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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Go beast or go home: Can you handle competitive gymming?
Run for one kilometre. Ski Nordic-style for the next. Then, push a 100kg sled. Run some more. Row. Then, haul 30kg weights from A to B. Run again. Lunge with 10kg. Finally, throw a 5kg ball at a wall (and catch it) 100 times. Fitness races are brutal, but they're for everyone, says trainer Kunal Rajput. No, it's not a deleted scene from a Dwayne Johnson movie. It's Hyrox, a fitness competition that's been storming through gyms. Think of it as the matcha latte of workouts; the Dubai Chocolate of muscle-building. Hyrox (a mash-up of 'hybrid' and 'rockstar') seems a little masochistic. But as more and more people train like athletes these days, regular gymming has flexed upwards from Zumba to Pilates to CrossFit. More than 1,000 fans showed up for the Mumbai Hyrox debut in May. 'It's cool, and kind of a social currency right now,' says Kunal Rajput, founder of Breathe Studio Mumbai. He participated in the May event, and prepared others for it too. 'People admire those who do it because it is extremely hard to show up and train for something like this, and that validation feels good.' Gymming has always been fitness's middle child — overlooked, underhyped, in the shadow of its flashier siblings. Runners get marathons. Cyclists get cyclothons. Triathletes get, well, triathlons. There are personal bests, medals, and weepy Instagrammable finish lines. Meanwhile, gym bros and girlies flip tyres, and do burpees in a Sisyphean loop. Fitness races are hoping to change that. Game on Exercise-based challenges have been around for almost a decade in Europe. But in the last two years, events such as the CrossFit Open, Deadly Dozen, Superhuman Games, Hyrox and Nuclear Fit have become global events. India's catching up. Last year saw the first season of the Yoddha Race (with events similar to Hyrox). This year, there's been the Cult Unbound Championship in April, STRYDX at the Ultra Arena Games in February, and another edition of Devils Circuit, a race-meets-obstacle-course format. 'The wall balls, in which you throw a 4kg ball in the air, 50 times, killed me,' says Shruthi Suresh, 24. It's a trend that fits perfectly with the internet's current obsessions: #GirlGains, 75 Hard challenges, and protein powders that taste like dessert. It's gamified gymming from a routine to a competitive sport. Shruthi Suresh, 24, a community manager at PedalStart (a platform for startup founders) in Bengaluru tried signing up for The Yoddha Race. 'Tickets for the solo category were all sold out,' she says. 'But there were still a few spots left for the mixed doubles.' She took a screenshot and sent it to her buddies. 'I ended up participating with my friend, Yadhu MP, who was 10 years older.' Suresh is a dancer and athlete who works out daily. She trained for three weeks but it wasn't enough. 'The wall balls, in which you throw a 4kg ball eight feet in the air, 50 times, killed me,' she says. 'But just being there was incredible. Everyone was cheering each other on. No one gave up, even if they were slow. And not a single person stopped mid-way and said, 'I can't do this.' Everyone finished.' And despite the age gap slowing them down slightly, Suresh says that they finished in an impressive one-and-a-half hours. The events are marketed as being for everyone, or at least anyone over 16 with a fitness background. 'The movements are strength-based but not overly technical. There's no time cap for Hyrox. You could walk the whole 8km if you had to. Just finishing it is a big deal, and that in itself is empowering,' says Rajput. Participants are encouraged to show up with a partner or their 'squad.' But even if you come solo, there's no shortage of people to bond with. Some events also have cash prizes of up to ₹25 lakh. Participants train rigorously to win leaderboard spots, trophies and cash prizes of up to ₹25 lakh. Better together Zeba Zaidi launched Devils Circuit, with 15 obstacles that range from tough (climbing a 20 foot-rope, swinging off a steel bar) to relatively less so (runs and jumps). 'We structure the course in a way that everybody, irrespective of gender, fitness level or age can have a good time even as they're falling in water, slipping down a slide, or getting slathered in mud,' she says. While not everyone can complete every challenge, participants end up doing more than they thought they could, and spur each other on. Young people love it. Most of them are ditching Saturday-night clubbing for Sunday sunrise runs, anyway. They're into coffee raves and take ice baths. 'Even Coachella, where people went to get drunk, had wellness parties this year,' Zaidi says. So, Zaidi makes sure Devils Circuit ends on a literal high. The final obstacle, Brain Freeze, gets participants to climb 20 feet, then slide into a pit filled with crushed ice. 'It wakes you up. After that, you just want to party,' she says. That's why there's also a DJ at the finish line. The events are a great bonding moment for fitness enthusiasts. And, of course, the 'look what I overcame' arc looks good on Insta. It's perfect for Rocky-style training montages, sunrise run photos, ice plunge gifs, slo-mo burpees, medal close-ups — that totally trumps the humble gym mirror selfie. Riding the wave Organisers know they're riding a moment. Competitive fitness fits well with how we view our bodies today. It's no longer just about looking ripped, says Rajput. 'It's about performance. How fast you can run, how strong you are, how quickly you complete a workout.' These races are hard, but not too hard, and that's the sweet spot. Most events now partner with gyms and coaches to prep participants months in advance. At Breathe studio, group training sessions start at ₹800 per session and can go up to ₹1,300. Hyrox sponsor Puma makes nitrogen-infused foam shoes specifically for the competition, light enough to help you run faster, but with enough grip to power through a sled push. Plus, there's merch such as gym bags, tees, shorts and bandanas, which looks even better on Reels. From HT Brunch, July 26, 2025 Follow us on
Hamilton Spectator
17-07-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Art galleries, patio pints and outdoor thrills: What to do in and around Collingwood — including chef-approved picks
Summer in the city is crowded and sweltering. Use this road trip guide to get out of town and explore the charming places within driving distance of Toronto. Every week, we'll spotlight an Ontario destination, complete with expert picks for how best to enjoy. Happy trails! Framed by Georgian Bay on one side and the Niagara Escarpment on the other, Collingwood is made for being outside. It's about two-and-a-half hours from Toronto but feels further, in the best way. Trails start close to town, the air smells like pine, and the bay breeze cuts the heat. The historic core is small and walkable, with a mix of art galleries, cocktail bars and indie shops, all set against a backdrop of handsome red-brick buildings. Beyond the downtown, the surrounding area offers plenty of ways to slow down, or raise your heart rate — the thrills of Blue Mountain are just about 15 minutes away. Here are some of the best things to do in and around town: Do a self-guided gallery crawl. Known for its creative streak, Collingwood throws a free downtown art crawl each September, but its galleries are worth visiting year-round. Start at Mountainside Gallery , where the well-curated collection ranges from vibrant ski-scene paintings by Steve Tracy to earthy, wheel-thrown porcelain by Susan Card. A short walk away, Butter Gallery features boldly coloured Canadian landscape paintings and abstract sculptures. For a behind-the-scenes experience, visit Tremont Studios ; the street-level gallery shares space with a dozen working artists upstairs in the historic Tremont building. Tap into small-town spa culture. Collingwood's wellness scene is rooted in its surroundings, with a focus on simplicity, stillness and fresh air over flash. At Everlove , the Nordic-style circuit invites you to alternate between a steamy sauna and icy plunge pools. In summer, the studio hosts movement classes on a well-tended lawn, with space to move, sun on your skin, and nothing but the sound of the breeze. Or head to Vortex Wellness Studio , where treatments such as red light therapy and immersive meditation pods are offered in a cosy, community-focused space. Endswell Beer and Later Pizza are located under the same roof, so you can pair the small-batch beers with a Brooklyn-style pie. Pair a craft pint with a slice. Whether you come for hops, carbs or both, Endswell Beer 's wood-accented taproom is a welcoming spot to refuel. Expect approachable, small-batch beers such as English ales, crisp lagers and easy-drinking pilsners. The brewery shares space with Later Pizza , a Brooklyn-style outfit known for chewy crusts and playful toppings like marinated zucchini with chimichurri. Grab a table inside or snag a picnic bench on the patio. Nicky's Doughnuts & Ice Cream offers desserts in flavours you're unlikely to see elsewhere. Treat yourself to inventive desserts. At Nicky's Doughnuts & Ice Cream , the pillowy handmade doughnuts come in flavours both classic and creative. Past hits include the orange hibiscus and the ube glaze, while a mainstay is the pink-iced Homer, which is reminiscent of an old-school sprinkle doughnut. The house-made ice cream is equally original, with flavours you're unlikely to see elsewhere, such as turon (made with banana and jackfruit like the Filipino dessert) and sweet corn blueberry cream cheese. Stroll over to nearby Optimist Harbourview Park to enjoy your treats while taking in bay views. Go for a therapeutic nature hike. Hiking here feels especially meditative, particularly on a forest therapy walk led by local outfitter Free Spirit Tours . Their gentle treks, from 90 minutes to three hours, wind through woodlands like the George Christie Nature Trails or Metcalfe Rock, while focusing on mindfulness, breath work and tuning into your surroundings. Prefer to go solo? The 3.4-kilometre George Christie loop is also easy to navigate on your own and offers a peaceful dose of nature just minutes from downtown. Kettlewells Vintiques & Florals is the spot for eclectic antiques. Hunt for one-of-a-kind finds. Collingwood's vintage and thrift scene is small but full of character. Browse the fashion racks at Bishop Consignment , where you might chance upon labels such as Gucci. Continue north on Hurontario and you'll hit the Daisy Chain , where thrift meets curated vintage in a cheerful, boho-style space (think: everything from chunky '90s jewelry to ethically made handbags from brands like Pokoloko). Within a short drive, Kettlewells Vintiques & Florals is worth the detour for its mix of fresh-cut blooms and eclectic antiques, like salvaged corbels, wrought-iron patio sets and weathered wood tables. Low Down is an unpretentious bar with a sunny patio downtown. People-watch from the patio. Low Down nails the sweet spot between cool and unpretentious. This Simcoe Street bar serves sippable cocktails and a front-row seat to downtown foot traffic from its sunny patio. On the Asian-inspired menu, the Coco Loco Bowl hits all the right summery notes with coconut jasmine rice, charred pineapple and pickled chilies. Cocktails rotate monthly, but the minty, tequila-based Hotel Lobby is a reliable standout (and just $10 during Happy Hour). A day pass at Blue Mountain Resort grants access to its adventure-park activities like the Wind Rider Triple Zips, shown. Head to the kid-friendly attraction. Only about 15 minutes from Collingwood, Blue Mountain isn't just for skiers. A summer all-access day pass grants entry to more than a dozen activities, including the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster and the Timber Challenge High Ropes, a network of swinging bridges and zip lines. At the Mill Pond Activity Centre, rent a water trike and cruise across the pond. Prefer a slower pace? Hop on the gondola for dramatic views of Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment. (Pass pricing varies by guest age; book online in advance for better rates.) If you stay: Somewhere Inn Collingwood is a stylish, 10-room boutique property in a restored century home, with both vintage charm and modern comforts. Relax in the on-site thermal spa circuit, or wind down at Brooky's, the intimate wine bar. Want more food and drink recommendations for Collingwood? The Star asked chef Jeremy Austin of the Pine to share some of his favourites. Chef Jeremy Austin is the co-owner of the Michelin-starred Pine, right. After spending time cooking in Hong Kong, China and Italy, Austin returned to Canada. He opened the Pine in Collingwood in 2020 and quickly established a reputation for elegant tasting menus. Since then, his restaurant has moved to nearby Creemore — and earned a Michelin star — where he continues to serve a refined, multi-course experience shaped by local ingredients. When you're in Collingwood, here are just a few of Austin's go-to places to eat and drink. Bello Pizza : 'It's a little Brooklyn-style pizza place. They have a wicked patio in the summertime. Everything is delicious. I always get the classic Bello Pizza, and my wife loves the mozza sticks. The gnocco fritto is really nice, too. They have great cocktails and it's a nice, chill vibe.' Austin's recommendations include the Tremont Cafe inside the Dorchester Hotel. The Tremont Cafe : 'They do some really nice Wagyu if you're looking to splurge. It's part of the Dorchester Hotel, and the menu is sort of Lebanese-Italian fusion. It's fine dining — great cocktails, great service and a beautiful atmosphere. The cocktails are fairly classic, so I'll usually get a Negroni.' Gibson & Co. : 'One of my favourite things about it is the location: You have to go down a brick alleyway to get to it, and it makes you feel like you're part of a secret. They have nice coffee. I tend to do iced lattes in the summer and cappuccinos in the winter. They also source amazing wines from all over the world.' The menu at Georgian Bay Surf Club includes must-have duck wings. Georgian Bay Surf Club : 'They have an interesting approach, doing 'surf' cuisine from all over the world. The duck wings are a must, and the duck sandwich is amazing, too. The chef's family owns King Cole Ducks, and what he does with ducks is pretty remarkable. The space is modern with beautiful interior design.' Northwinds Brewery serves up Detroit-style pizza along with its beers. Northwinds Brewery : 'It's a local brew pub (with) a log cabin-like vibe, and I have a great meal every time I go. Their smash burger is delicious. They do Detroit-style pizza as well. It's crispy on the bottom, almost like a focaccia pizza. I like their Nosy Parker Porter, although all the beers are good.'
The Irish Sun
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
One of Europe's biggest theme parks opens new Wild West themed holiday village with wagon huts and cowboy bars
A NEW cowboy themed holiday village has opened at one of Europe's biggest theme parks. Advertisement 6 The new area of Europa-Park is Wild West-themed Credit: Europa-Park 6 There are wagons, tents and cabins that guests can stay in Credit: Europa-Park Inside, visitors can set up camp in the accommodation village called Tipi Town - which has 630 beds. Unlike most holiday villages, here you can sleep in a rustic wagon, or cosy log cabin, so you'll really feel like you're in the wild west. There are also colourful tipi-style tents or western-themed houses. Alternatively, you can camp in your own vehicle in the Europa-Park caravan park or sleep under the stars in your own tent. Advertisement Read More on Theme Parks The new accommodation can sleep from one person all the way up to 16 - if you choose to stay in one of the log cabins. It's set to get even bigger too. In 2026 there will be a new Riverside Western Lodge with 120 rooms. The huge guest house will be open for bookings from November 11, 2025. Also in 2026 will be a new brewery with its very own craft beer. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Gold Rush Golf is a mini-golf course across the site - and anyone can have a go. The challenging course has towers, slides and twelve holes to swing into. European theme park where you 'visit' Greece, Spain and Italy in a day has new roller coaster that's the world's steepest 6 There's a whole zone dedicated to the Wild West Credit: Europa-park 6 The Diner Station has train carriages that you can eat inside Credit: Europa-park There's also an adventure playground with a steam train, swimming lake and campfires. Advertisement On the village site are also four new diners. One is called the Diner Station, which is in a western themed train station. You can even enjoy delights of the buffet in specially designed carriages that have been fitted with tables. There's also the Wild Horse Bar where you can have a tipple of whiskey like a cowboy, or beer and a cocktail too. Silver Lake Saloon serves up hearty North American dishes like steak and barbecue ribs. Advertisement Finally, there's Cantina Amigo where you can order burritos, chilli and burgers. 6 The Comfort Wagon has heating, air conditioning and a flat screen TV Credit: Europa-Park You'll find the outdoor pool Svømmepøl in the Rulantica water world, it's 660sqm and sits inside a Nordic-style 'volcanic landscape' and is heated to 32C. Advertisement The theme park recently The Grand Prix EDventure is the equivalent of a ghost train with an interactive gaming element. The park's mice mascots Ed and Edda will be racing, and the ride will be based on the upcoming film, 'Grand Prix of Europe', a cartoon film that stars Ed and Edda voiced by One Advertisement He also added that Europa-Park should be known for its thrilling white-knuckle rides. 6 Europa-Park has opened its Wild West-themed park Credit: Europa-park Advertisement
The Irish Sun
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Massive European waterpark with 14 themed lands opens new outdoor pool and 150-seat swim up bar
A MASSIVE European waterpark has opened a new year-round outdoor pool - and it comes with a massive swim-up bar. The outdoor pool Svømmepøl is n the Rulantica water world at Europa-Park Resort in Germany. 4 The new pool will be heated to 32C Credit: Europa Park 4 It has a Nordic-theme, included the surrounding vegetation Credit: Europa Park It measures around 660sqm and sits inside a Nordic-style 'volcanic landscape'. The 32C heated pool is in the 'Dynstrønd' area of the park and is the largest open-air pool in Rulantica to date. It also has several features including geysers, water mist and an infinity area. In addition, there is a rock cave with bubbling water loungers and a discovery tour with mascot 'Snorri' - perfect for little ones. Read more on waterparks There is a The pool is then surrounded by Visitors can also get to the outdoor swimming area from the indoor area. Europa-Park's owner, Ronald Mack, said: "With 'Svømmepøl', we are expanding Rulantica's year-round offering with a spacious and fascinatingly designed Most read in News Travel "The numerous details and special features create an impressive bathing experience and once again set new standards in innovative water attractions," reports The pool even took an entire week to fill. Inside Universal Epic Universe with incredible thrill rides and amazing food Rulantica first opened in 2019 and in total spans 32,600sqm with 14 themed zones based on Nordic legends including Rangnakor. There are 50 There are a number of other experiences available at the waterpark including evening DJ sets and private relaxation booths and Rulantica is operated by next door to the waterpark. There is even a free shuttle that runs between the two Tickets to enter Rulantica cost £38.50 and tickets to enter Europa-Park cost £54. What is Europa-Park like? WRITER Lee Bell recently visited Europa-Park and has shared his thoughts. Within just one hour, I wake up in Rome, stroll through the streets of southern Spain, and whizz through Scandinavia on a rollercoaster. There are still 15 more countries to see before the day is through. But that is easily done at Europa Park — a mega theme park in Germany where different areas are designed to look just like European countries. Spanning 230 acres just outside Rust, a small unassuming town in the southwest of the country near the borders of France and Switzerland, this theme park and hotel resort is an adrenaline junkie's dream. And its theming means you can travel the continent on a whirlwind tour. The attention to detail is off the chart. The Greece area captures the feel of being in Mykonos while the Switzerland section transports you to the heart of the Alps. From the architecture to the street signs, it feels like you're really visiting these different lands. Its extravagance reminds me of a family-friendly Las Vegas, just without the casinos and flashing neon lights. Instead, it's packed with 13 rollercoasters, 100 attractions, six themed hotels, and a full-blown water park. Back in February, Europa-Park celebrated its 50th anniversary and with it, opened a Featuring the park's mice mascots Ed and Edda, the ride is a train journey with an interactive gaming element. The ride is based on the upcoming film , 'Grand Prix of Europe' - a cartoon film that stars Ed and Edda voiced by Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Gemma Arterton . Visitors can ride on 'Grand Prix EDventure' with Ed and Edda's racing crew and take a trip across Europe. There was also a Plus, 4 The pool will be open year-round Credit: Europa Park 4 There will also be a swim-up bar, with 150 seats Credit: Europa Park
West Australian
14-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Big players line up to fund Lindian rare earths mine
Rare earths developer Lindian Resources is juggling a slew of financing proposals from leading African and European commercial and investment banks to fund construction of its world-class Kangankunde hard rock rare earths project in Malawi. The company says it is riding a wave of financial momentum, with multiple funding proposals to bankroll Kangankunde's Stage 1 development. One standout non-binding proposal involves a US$30 million loan from Ecobank Malawi and another proposal involves a US$30M – US$40M secured debt/equity bond from a leading European investment bank. Another US$50M proposal from Gerald group dates back to last December and the company also has a number of offtake prepayment proposals from numerous commodity traders. The latest offer from Malawi's Ecobank includes a five-year pledge to act as mandated lead financier, with other commercial banks apparently circling for a syndicated deal. The support of Ecobank underscores Malawi's rising status as a growing mining jurisdiction for global investment and critical minerals supply. A leading European investment bank has tossed its hat in the ring with a Nordic-style bond, targeting a 60:40 debt-to-equity split for up to US$40M over five-years. Lindian says the bond is tailor made for upstream projects like Kangankunde, promising flexibility for construction costs. The company's existing US$50M non-binding term sheet with Gerald Group, to lock up the remaining 60 per cent of monazite product for a full offtake right to Stage 1, remains a solid contender too. Lindian's board will now sift through all of the proposals with a view to locking one in for its final investment decision. An optimised feasibility study for Kangankunde is also nearing completion and is set to wrap up in late June and will look to build on last year's blockbuster numbers. The project shows around 23.7-million-tonnes in reserve grading a weighty 2.9 per cent total rare earth oxides (TREO), placing it in rarified air on the global rare earths stage. Stage 1 is set to churn out 15,300t of premium 55 per cent TREO monazite concentrate annually for a massive 45 years, pegging a post-tax net present value at Kangankunde of some US$555 million, despite seriously depressed rare earths prices since 2023 that many believe will eventually move skywards. At a lean US$40 million pre-production capex and a miniscule US$2.92/kg TREO operating cost, the project is expected to pay for itself in under two years according to Lindian. Management says the preconstruction works are now in full swing on the ground in Malawi including the company's 5km access road that is expected to be delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. That road will allow construction crews to tackle run-of-mine (ROM) pad earthworks, storage facilities and security yards, shaving precious time and costs off the schedule. With 40 per cent of Stage 1 production already locked in under binding offtake terms with Gerald Group, production is slated for mid-2026, with the bidding process heating up for the remaining 60 per cent. Management also notes that joint venture discussions in the US and CIS countries are gaining traction, aligning with Presidential executive orders and Western efforts to diversify critical mineral supply chains. With a treasure trove of financing options, construction milestones and a low-cost foothold in the global rare earths market, Lindian is charging towards becoming a global rare earths supplier in 2026. Kangankunde's sky-high grade and dirt-cheap costs make it a first-class alternative to Chinese rare earths production as the West clamours for strategic rare earths alternative suppliers . Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact:
