Latest news with #fitnesschallenge
Daily Mail
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lucy-Jo Hudson showcases her incredible weight loss in before and after snaps following gruelling 30 day fitness challenge: 'I'm stronger, leaner and more confident!'
Lucy-Jo Hudson has showcased her incredible weight loss after undertaking a gruelling 30 day fitness challenge. The former Coronation Street actress, 42, took to Instagram with before and after snaps as she proudly showed off the results having dropped a whopping 9lbs. Lucy-Jo posed in skimpy black gym gear and displayed more prominent abs as well as a smaller waist as she gushed over feeling 'stronger, leaner and more confident'. The soap star captioned the snaps: 'This is me, real, raw, mum of 2, prioritising her health for the first time' 'From Day 1 to Day 30, 9lbs dropped, inches lost, posture changed, confidence built, leaner and stronger and in a better frame of mind…' Lucy-Jo went on: 'I have showcased the ups and the downs of the past 30 days as you know. It has been physically tough, mentally exhausting, and I haven't been perfect'. 'Juggling kids, work, training, and trying to find time to prep meals in between everything else'. 'But here's what I've learnt: You don't have to be 100% to make progress. Small steps add up. It's not easy - but it is worth it'. Before adding: This is for every mum who feels like there's never enough time for herself. You can do it. It might take time, it might not be perfect, but it's possible - and your health is worth fighting for'. Lucy-Jo is mum to daughter Sienna-Rae, 12, who she shares with ex Corrie co-star Alan Halsall and four-year-old son Carter with partner Lewis Devine. Lucy-Jo and Alan split after nearly nine years of marriage; it was revealed that she'd embarked on a relationship with Lewis just two months later. Last month Alan looked happier than ever as he flaunted his blossoming romance with his glamorous new girlfriend. The actor, 42, who plays Tyrone Dobbs, made a big step in his new commitment with partner Ellie Dolan as they attended Jack P. Shepherd's wedding hand in hand. Arriving at the ceremony of the Celebrity Big Brother winner, Alan looked classically handsome in a grey suit. The actor layered his two-piece over a crisp blue shirt and a yellow tie which matched his partner's dress. Meanwhile Ellie looked chic as she stepped out in a plunging yellow ankle-length dress which featured a ruffle design. She added inches to her statuesque frame as she slipped into a pair of gold heels and accessorised with a pearl handbag. According to The Mirror, the blossoming relationship was already 'serious' in May despite the pair rarely seen with one another. A source told the publication: 'Alan is really happy. Ellie is a great girl and they have lots of common. And she gets on so well with Sienna, which is so important to Alan. Sienna is his world.' Alan and Ellie reportedly met at the Marriott Worsley Park club, where Alan is a member and Ellie works. A representative for Alan previously declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail. In 2020 Alan seemingly lashed out at his ex-wife's boyfriend after he referred to the former couple's daughter as his own. The actor appeared to make a remark in response to Lewis' gushing post following the birth of his and Lucy-Jo's son. Amid his excitement at becoming a new dad, Lewis heaped praise on Lucy-Jo and Alan's daughter Sienna, with part of his statement reading: 'Our Sienna is delighted and is already making the best big sister, just like I knew she would!' In a now-deleted Instagram post viewed by The Sun, Alan didn't appear to take too kindly to Lewis' use of the word 'our' and seemed to hit back at his ex's new partner. He wrote: 'You're welcome to keep the lying cheating one & call her your own! But not my daughter.'
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Huge crowds expected for outdoor fitness event
Thousands of competitors and spectators are expected in Londonderry for an outdoor Hyrox fitness challenge to be held over two days at Ebrington Square. Hyrox is described as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and has about 200,000 competitors worldwide. Competitors — either professional athletes or everyday fitness enthusiasts — perform eight runs and eight workouts. The organisers of the first Ebrington Hyrox have said it will be one of the biggest outdoor events of its kind on the island of Ireland, with more than 1,000 people registered to compete. What is Hyrox? Founded in 2017 as an indoor discipline, athletes take part in eight legs. Each leg consists of a 1km run, followed by fitness exercises. These are: 1km on a standing ski machine 50m of sled push 50m sled pull 80m burpee jumps 1km indoor rowing 200m kettlebell carry 100m lunges carrying a sandbag 100 throws and catches of a medicine ball off a wall Participants range from elite athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts, with many drawn by the sport's inclusive design and global appeal. Race director Sean McLaughlin has a background in triathlons and is also an avid Hyrox competitor—he is currently ranked fourth in Ireland. "Ebrington is a world-class venue. I'm looking forward to people from outside of Derry seeing how good a venue it actually is," he told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme. "Our plan is to build on this event and grow it even bigger next year, making it an annual event. "You don't have to be super-fit to get involved. "The functional stations are actually very accessible to most people. "I have found that Hyrox has given people a new lease of life. 'Economic boost for the city' The sport is closely related to CrossFit but features different, simpler exercises and prioritises endurance over raw strength. Since the first event in Hamburg attracted 650 participants, the sport has seen rapid growth. According to the sport's official website, there were more than 40 global races in 2023, attracting over 90,000 athletes and 50,000 spectators. Mr McLaughlin said he hoped the numbers attending Ebrington Hyrox would translate into an economic boost for the city. "We are expecting thousands of spectators along with the competitors," he said. "The first race will start at nine in the morning and the last race isn't over until about eight that evening. "Every eight minutes, another race starts, so there is a constant flow of athletes — which means a constant flow of spectators. "The businesses on Ebrington Square will see a massive benefit, and hopefully the city will too." Jen Mansour from Derry will be making her Hyrox debut at the event. The 43-year-old had hoped to take part in a previous competition held in Creggan but was forced to withdraw after suffering a foot injury. Inspired by fellow gym members who have competed in Hyrox, Jen said she had always been curious to try it for herself. "There are definitely some nerves, but I'm really excited to be taking part," she said. Jen's goal for the competition is simple: "To finish in one piece." "I was never particularly sporty at school, but after turning 40, I just wanted to become healthier and fitter," she said. "Hyrox has become really popular in recent years, and we have such a fantastic community at the gym - from all walks of life - who've taken part in these kinds of events, so I thought: why not me?" Ms Mansour will be competing in the doubles category alongside her friend Esther Donaghy, who has taken part in Hyrox before. "Esther is very fit, but more importantly for me, she's also incredibly supportive," she said. "Having her by my side throughout the event will definitely help me get through it," she said. Josh Irwin from Limavady is a regular Hyrox competitor and described it as the "ultimate test of endurance." "I love it because it makes cardio training a bit more interesting and competitive, due to all the various exercises involved," he said. "There is a great community spirit behind it, both before and after the race, because you're surrounded by like-minded people who are all looking to push themselves." How Hyrox became the latest sporting craze Hyrox: The new fitness trend sweeping the capital
BBC News
02-08-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Londonderry: Huge crowds expected for two-day Hyrox outdoor event
Thousands of competitors and spectators are expected in Londonderry for an outdoor Hyrox fitness challenge to be held over two days at Ebrington is described as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and has about 200,000 competitors — either professional athletes or everyday fitness enthusiasts — perform eight runs and eight organisers of the first Ebrington Hyrox have said it will be one of the biggest outdoor events of its kind on the island of Ireland, with more than 1,000 people registered to compete. What is Hyrox? Founded in 2017 as an indoor discipline, athletes take part in eight leg consists of a 1km run, followed by fitness are:1km on a standing ski machine50m of sled push50m sled pull80m burpee jumps1km indoor rowing200m kettlebell carry100m lunges carrying a sandbag100 throws and catches of a medicine ball off a wallParticipants range from elite athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts, with many drawn by the sport's inclusive design and global appeal. Race director Sean McLaughlin has a background in triathlons and is also an avid Hyrox competitor—he is currently ranked fourth in Ireland."Ebrington is a world-class venue. I'm looking forward to people from outside of Derry seeing how good a venue it actually is," he told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme."Our plan is to build on this event and grow it even bigger next year, making it an annual event."You don't have to be super-fit to get involved."The functional stations are actually very accessible to most people."I have found that Hyrox has given people a new lease of life. 'Economic boost for the city' The sport is closely related to CrossFit but features different, simpler exercises and prioritises endurance over raw the first event in Hamburg attracted 650 participants, the sport has seen rapid to the sport's official website, there were more than 40 global races in 2023, attracting over 90,000 athletes and 50,000 McLaughlin said he hoped the numbers attending Ebrington Hyrox would translate into an economic boost for the city."We are expecting thousands of spectators along with the competitors," he said."The first race will start at nine in the morning and the last race isn't over until about eight that evening."Every eight minutes, another race starts, so there is a constant flow of athletes — which means a constant flow of spectators."The businesses on Ebrington Square will see a massive benefit, and hopefully the city will too." Jen Mansour from Derry will be making her Hyrox debut at the 43-year-old had hoped to take part in a previous competition held in Creggan but was forced to withdraw after suffering a foot by fellow gym members who have competed in Hyrox, Jen said she had always been curious to try it for herself."There are definitely some nerves, but I'm really excited to be taking part," she goal for the competition is simple: "To finish in one piece." "I was never particularly sporty at school, but after turning 40, I just wanted to become healthier and fitter," she said."Hyrox has become really popular in recent years, and we have such a fantastic community at the gym - from all walks of life - who've taken part in these kinds of events, so I thought: why not me?"Ms Mansour will be competing in the doubles category alongside her friend Esther Donaghy, who has taken part in Hyrox before."Esther is very fit, but more importantly for me, she's also incredibly supportive," she said."Having her by my side throughout the event will definitely help me get through it," she said. Josh Irwin from Limavady is a regular Hyrox competitor and described it as the "ultimate test of endurance.""I love it because it makes cardio training a bit more interesting and competitive, due to all the various exercises involved," he said."There is a great community spirit behind it, both before and after the race, because you're surrounded by like-minded people who are all looking to push themselves."
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
