The Fox Den Games: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Effort

Last weekend, we hosted our very first Fox Den Games, and let me tell you — it was bloody brilliant.

I’ve done full-day fitness challenges for members before (anyone remember the old revolution days), but this was the first time we threw open the doors to non-members too. The idea was simple: build something fun, tough, inclusive, and totally in line with what The Fox Den stands for — community, grit, determination, and getting outside your comfort zone.

And that’s exactly what we got.

What Went On?

The format? Keep it simple, work twice as hard.

Thirteen stations.
Five minutes per station.
Max reps. Zero hiding.

Here’s what people faced:

• Deadlifts
• Box Overs
• Clean & Press
• Assault Bike
• Farmers Carries
• Tank Pushes
• Row Erg
• Ball Over Shoulder
• Sit-Up & Press
• Ski Erg
• Pancake Carry
• Wall Balls
• And to finish it off, everyone’s favourite: Ram Burpees

Participants could take it on solo or team up in pairs, which gave it a great energy. We handed out goodie bags, chucked out a few trophies to winners in each category, and kept the yard buzzing from start to finish.

Were there a few hiccups along the way? Of course. It wouldn’t be a proper event without a few “wait, where the hell did that pen go?” moments. But the overall feedback? Just Bloody Brilliant.

It Wasn’t About Elite Athletes

Here’s the thing I loved most — this wasn’t a showcase for elite-level athletes. This was a field full of normal people.

People with kids, full-time jobs, dodgy backs, school runs, night shifts, responsibilities — and yet, they still showed up. They still pushed themselves. They still did something hard because deep down, they wanted to see what they were capable of.

That’s the whole bloody point of the Den.

We had people who’d never done some of the exercises before. I’m talking never touched a barbell, tank or thrown a ball over their shoulder until maybe a day or two before the comp.

And yet they stepped up.
They said, “Fuck it, what’s the worst that can happen?” (aka, the unofficial Fox Den motto).
And they did the thing.

They stepped outside their comfort zones, gave it everything they had, and left with their heads held high — sore, sweaty, but proud.

Comfort Zones Are Where Progress Goes to Die

To get anywhere in life — whether it’s fitness, career, confidence, or just feeling better in your own skin — you have to step into the unknown. You have to try the thing that makes you nervous. You have to feel awkward, uncomfortable, and not-quite-ready… and then do it anyway.

The Fox Den Games was living proof of that. And not just for our seasoned members. It was amazing to see newcomers come in, feel the energy, and instantly understand what we’re all about.

We’ve always had a strong community spirit here — but watching new faces jump in, cheer each other on, and instantly feel part of the pack? That just made me smile.

We’re Already Planning the Next One

Yep. We’re not done.

The next one’s going to be a pairs-only comp, and we’re aiming to run two of these every year from now on. Possibly three if we decide to launch the idea someone threw at us — a women-only Fox Den Games.

(And yes, someone also suggested calling the general one “The Foxhole”… which honestly sounds more like an OnlyFans account I might start if the gym business ever goes to shit. But I respect the creativity.)

Point is — we’re building something here.
Not just a competition.
A space where anyone — no matter their background or starting point — can show up, get stuck in, and realise they’re capable of more than they ever thought possible.

You Don’t Have to Be Fit to Start. You Just Have to Start.

Now, time to get back to the message in all of this. If you’ve been sitting on the fence, waiting for the “perfect time” to get fit or to try something new — newsflash: there is no perfect time. Life will never slow down for you, in fact you must of noticed as you get older it flies by even quicker. The kids, the job, the stress, the excuses — they’ll always be there.

But so will opportunities like this.
To train. To show up. To see what you’re made of.

So if you’re thinking of doing something, stop overthinking it.

Just start.
Do the thing.
See where it takes you.

Because, fuck it, what’s the worst that can happen.

You don’t need to be the fittest, strongest, or fastest.
You just need to be the one who shows up and gives a shit about yourself.

And at the Fox Den — that’s all we’ll ever ask of you