Latest news with #fitnesschallenge
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Ex-footballer hopes Joe Thompson is 'proud' after he completes incredible 37-hour fitness challenge in honour of former team-mate who died aged 36 in April
As the self-doubt started to bleed into Simon Ramsden's thoughts, his legs like jelly, arms aching, tears rolling down his face, he just needed a reminder of why he was putting himself through all the pain. 'I had pictures of Joe all around the room,' Ramsden tells Mail Sport. On June 27, the former Sunderland and Rochdale footballer started the hardest challenge of his life. For 37 hours straight, he completed back-to-back workout classes in honour of his ex-team-mate Joe Thompson, who sadly passed away following a third battle with cancer, back in April. This was not Ramsden's first rodeo. He had previously completed a 25-hour challenge to raise funds for Thompson's cancer treatment while he was still fighting the illness; the 43-year-old is a crazy fitness challenge specialist. However, nothing could prepare him for what he would face in those gruelling 37 hours. He had to fight with every fibre of his being, both physically and mentally, to keep going. As time ticked by, he fell deeper into a pain cave that had him wondering whether the challenge was even feasible. But whenever his thoughts turned negative, just one look up at his surroundings would sort him out. 'There was no way I wasn't going to do the 37,' Ramsden continues. 'There was a lot of pressure on me to fulfill that. It's alright me talking the talk, but if I drop out after 30, you look like a bit of a fool, don't you? So I knew I had to do it, I was just in the zone, completely in the zone. 'I had pictures of Joe all around the room. I had little things that people weren't aware of, in the toilets, there were quotes. 'Everywhere I went in between, like when I was grabbing a drink, there'd be a picture of Joe or quotes or motivational stuff, just because I knew it was going to get tough. Little things just to keep me going. 'And then my partner, a few pep talks. I remember my body was just broken at one point; I couldn't lift my arms above my head. I couldn't walk down the stairs. I was gone. 'She was there to try and pick me up because I was physically and mentally just broken. This was about six hours to go.' Ramsden, who played alongside Thompson for three years at Rochdale, was not alone in this challenge. Each class he was joined by a new bunch of people eager to help the cause and raise money for Thompson's wife and two daughters. Former Sunderland manager, Peter Reid, was one of hundreds to take part in the challenge alongside Ramsden, who can't quite believe just how many people supported the cause. 'I had like ex-team-mates coming from all over the country at different times, friends from people I've not seen for 20 years just rocking up, doing one class, two classes. It just shows how inspirational Joe was to so many people,' Ramsden adds. 'Now, a lot of the people in the room didn't even know Joe, didn't meet him, but they've seen his story. They've seen his kids, and they wanted to buy into it. 'But the people who did know him they've travelled. I had a friend come from Carlisle at one in the morning, just to say good luck. Then he ended up doing five in a row. I had a friend from Liverpool come up, just done one class, and drove home. 'Honestly, when I thought of this idea, I couldn't have ever imagined it would have gone as big, and that people would have supported it like they did. It's been incredible.' Ramsden and Thompson grew incredibly close during their time together at Rochdale. Despite the now body transformation coach, who owns his own fitness company, leaving Rochdale in 2009, the pair stayed in touch and grew closer and closer as Thompson started his battle with Hodgkin lymphoma, which first started back in 2013. The ex-defender was with the 'special man' every step of the way until he passed away earlier this year, and just wished that Thomspon was still around to watch the challenge with his family. 'I just wish he were here to witness it, his beautiful kids, and the milestones that they're going to be doing. Joe would have loved to have been a part of the weekend,' says the former Sunderland man. 'I'm really glad his brother came up to be a part of it. He came on the Saturday afternoon and joined in. That was lovely. And then, his wife and kids joined in. Thompson made over 200 appearances for Rochdale before his retirement in 2019 Ramsden played along Thompson for three years in Lancashire and hopes he is 'proud' of him 'I think Joe will be proud, and he knows how much he meant to me, and likewise, so many times when I've needed him in the past, he's been there for me. 'One of the songs that I picked, which you'll see in the video. The chorus is, 'I hope I'm making you proud.' I picked it for a reason.' Overall, the series of workouts has raised over £9,500 for Thompson's family, which is over three times more than the target originally set. And still, the number continues to rise. The truly inspiring work done by Ramsden after such a heartbreaking loss has left him feeling fulfilled. While it has been an incredibly difficult and emotional few months for him and those who knew Thompson, the challenge has allowed him to celebrate Thompson's life and the man that he was. 'There were times when it was extremely tough, but so rewarding, especially when Joe's wife and kids turned up, and different parts of the weekend. It was incredible. 'There's been a bond that's come out of tragedy here, how close the families have got. I would love her [Thompson's wife Chantelle] to come up and keep Joe's legacy going at my classes. 'I'd love to keep his logo on some of my stuff and just keep this, keep this going and keep the story going because I think anybody that was there this weekend, it's a weekend that we'll always cherish. It's something that I don't think anybody will ever forget. 'I hope his kids, especially, it lives long in their memory and they realise how much everyone thought of their dad because he was a special man.'
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bolton's 'father of fitness' to take on epic challenge to mark landmark birthday
A Bolton man who pioneered the fitness industry in the UK is spending his 90th birthday this summer facing a fitness challenge to raise charity cash. Ken Heathcote, who started Bolton Health Studio in the 1950s which became a blueprint for gyms across the country, is taking part in the Not Out at 90 Challenge. On July 18, he and his grandson Sam will be swimming 90 lengths of Bolton's Nuffield gym before going to Elton reservoir in Bury to swim a further 90 lengths in open water. On a separate day, Sam, who lives in London, will also be lifting 90,000 lb and playing nine sets of tennis. These are all to boost the charities involved: Cancer Research, The Stroke Association and Alzheimer's Research UK. There are also around 30 challenges being taken up by local people keen to back Ken's birthday fundraising efforts. READ MORE: Bolton's Ken Heathcote completes three epic swims Chef Michel Roux big fan of guru Ken Heathcote Bolton's "Fitness Father" tells life story Ken and Sam are carrying on a family tradition of extreme sporting achievement which goes back more than five decades and has raised thousands and thousands for charities. In 1970 Ken ran a marathon between Preston and Morecambe with around 30 competitors and no drinks stands. He tackled all kinds of personal challenges on his milestone birthdays, all aided by his late wife Brenda. (Image: NQ) Ken even ran from John o' Groats in Scotland to Lands End for charity – a feat which was filmed and made into a TV programme. Just before his 84th birthday, Ken triumphed in the Great North Swim, tackling the 5k length of Lake Windermere among 10,000 swimmers. He still swims 90 lengths daily and insists that his positive mindset 'ego and desire to help others' keeps him going. Farnworth-born Ken attributes his own fitness and determination to his father, who first took him swimming – even when the local pool's heating system broke down and the water plummeted to just a couple of degrees. 'He told me 'just do one length' and that one led to another and another. I've used that principle ever since,' he explained. His commitment to raising money for charity began when he was a young bricklayer working at the Christe Hospital and he was sent to fetch some water. 'I wandered onto a ward and there were all these children – from around six to 15 year-olds – all without hair,' he recalled. 'The matron told me they were all suffering from leukaemia and having chemotherapy and that none of the boys would reach 21. I had no idea. It really opened my eyes. 'Ever since, I've wanted to raise money, initially for the children – I can still see them now - and then for other causes.' Follow Ken and Sam's journey on Instagram and TikTok @Notoutat90
Al Bawaba
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Al Bawaba
Ski Dubai to Host the Region's First-Ever Snow Duathlon on 29 June
Ski Dubai, in partnership with Dubai Sports Council and CRANK fitness studio, has announced the launch of the region's first-ever Snow Duathlon, set to take place on Sunday, 29 June. This unique event, combining running and stationery cycling in sub-zero conditions, adds to Dubai's expanding list of innovative fitness initiatives aimed at promoting an active lifestyle during the summer. Interested participants can register through PremierOnline until 27 June. The Snow Duathlon will be held inside Ski Dubai, where competitors aged 13 to 60 will face the ultimate fitness challenge in -4°C temperatures, starting with a 5 km stationary bike ride and followed by a 3-km (three loops) or 5-km (five loops) run. Entrants may compete either individually or in teams of two. Each finisher will receive a commemorative medal, while the top three performers in each category will be recognized on the podium and awarded special prizes. This event is the latest product of the ongoing collaboration between Ski Dubai and the Dubai Sports Council, who share a long-term vision of enhancing community well-being by making winter sports accessible to all residents and encouraging year-round physical activity. Winter and ice sports now play a key role in the Dubai Sports Council's annual calendar. The Council works with a wide range of partners to expand the reach of such activities to include all nationalities, people of determination, and especially UAE nationals. This aligns with the Council's broader goal of increasing the diversity of sports events available across Dubai to ensure that all community segments can engage in the sport of their choice. In cooperation with Majid Al Futtaim, the Dubai Sports Council continues to organize multiple snow sports events and competitions throughout the year, reaffirming its commitment to positioning Dubai as a hub for inclusive and innovative sports experiences.
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
YouTuber does 16,000 push-ups - viewers go wild for 'crazy' effect on his body when shares the results
A fitness YouTuber who has undertaken the mammoth challenge of performing more than 66,000 press ups over the course of the year has shared the astonishing effect on his body. Cedrik Flipo, from Montreal in Canada, started the challenge on January 31, 2022, doing one single push up on the first day, then adding one every day for a year. In a video he posted in 2022, documenting his progress halfway through the challenge, at around the 16,000 mark, he revealed before and after selfies—which have left viewers stunned. 'Say what you want about this thinking, he's innovative, and it's some challenge. Well done lad, I'm quite impressed,' said one viewer, while another described his new build as 'crazy'. The image in the clip, that's had more than a million views, show Mr Flipo prior to the challenge looking slight and with little muscle tone, while images taken after show a beefed-up transformation. He said in the video: 'I haven't skipped a single day doing these push-ups, except for one day that I hurt my shoulders so I couldn't do the push ups all the way through. 'This was my physique before I started doing push-ups and not even halfway through this challenge, you could already see I gained a lot of upper body mass. 'So if you're looking to get bigger and gain muscle, I would definitely recommend this challenge as it is not very long and it is very efficient,' he said. One viewer, who was also doing the challenge, commented: 'Bro that's sick—I have been going hard since January 1 too. 'I'm 33 years-old and in the best shape of my life since I started working out. I started last winter, but started being really focused this year.' He's not the only one to see dramatic results from an extreme push up challenge—early this year musician Jackson Hunter did 500 in one hour, reported MailOnline. After completing the challenge he showed viewers the muscles in his arms and chest had become far bigger in size. While doing 500 push ups is on the excessive side, experts say the ability to complete the exercise is a great indicator of general health. This is because it uses most major muscle groups throughout the entire body, including legs, abs, shoulders, back and arms. The move involves beginning face down on the ground, with your toes tucked, elbows bent and hands about shoulder height. Keeping your body straight and parallel to the floor, push yourself up until your arms are straight and you are on your hands and toes. His body before he did the 500 push-up challenge (left) and his bigger muscles after the challenge Then, lower yourself back down to complete one full push up and continue until you need to stop and rest. According to a paper published by University of Harvard researchers, doing ten push-ups a day can dramatically reduce the risk of developing heart disease. The latest video resurfaced as the start of this month, as the UK's biggest cancer charity, Cancer Research UK, launched its 100 push-ups a day challenge. The feat involves completing push-ups each day for the entire month of June to raise money for the charity, and help fund breakthroughs. Volunteers have taken to social media to share clips of themselves participating in the mammoth challenge, including Stace Payne, who said he wants to achieve the fitness goal in aid of family members currently battling cancer. 'Whether it's a personal fight or one you've witnessed through loved ones, cancer touches far too many lives,' he said.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'People don't train for cancer' - fitness coach raises over £8,000 for hospice
A PERSONAL trainer from Carlisle has completed an 'emotional' seven day challenge and raised £8,600 in memory of his dad. Barrie Mark Scougal, 49, who owns Barrie Mark Personal Training in Harraby decided to fundraise and honour the team at Eden Valley Hospice who cared for his dad, Tony Scougal, and Jigsaw, Cumbria's Children's Hospice. Tony died in June last year after a battle with cancer. Barrie said: 'It's an emotional day today but it was worth it to have raised so much. It's amazing. 'You see so much about the Eden Valley Hospice on social media, or can drive past it so many times, but until you experience it and meet the staff, you never truly understand. 'You never know when you might need it and to be able to help the hospice keep their doors open is amazing.' Barrie kick-started his week of fitness challenges with a 10km swim on Monday, May 26 at Bannatyne's gym after coaching from Myles Little. READ MORE: Eden Valley Hospice to host walking group in Chances Park next month Barrie's mum and dad. (Image: Supplied) He said: 'My kids and wife swim like fish, and I couldn't! I'd never swam more than 3,000 metres. It took me four and a half hours to complete, and I loved it.' On Wednesday Mark honoured both his mum and dad by learning their favourite dance, the foxtrot. He took part in around five hours of intensive training and Let's Dance in the city, where his parents used to take their classes. He then performed in front of a group of 40 people, including his young daughters. Barrie said: 'I don't dance! This day was probably the worst of all because I wanted to do it justice. I didn't realise that the foxtrot was one of the hardest. I wouldn't have got a ten from Len but it was a laugh.' READ MORE: Two friends set off on journey from Edinburgh to Rome for Carlisle's veteran charity Barrie (left) and the team from Let's Dance. (Image: Supplied) In between challenge days, Barrie hosted full days of coaching clients back to back. To end the week, Barrie took his dad on 'one last run' and completed a half-marathon in his honour – carrying his ashes in his backpack. Tony was a keen runner who took part in 50 half-marathons and 25 full-distance marathons throughout his life. When he finished the run, Barrie was greeted by over 50 people who were cheering him on. Barrie on his run with support from family and friends. (Image: Supplied) He added: 'I hate running. I didn't train, I didn't train for any of the challenges because people don't train for cancer or radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This is all for a higher purpose. 'I wanted to use my business and my platform to do good and give back to the city. 'My wife thinks I'm mad! My kids have gone to school today telling all their friends about it. To me, it's all about family. They're the most important in my life. If they're proud, I can go to sleep happy. 'Thank you to everyone who has donated, texted, commented and supported me. The response has been phenomenal!' Barrie's JustGiving page for Eden Valley Hospice is still online, you can donate here:
