SIMPLY FIT GAMES 2024 – RECAP!

The Simply Fit Games 2024 were a huge success! 

It is always so much fun to see our clients show up and show out. Sixteen people participated, and each one gave it their best. Six participants were repeats from last year, so they had some numbers to beat! 

The vibes were high, just like all our events at ASF. The energy and supportive atmosphere made the whirlwind of challenges difficult but a ton of fun. 

The Games are designed to be a way to set personal benchmarks in a variety of expressions of fitness. Power, strength and conditioning are tested via six challenges. This also provides opportunities for different people to excel in different arenas. Each event is completed within a 4-minute window, with one minute rest between. 

The first challenge is the Vertical Jump Test, which measures lower body explosive power. Participants have three chances to jump as high as they can. ASF friend Carlos Reyes of Reyes Performance Institute provided a jump mat, which measures time off the ground, as well as some technique coaching to help everyone do their best. Our top jump this year was 1.5” higher than the best jump in 2023!

Next is the first major test of strength – the Trap Bar Deadlift. Each lifter must complete three full reps at the heaviest weight they choose. This event is a lot of fun to do and even more fun to watch. Many lifters hit personal bests at the Games! It’s amazing how strong you can be when you have a bunch of people cheering for you. Our top deadlifts were a lot higher than last year, and we saw the combined total of those who participated last year increase by 125 lbs!

Even with the built-in rest between events, the Seated Med Ball Throw is a welcome respite after the deadlift. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy! Competitors must stay seated with their back and head against the wall as they throw, which makes producing force a real challenge! With some helpful coaching from ASF trainers, most people improved over the course of three tries.

Next in line is the first conditioning challenge, the AssaultBike Sprint. In a 20 second burst, athletes must produce maximum power in watts. You’d be surprised at how intense 20 seconds can be when you really go all out! A quick sprint uses the anaerobic system, which doesn’t use oxygen to produce energy. Those who are great at sprinting are not always the same as those who excel at aerobic endurance tests!

Just as they were catching their breath, contestants were greeted with the second strength challenge – the Flexed Arm Hang. Testing grip, back, arm and core strength, as well as mental strength to endure, participants must hold at the top position of a pull up for as long as possible. Some had flashbacks to school days and the Presidential Fitness Challenge, but everyone made it through this mind-over-matter event.

Finally, the ultimate challenge arrived. The breath-taking, leg-shaking aerobic challenge – the Versa Climber. Contenders climb for 2 minutes, aiming to cover as much “distance” as possible. The trick is finding the optimal pacing – not burning out too quickly, not starting too slowly, and having the energy to push hard till the end. Our athletes proved their mettle, enduring what feels like a very long two minutes! Many of last year’s participants improved on their performance. Laying sprawled out on the floor afterward helped with recovery!

While everyone had a chance to shine at each of the different fitness challenges, the following folks earned the most points overall:

Top Women

Tied for 1st – Alex Meyers & Melissa DeVarney

3rd – Allison Kovacik

Top Men

1st – AJ Maestas

2nd – Nate Taylor

3rd – Chris Marks