Test 01 SPEED
“Crucially, you don’t have to be an elite sportsperson to take part”
Why wasn’t there a competition for CrossFitters in which non-CrossFitters could also happily take part?
The National Fitness Games commenced in 2018 at the sporting excellence centre that is Loughborough University. This year, COVID-19 permitting, events are scheduled in London (May), Edinburgh (June), Guildford (July), Bournemouth (August) and Loughborough (September). The last of these has evolved into a fully-fledged “FitFest” that, as well as the NFG’s competitions, comprises the Indoor Rowing Championships, powerlifting, strongman, BJJ, a 5K, a 10K, a “FitRace” and, notably, “first-class DJs”.
Crucially, you don’t have to be an elite sportsperson to take part. One of the NFG’s core principles is that “we’re all athletes”, regardless of whether you’re a top-flight CrossFitter or a 65-year-old grandmother – not that those are mutually exclusive, with the addition of a 65-plus category to the CrossFit Open. I’m relieved that the grandmother in question– an actual NFG competitor – isn’t here to show me up.
“No matter your age, ability, shape or gender, we genuinely believe that you can come and have a really enjoyable time at an NFG event,” says Morgan, who assures me that “fitness games” are more fun than they sound. I suppose that it’s a bit like a marathon, which these days also resembles a festival: music, like-minded people, street food. Running 26 miles isn’t fun, but it’s gratifying. But before gratification comes hard work. First, we have to “define the nation’s fitness”. My fitness.
Trial by Fire
The tests that I’m about to endure are designed to help would-be NFG competitors figure out which category they should enter – Elite, Open or
Novo (beginner) – and to give them confidence that they’re not going to be shown up in public. But they also act as a benchmark from which to improve on weaknesses and set personal goals.
“A lot of people underestimate their own ability,” says Morgan, who assures me that there’s also “fun” in comparing your results with your mates’. I note that Morgan hasn’t taken the tests himself. “I wanted you to be the first one,” he says. “That’s my excuse.”