What is the Best of the Best Challenge?

With heavy emphasis on strength, speed and endurance, the 'Best of the Best' is arguably the ultimate test of fitness. The challenge consists of ten consecutive disciplines, with the aim being to complete them in quick succession in the fastest possible time. The 2007 course is detailed below.

Elite Course

The Bike (Technogym) - 1.5 km
The Rower (Concept 2) - 600m
Lat Pull-Downs - 50 reps (40kg m, 25kg w)
Squat Thrusts - 60 reps
Box Step-Ups (14"box) - 100 (2 x 10kg m, 2 x 5kg w)
Bench Jumps - 120 reps (60 each side)
Sit Ups - 60 reps
Shoulder Press (freewt.) - 40 reps (25kg m, 15kg w)
The Treadmill (Technogym) - 800m at 6% incline
Bench Press (freewt.) - 40 reps (40kg m, 25kg w)
*m=men, w=women

The wide variety of exercises is a primary reason for the Best of the Best being such a gruelling challenge. It taxes all the major muscle groups and all the body's energy systems. A top competitor needs to achieve high levels of many aspects of fitness, including a good aerobic base and a high lactate threshold and lactate tolerance. This must be combined with excellent muscular strength, power and endurance.

The range of disciplines and nature of the challenge means that competitors have a huge number of sessions to choose from when training for the event. With such variety it is almost impossible to get bored and the likelihood of athletes growing stale is considerably reduced. Sessions on the bike, treadmill and rower along with various styles of weight training and circuits, keep workouts exciting and stimulating.

So, who are the Best of the Best….?

Top triathletes, indoor rowers and boxers are some of the athletes who’ve previously mastered the challenge. To excel in a multi-sport event such as the Best of the Best, athletes must aim for total body fitness and the ability to perform at a high level across a range of disciplines. Any sport that taxes all the major muscle groups and energy systems can benefit preparation for the challenge.

The Best of the Best is soon to be staged for the fourth time and as its popularity increases the opportunities to participate are growing too. The successful introduction of the intermediate races in 2006, aimed at the less experienced multisport athletes and fitness enthusiasts, opens the doors to many, many more athletes.

In an age when exercise and healthier living is proving essential to long-term wellness, the Best of the Best presents a challenge that everyone can aspire to conquer. If you're looking for new training goals or some serious motivation, this multisport challenge could be just the thing.