Paul Morton

Being a parent and finding time to train is quite tricky . Do you remember being exhausted as a parent and then training too ?

Yes I did feel exhausted trying to juggle everything. Work, parenting, training, DIY etc. It's hard, but I've never neglected my training. It gives me focus, drive and determination. As well as the feel good factor. Its also been a reminder that you have to have priorities about physical activity as a lifestyle. As long as you can prioritize your parental responsibilities, you cannot then neglect your own health and fitness - the two go hand in hand.

Did Sophie become involved in Gym XT because she was inspired by you or because she wanted to try it anyway?

A bit of both really. She was definitely inspired by me, but also came to watch me at K2 Crawley (a Gym X Training event in 2015) , and then she was hooked.

Do you think may people of Sophie’s age (16) would try this sport.

I don't think too many of Sophie's age would try this because they are just not educated enough under the current school curriculum. Sport is only taught by recognised syllabus which does not include Gym Sport. Potentially this is a huge error as a continuation transition could encourage growth a grass root level. The problem would be is encouraging participation in a activity that is not recognised by Sport England sports programme and not enough research or funding to encourage the starting program.

How as a parent did you feel when you saw Sophie compete for the first time?

I was so so proud of her. She's listened in training and she continues to listen and learn. I was so overwhelmed.

Do you think schools would benefit in teaching Gym X Training?

Most definitely. Teachers should be more educated I think in understanding the benefits of Gym X Training as a sport. The benefit and impact it has as a mutual influence on each member of the household is massively underestimated. With gym membership increasing its the perfect opportunity to encourage physical activity at home and create a bit of healthy competition within a family unit, which would transfer between home and education. A sport for gyms should start at school level and by the time education has finished, continue into adult life.

What would you like to see to encourage more children and young people take part?

First of all I'd like schools to be more pro active in encouraging young people to take part. Secondly, it would be a good idea for gyms to lower their age limit so they can attend. I know, the gyms near me you have to be 16 to train there. Maybe drop the age to 14 or 15. As long as they are conducted correctly, then it shouldn't be a problem.

What would you like to see to encourage more children and young people take part?

First of all I'd like schools to be more pro active in encouraging young people to take part. Secondly, it would be a good idea for gyms to lower their age limit so they can attend. I know, the gyms near me you have to be 16 to train there. Maybe drop the age to 14 or 15. As long as they are conducted correctly, then it shouldn't be a problem.

Do you feel a sense of achievement influencing Sophie by your own achievements and inspiring her to take part?

I feel a massive sense of achievement in influencing Sophie. Not only from a proud parent perspective, but for her own well being, health and personal achievement. She's done brilliantly

Sophie Morton

What age were you when you realised that your Father was into his fitness and when did it start to have an impact on you ?

I was about 10 or 11 when I realised my Dad was into his fitness. It only really started to have an impact on me just recently after I went to watch my Dad at K2 in November 2014..

During PT at school – did anything prepare you for your first event?

Nothing at school prepared me at all for my first event. Everything was down to my Dad and the guys who we train with at Bannatynes in Sutton Coldfield. They are a great group who have encouraged me all the way

What do you enjoy about Gym X Training?

I've really enjoyed the training for it. Training all body parts along with the cv training. I've also gained many friends at the gym where I train with my Dad, and we often have group sessions.

Do you think you could persuade any of your friends to try it? If not, why not?

Yes, I think I could persuade one or two of my friends to try Gym X Training. Nearly all of them don't know anything  about the sport. It would also be good for me to train with somebody my own age

Your experience of training for this event, would you say it has opened up a desire to compete again?

Yes, most definitely. After my first competition at Phoenix I was buzzing for the next one. Now I love it.

When in the gym do you feel more focused because of your upcoming event ?

I always feel focused whilst training, even more so just several weeks before a competion. I have to with my Dad!!!!!