only X Trainers from any gym! Just choose WGC Cyber Gym in the gym options on edit profile and you and all the other X Trainers out there have an immediate link to each others training and results.

The twenty fastest times for the WGC Challenge nearest you will be displayed by your name, but only by the class you are registered at (Novice, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Premier) so you are only seeing people that are in the same class as you. By clicking view all, will show you how everybody is coping within the Cyber Gym community.

This really is a fantastic opportunity to see the sport start to grow. The gym you belong to may not be interested in your performances - but WGC is and so are our members. More details will follow in this months Newsletter.

Who is a typical X Trainer? Are they Super fit? Is it an elitist sport? Could anybody do it? Why should I do it? Will it improve my training?

A lot of people who train regularly at a gym, often find they lack motivation - X Training covers the broadest spectrum of what to do if you are bored or stagnated in your training - it is versatile, interesting , challenging and above all growing into a major sport.

WGC would like to highlight a typical X - Trainer Gary Dorman . He is trained by one of the most respected in X Training , Dave Hall. Gary does it for the constant variation in training at his gym and to improve his fitness levels for tennis.

Try a Challenge at your local gym - you will be surprised at the improvements to your training and fitness level.                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                                   Dave Hall

Of the sports that WGC doesn't think will catch on and without meaning to sound like a know it all - the odds of Sumo Ski Jumping , I think will never reach the Olympics! But ...... X- Training? Will it? It needs recognition first and new initiatives are taking place to enhance awareness.

The new revised dbmax will be ready shortly - the sell out Dragons Gauntlet is less then two weeks away and WGC is about to launch it's own new and exciting initiative over the next few weeks to help promote the sport.

But it is the X - Trainers themselves that will have the over all say. If people that belong to gyms do it  do it, then gyms will have to listen to their members. It's quite a easy equation.

Keep posted for further information on the increase of X - Training in gyms. It is happening and WGC says thank you to all the X - Trainers out there.

Some people just can't be bothered to exercise!

But for those of you who do. Did you know that you can create your own Challenge if you are a full member? Literally any Gym Challenge can be created and recorded on your 'Create your own Challenge' tab. Just make sure it doesn't take more then an hour, is within your limitations of exercise and you are logged on!

Also if you are a full member, all of your events and results you have entered are recorded and viewable on 'View Your Personal Record'.

Currently Kirk Gibbons and Gary Nicholas have the most recorded events (9). Check the 'Members' section and Search tab to see how many events have been recorded for any events you have entered.

For those of you who have not seen the newsletter concerning Dragons Gauntlet - please click on the following link

This is a revised version with additional photographs.

The mail shot News letter will get sent out only when there is important news or offers available to WGC members - If you wish to be absolutely sure of receiving your news letters, please check your junk email settings as Mail shot has a habit of going into these settings.

The Race line up for Dragons Gauntlet has now been released. Check out the race timings here.

A massive thank you to Sue and Steve Regan Watts for arranging this event and to Dragons at Brooklands for supporting X Training over the years.

The pre race report for those who have not read it is here

Good luck to all who take part.

The last minute order time has come for the Dragons Gauntlet "Stash" Limited edition vest. Orders have to be in by Monday the 4th June for printing.

The  fitted vest will have Dragons Gauntlet 2007 on the front

On the back - your name and the words X Trainer. It's a great way to promote the sport.

£18.00 - for a great day - and in memory of what will no doubt be a great event.  ( Blue, Black or Grey)

For those of you not taking part, but would still like a vest or a t shirt with your name printed on the back and the words X Trainer - please contact info@worldgymchallenge.com

For those of you that have ordered, the vests will be handed out on the day at Dragons.

The following message has been written by one of our members and is indeed a worthy cause. Many X Trainers are seasoned Tri athletes and their concern is WGC concern too. Please support this very worthy cause.

Read more....

WGC is pleased to announce that if any member is thinking of purchasing a heart rate monitor, that they should seriously consider the following website. Not only will they price pledge it - making it the cheapest place to buy heart rate monitors, but will add 5% discount too!

The Heart Rate Monitor Shop

Not only that but Eddie Fletcher's site will enable you to get the most from your heart rate monitor in terms of set up and functionality. Also courses on indoor rowing will be run shortly. Keep peeled!!

Members should contact info@worldgymchallenge.com for further info

18 days to go..... till the infamous Dragons Gauntlet. Training in gyms is hitting a new high for those of you competing this year. But what county is supplying the most athletes for this event? Is it Manchester? Is it Derby? Is it Hampshire, Kent? And is Scotland coming to this event?

WGC wants the X Trainers out there to fill in their Personal Profiles. The need to have a geographic blueprint of X Training has never been greater or easier to produce. So please fill out your profiles with Location and Sport that you take part in (Drop down menu X Training)

There may well be a X Trainer in your area and you will find a new training partner you never knew existed.

Congratulations To Andy B

Andy a newcomer to the sport, who recently competed at Fitness Extreme in the Intermediate Level and working out of Fitness First Camberly has just entered the Leader Board with a time of 21: 38. Full members will be able to see Andy's split times. The time was verified and again Lloyd Millichap, Personal Trainer, is getting the word out there that X Training is a great way to train.

It is that easy to get your name in the Leader Board. Lloyd is doing an outstanding job in promoting the sport.

The growth of the sport starts with the Intermediate Categories developing into competent X Trainers at the Advanced level. And if I was a betting man, Andy's times will improve. Well done.

Watch the Leader Board get faster times as the sport expands as more people do it and more verifiers authenticate times.

Congratulations to rising Intermediate star Amanda Deane for setting the WGC Mini Duathlon Challenge afloat. Her time of 51 min's 32 sec's is a great start. Full members will be able to see her splits by using the search function under the members section (yellow tab). Any wonder why Amanda is doing so well need look no further then determination and a certain Mr Andy Lett, who is pushing the X Training scene in his club to new levels.

Well done also to Lloyd Millichap who's has knocked 1 min 21 of his Advanced Time (unverified) and again is pushing the X Training scene at his club.

World Gym Challenge recognises the importance of a post recovery drink after a tough challenge. For Goodness Shakes is exactly that - packed with minerals vitamins and great tasting. It is the ideal refresher. Drink it ice cold and see what you think.

FGS supports WGC more

As was mentioned a few days ago (17th May) All levels have been re set to Silver (entered a National Event) and only now are a few classed as Premier. Athletes Kirk  Gibbons and Sue Hemsley.

Ed Walters, Dan Edge and from the ladies Marie Mitchell are classed as Advance athletes. It is the Derby connection that is reigning here.

If you wish to get re classified and even put in the Leaders Board. It is real easy ! Do the Advance Course, get it verified and then watch your classing change.

It's  automated and verified. Easy! Good luck.                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                              Kirk Gibbons

           Sue Hemsley

WGC secured the British and Iceland teams for Best of the Best in Dubai, with Stash Vests with their names printed on them. Some of you have asked me where to purchase these from . Well the good news is Stash have agreed to make some more.

Front of Vest

Stash Logo

Dragons Gauntlet 2007.

X Training Challenge

Back of Vest

Your name on back

Plus the phrase "X Trainer"

This identifies you as one of the 3% of any gym that dares take this very challenging sport on. It will hopefully spark curiosity about the sport - who may ask - what is a X Trainer? All in all a great way to promote the sport. And for those of you with a sharp eye, you will realise that you are getting a very good deal for this price.

All for an inclusive price of only£18.00

flag not included

For sizes click here

Due to time scale for print this offer will only be available for around two weeks .Contactinfo@worldgymchallenge.com for pre order.

The Superfit Challenge 2007, run by Inverclyde Leisure in Scotland at the Waterfront Leisure Centre on the 12th May, has just recently took place. Some excellent times and some well known X Trainer faces (James King, Alex Woods, Jimmy Wong) took part.

Interesting to see that instead of handicap system being introduced for timings in some events, the categories were defined by intensity specific to age group.

The tables below show interesting reading.

Superfit Challenge results

Worldgymchallenge would like to know via the blog page - how this event went. Feel free to post any messages, particularly into the age specific intensity settings, which I feel is very innovative and a great way to introduce more members into the sport.

Well done to David Paton and Eleanor Kane for running and organising this event.