| What are you doing now in terms of training? |
My training consist of Gym X Training Circuits and CV work. At the moment and for the last 6 weeks I have hardly touched a treadmill and have been struggling with my injured foot. I have also been including some Kettlebell work and a bit of strength training.
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Has this improved your level of fitness?
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Yes, my fitness has improved and my strength has improved in the years of Gym X Training, I feel stronger and some of my times in events have got better.
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Many have taken up triathlon or Cross FIT – do you miss the one on one racing that made Gym XTC unique?
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I really fancy a Triathlon and was thinking this year but I'm thinking next year now due to injury - and as for crossfit, It looks good and a test of all over strength and conditioning and something to maybe throw into a routine and vary my workouts as i get bored very easily and enjoy shocking my body into new challenges. I plan to compete this year with the Thunder Run and have just completed a 24 hour team Rowathon.
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| If you were in my shoes and you had the finance, what would you have done differently. |
This is a controversial and challenging question. I think WGC is an excellent site and the hard work involved is really good and shows the dedication and time that has been put into it, I'm not sure its the WGC that should change but that people are trying to split the sport and there is not enough people for it to split, as they just want to compete and want to look at the splits timings and results asap to see where they can improve - and that is where this site is very good. A shame we all cant just get on and work together, organisers and competitors are excellent and a really good bunch of people,Ii really enjoy meeting them and catching up with them. Just my views and not attacking any individuals.
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| Performance related results in gym fitness are more common place now – the trends are indicating a turn towards performance rather then image – would you agree? |
| This is a mixture, most members train for different reasons, some for performance and some for the looks, muscles, toning and sunbeds! I think a mixture is good in the industry and there is not much Performance related results that i see, if this was the case there would be great advertisement as to which gym members perform to what standard and they could have inter gym advertisements to show off their members and make the members feel good about going to the gym. |
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| Do you think a gym really cares about your titles that may have won? |
NO! I am very strong about this, I compete and it is for me only now. I enjoy everything I do. Fitness First Gorton do not give a Bleeeep about any of their members and it is about your direct debit and this is annoying and frustrating as I have advertised and promoted their gym and really despise saying I train there anymore. I have won and been placed in comps on numerous occasions and we won the Fittest Gym two years running and they just don't care, I'm not asking for free membership or a thanks but they are just happy when i pay and thats it.
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| Do you think a gym is a breeding ground to improve fitness – or money making spin machine for those that operate and supply to the industry? |
Mmmm it is obviously a ground to improve fitness and people love this. It can be a great place to do so, but I also think that if a gym was to have more interaction with their members then the members would be happier and in turn even the takings and membership numbers would increase, as it is the members that is paying their wages. It's nice to be appreciated and not just a source of revenue.
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| Would you like to see Physically Impaired Gym X Training Challenges? (Amputees etc) |
This is an awesome idea and I think it would help and inspire Physically Impaired people to have something to train for . I was very inspired to see Darren's performance on You Tube
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| Why do you think the industry refuses to embrace X Training? |
I don't think its refusal, I just think its ignorance. As for Fitness First doing the Fit Brit, it is purely an advertisement for them, but they never even push that at Gorton and that is meant to be their own challenge! I came joint 5th this year nobody from Fitness First Gorton knew anything about it or how to apply, so I had to enter through Fenton Fitness (Preston) which makes it all a bit of a farce.
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| Have any of you attended a Zumba class – would you? |
Ha ha No I haven't and wouldn't, it is a fad and just like Line dancing, Reebok step and loads of other things that come and go. I think it is good to those that enjoy it and if it's fun and not too hard, then the workout is more enjoyable. But in terms of performance and results ... er , no way!
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| Anything else ? |
To be in the Top Ten is a great surprise and an honour as there are many people worthy of this spot, that but I am pleased it is me. It is great to inspire and to race against all these great Gym Athletes and in the process I have met many fantastic organisers, competitors and supporters.
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