Were you involved in the early days of Gym Sport ? Click on to the year to see some of the highlights of that year.
Important News.
All of our latest news items will now be published on our blog page so that news items are more searchable.
We will keep Latest news running as a reminder to all of the events WGC attended and the history of this sport.
31st July
The 400 m 10 % incline Treadmill Challenge click here
WGC has always been innovative in its gym challenge design, but throughout all the years of training , we have never come across a challenge as the set speed challenge that covers so much mind and focus to succeed a challenge.
It falls down to those that know about Gym Fitness for them to submit their results - those that claim to know about Gym Fitness we will wait for them to catch up!
The 400 m 10% incline run is the most awesome challenge in WGC .
You will be fooled into the fact that it is only 400m - but at 200 m if you are not already praying for the finish you are doing it wrong.
It is a maximum full out challenge and you must be prepared both mentally and physically to take on this challenge.
It's open to both Men and Women.
The current leader is Ben Cornwall (pictured right) from Bannatyne Gym in Sutton Coldfield. Well done Ben, I'm sure you was thinking at 200 m - oh I'm enjoying this !!
The 400 m 10 % Incline Treadmill Challenge will feature on the Home Page. You have only to be a WGC member to take part. And then have somebody at your gym to submit a verified result.
13th July
There has been a slight delay in posts between June and now, but happily pleased to say that further business will continue.
Bannatyne Sutton Coldfield - Gym Challenge
WGC offered its services to Paul Morton from Bannatyne Health Club in Sutton Coldfield, so that it could once agin showcase what the site was designed to do. Unfortunately due to a breakdown in communication we were unable to provide 'Live Results' on the day.
The event by all accounts was hugely succesful. Read the full race report written by Paul Morton here >
2nd May - Nicci French break down of 'Reiss' World Gym Challenge - Gym Sport Fitness Series .
Physical fatigue is what will break you mentally. It will drain you. If you know your splits, you will always have a target to train for during your test. A push point if you will . Know your splits and you will improve your performance.
100 Step Ups 2 x 10 kg
100 AST
20 x 2 x 10 kg DB Thrusters
20 Press Ups
60 Sit Ups
Total
3:16
0:55
0:30
0:31
1:25
6:37
1 minute recovery
80 Step Ups 2 x 10 kg
100 AST
20 x 2 x 10 kg DB Thrusters
20 Press Ups
40 Sit Ups
Total
2:34
0:34
0:30
0:22
0:53
4:53
1 minute recovery
60 Step Ups
100 AST
10 x 2 x 10 kg DB Thrusters
10 Press Ups
20 Sit Ups
Total
1:56
0:36
0:12
0:10
0:53
3:18
1 minute recovery
80 Step Ups 2 x 10 kg
100 AST
20 x 2 x 10 kg DB Thrusters
20 Press Ups
40 Sit Ups
Total
2:30
0:33
0:29
0:21
0:54
4:47
1 minute recovery
100 Step Ups 2 x 10 kg
100 AST
20 x 2 x 10 kg DB Thrusters
20 Press Ups
60 Sit Ups
Total
3:20
0:33
0:30
0:32
1:20
6:15
Total Time 29:50
Know your Splits !
2nd May - Nicci French break down of 'Dutch' World Gym Challenge - Gym Sport Fitness Series.
Run 600 m 10 %
Row 1500 m
Step Ups 100 x 2 x 8 kg
Upright Row 60 x 10 kg
30 Press Ups
Total
3:16
6:29
3:10
1:17
0:33
14:45
Recovery 1 minute
Run 600 m 10 %
Row 1500 m
Step Ups 100 x 2 x 8 kg
Upright row 40 x 10 kg
20 Press Ups
Total
3:13
6:31
3:12
0:47
0:24
13:43
Recovery 1 minute
Run 600 m 10 %
Row 1500 m
Step Ups 100 x 2 x 8 kg
Upright row 20 x 10 kg
10 Press Ups
Total
3:11
6:38
3:16
0:22
0:12
13:39
Total Time : 44:07
1st May - 'Dig Deep'
'Dig Deep'
Free entry to this month's Gym Challenges
April 24th
Nuno Baretto
Paul Morton
Doug Harrison
Just recently I had a brief little chat on facebook with Paul Morton from Bannatynes Gym in Sutton Coldfield (I believe). Paul had run his version of the Gorton Grueller at his gym where a number of members took part. I asked Paul why he hadn't used WGC to publish results and he replied I didn't know I could. All those who took part could have their results published immediately and into personal folders. But after ten years of running WGC the ability to publish live results has still fallen on deaf ears. Now is that the fault of WGC or just how it is. So I took a couple more points of view.
I recently spoke with Doug Harrsion about a WOD he was doing and asked about the results were to be published for A WOD he was taking part in - and he mentioned on a CrossFit website in a few days.
I also spoke with Nuno Barreto about a circuit he had completed and asked where the splits were for the rounds he had completed. There was just a start time and a finish time.
Now to me, all of this is a little bit crazy and misses the vital ingredient of what makes a sport.
If you watch a football match, you do not wait a few days for the results to be announced.
You do not take for granted that the match will last 90 minutes - its what happens in those 90 minutes.
You do not ask the crowd to wait to see where the results will be published?
Understanding the splits? Benchmarking previous times? Seaching similar times seems to be ignored?
So I often ask myself, was I mad to consider that what makes a sport is the ability to publish results? Next time you watch a FA Cup Final - ask yourself if you could wait a couple of days to see the results and than perhaps you will see my point. A sport is not a sport unless there is an immediate conclusion at the end of it. Otherwise what you are taking part in has no real merit. But it seems , that is really how it is.
If you would like to publish immediate results for gym challenges you complete in your gym please do get in contact info@worldgymchallenge.com
April 15th
The Gorton Grueller
I heard recently that the Gorton Grueller one of the most famous events on the X Training Circuit has not received the support and entry levels that this great event deserves. It is such a shame because by now The Grueller should have Training Plans in most gyms and entry levels to go through the roofs.
So I then look at the reasons behind diminishing numbers and I have to find reasons mainly in those that are running the sport now - or rather not running it. In fact the problem always lies behind the difference between a sport and an event and on too many occasions that I really care to remember, the problem events and sport have been the down fall of any significant growth in one or the other. Even the most popular event on any given year will not out reach beyond 130 entries. And there it is , deny the sponsors the opportunity to reach out to their customer base and you will strangle the source.
It is such a shame as the Grueller deserves continued support - but we are where we are and lets look back at a more positive year of when the Grueller had its best years and the results that have stood the test of time with Bens Stroud epic Shoulder Press result.
Ben Stroud epic Shoulder Press Result click here >
Rich Vint 2 second seperation form Ben's winning time on WGC click here >
The Grueller
April 3rd
Ripley Breakdown of Splits Gena Nicole Lawday at Intermediate.
Ripley Splits from Gena Nicole Lawday
600 m Row
100 AST
15 CTF Burpees
Time
2:31
0:36
0:40
3:50
1 minute recovery
600 m Row
100 AST
10 CTF Burpees
Time
2:34
0:38
0:29
3:41
1 minute recovery
2 km Bike
100 AST
15 CTF Burpees
Time
2:40
0:33
0:30
3:43
1 minute recovery
2 km Bike
100 AST
10 CTF Burpees
Time
2:39
0:33
0:32
3:44
1 minute recovery
400 m 10 % Incline
100 AST
15 CTF Burpees
Time
1:40
0:31
0:46
2:51
1 minute recovery
400 m 10 % Incline
100 AST
10 CTF Burpees
Time
1:41
0:38
0:33
2:52
Total Time 25:47
Fri 31st March
Ripley Breakdown of splits form Nicci French at Advanced ..
Ripley Splits from Nicola French
1000 m Row
200 AST
20 CTF Burpees
Time
4:12
1:19
1:01
5:14
1 minute recovery
1000 m Row
150 AST
20 CTF Burpees
Time
4:16
0:56
1:00
6:12
1 minute recovery
3 km Bike
200 AST
20 CTF Burpees
Time
4:42
1:14
0:59
6:55
1 minute recovery
3 km Bike
150 AST
20 CTF Burpees
Time
4:45
0:55
0:57
6:37
1 minute recovery
600 m 10 %
200 AST
20 CTF Burpees
Time
3:18
1:13
1:01
5:32
1 minute recovery
600 m 10 %
150 AST
20 CTF Burpees
Time
3:16
0:56
0:58
5:10
Total Time 40:40
These are the results of the female leading WGC Gym Athlete for Ripley . There is literally no fatigue markers and is quite incredible when you see the breakdown.
tTEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF WEBSITE
March 14th
Andy Brown hit point on McClane at Intermediate and so did Nicci French. The thrusters it seems is a tough pill to swallow on this combo. It's not often we use thrusters but when we do, we certainly know about it. Anyway well done to you guys on completing the all new McClane.
Ripley has started and there is no let up in the intensity. I've used Tracy in the video and due to some internet issues the video is to upload has been a nightmare, but it will be done.
Watch out for Rambo with the punishing Row Run Bike at the end.
I've contacted Gym Jones to see if they want their Ski Erg , Airydyne Bike and Row challenge in the system. Gym Jones is a copyright name and you need permission to use it - if they say no, then I will just add it as a WGC Gym Challenge without their name - but their take on it is it has to be completed in under 5 minutes , which is seriously shifting - anyway its in the folders for the time being and this is the challenge.
To enter your times for this challenge
Go to 'Enter my timings'
Go to 'Gym Brand' Challenges Folder
Find Gym Challenge
Enter results
Enter heart rates - add 0 if you dont know.
Done !
March 6th
So the search is on to find the members for the elusive Sub 6 Super Elite Club - is it even possible ? Its a Run Bike Row Combo and its a good workout just by itself, or its an insane ball breaker at a full out all out blast .
World Gym Challenge is looking for the Sub 6 Club and ee don't even know if its possible, all we do know is that its a huge effort of epic proportions if this is achieved.
We will allow any gym access to our exclusive database for your members to attempt this challenge, so you can publish results in your very own gym - contact info@worldgymchallenge.com
March 6th
WGC will be launching a Mailshot Info page. Initially it will be just be launched on the home news page so you can keep and file them, but it is hoped to role it out to a Mail listing shortly.
Advanced ladies is getting interesting at the moment with Nicci French dominating the Series so far. Gena Nicole Lawday has decided to step up to the plate and take on Nicci and there is a bit of a UK vs USA vibe going on, but currently has some traveling world wide issues and will be settling down later on in the year.
Paul Smith has taken to the Series once again and proving that currently he has the bug back again to produce some really good times. Danny French struggled with the weights on some of the challenges and we are hoping to see a broadening in strength development during this year to compliment his excellent cycling ability.
Sean Blyth and Andy Watson currently on the injured and poorly route so taking things easy and giving Andy Brown the opportunity to push for higher ranking and push on with he rest of the Series.
Its a really hard season to commit to. Ad with Bad Ass just about to start , just wanted to thank you guys for taking part so far and pushing boundaries in Gym Sport - we are the pioneers in Gym Sport . The very first to introduce the 36 events with inclusion of any gym in the world wanting also to take part and provide the results platform them to do it.
All New McLane
McClane event is unique as all it needs are Barbells, Dumbells, and Step Deck and Bench Press Bench. The events have both been kept to three rounds with 1 minute recoveries, but the weights vary as do the number of reps. Its all about Speed and consistency and the ability to push through and overcome the need to stop. It's a great challenge and with little equipment needed to complete any gym that has barbells, dumbbells, bench and step Ups deck could take part .
24th February
Could your gym run a gym challenge?
It's quite easy to set up a gym challenge, or indeed a circuit, but its quite something else, to create a sport from it, where records and challenges are created to train for and for everybody to compete in. If your gym has members and equipment, then try one at your gym. Your members will thank you for it.
21st February
King Arthur
This challenge has the favourite Barbell Thruster , Incline Runs, and Alternate Squat Thrusts Combo, which is just charming for any would be gym athlete. Last year the thoughts of doing King Arthur were dread and I'm guessing this year will be no different , there is no let up in its intensity as each circuit begins.
Good luck to those who take this on. Results have to be by 26th Feb.
18th February
Galahad
Results have to be in by end of Sunday guys.
18th February
Two new gym challenges.
The 5 km Bike
The 1000 Steps on Stairmaster
These challenges have been introduced just as a base measure to increase your static fitness levels. They can be found in the Monthly Gym Challenge Folder.
18th February
Intermediate Results after Guinevere
Still awaiting Advanced results from the US
6th February
Results after Lancelot
Lancelot is one of the hardest gym challenges on WGC with constant stress from the transfer from Run to High Rep Low Weight Bench and Shoulder Press. Paul Smith and Nicci French have done absolute crackin' times.
Advanced Women results are on hold due to Gena moving back to the US.
6th February
Guinevere ... the next challenge ...
1st Feb
FIBO Innovation Tour 2017
Recent visit to London and a look at what the Industry has to offer for the near future ... click here >
30th Jan
Gym Athlete Focus - Nicci French
Advanced Female Gym Athletes have always been hard to find, but WGC has been very fortunate in finding tow exceptional athletes , Nicci French and Gena Nicole Lawday . Here we look at last years winner of FitBrit and the Online Gym Sport Championships Nicci French
Lancleot starts from the 30th Jan. All WGC Athletes will be asked to do the Intermediate for time on this occasion.
Last year's results ..
Intermediate 2016 Male
Female Results 2016
19th Jan
Video Links Page
Don't forget to keep checking out the video links page for updates on challenges etc.
19th Jan
Entry / Championships Points
To receive Entry and Championship points your results must be submitted before the allocated date. If the time is submitted after the allocated time period, you will have your time added to the leader boards, but no points will be awarded. There is normally a two week week window to complete any of the challenges, so please try and get your results in on time.
18th Jan
Interesting Fact
Did you know that the only completion 'in one' of the 60 x 25 kg Shoulder Press in the Gorton Series of Events was timed at 1:26 by Ben Stroud on the 27th June 2009 and 17:07 remains the fastest time of that course by a male competitor.
18th Jan
Advanced Notice - Lancelot
The Advanced Ladies Lancelot will again be competed at Intermediate Level. Lancelot was the designed into the Extreme mode of event and would probably not be a beneficial challenge at this stage of the year.
The Advanced Male is still in keeping with the bravest of King Arthur's Knights - Lancelot and is set out as a stand alone event to any Advanced Male who wish to try it.
Lancelot is not due for completion until the 5th Feb and it is advised to include Bench (Chest) and Shoulder (Delts) work into your training to help prepare for this event. There will be severe DOMS for a few days after!
16th Jan
Results Excalibur
OK, first results are in for Excalibur and all on time so points awarded for all those who took part.
First point of call is looking at the Female Advanced. Nicci and Gena going in for the Advanced this year. Nicci, last years winner of FitBrit taking on overseas personal trainer (US/ Dubai) Gena Nicole Lawday. We knew this would be close, and if the first event is anything to go by then hang on to your horses , its going to the wire.
Disappointing as always not to have more accomplished Female Gym Athletes come in this year as there are at the moment no Intermediate Females , or Advanced Males , which brings us on to the Intermediate Male
Andy Watson, Andy Brown, and new comer (pictured right ) Danny French are within 24 seconds on completion of Excalibur. Bring up the also ran , is me waiting patiently for another of my sort of fitness to take part this year.
Don't forget, you can join in at any time as the points tally is the best 24 results from 36 events. You must complete 24 though.
So here we are the first points of the season.
Female Advanced
Male Intermediate
If you would like to take part , please contact info@worldgymchallenge.com or find us on facebook. It;s just £5.00 per event and you do it at your own gym.
15th Jan
Excalibur
Today is the last day for results to be entered for Excalibur. Results will be entered. Next event is Merlin. Check out the latest video here >
5th January
* Gym Sport Tip
Find your race pace - Rowing
Due to the distance in rowing generally being in the low figures, learn how many pulls it will take you to complete the distance in race pace, then when hitting halfway countdown backwards to zero.
Your effort and reward in rowing is crucial to not exceed your total fatigue boundaries.
1st January
Welcome to those of you who may be considering doing the 36 gym challenges throughout this year.
At this stage of the game it just simply the first day of January and the thought of committing to 36 challenges could be quite daunting. However it may just be the kick start and motivation you are looking for.
36 Gym Challenges completed at your gym and all you need is a a sports watch to time yourself.
Last year's female winner Nicci French took part to increase her focus in Gym Sport and ended up winning FitBrit, so you can guarantee, that you are in good company to see just how fit you are compared with some of the fittest UK Gym Athletes .
Gena Nicole Lawday took part throughout the whole year while based in Dubai and just submitted results online.So no mater where you are based you can take part. Will you be brave enough to take on the 36 ?
A gym challenge that any member from any gym that has an Upright Bike / Concept 2 Rower / Treadmill can take part in. We are on the look out for WGC Gym Athletes.