A unique fitness competition blending dating, live DJs, and intense workouts has been launched in the UK by a celebrity PT and personal trainer for the ultimate day out
Fitness events have soared in popularity as athletes or health enthusiasts push themselves to lift, push or run their best time during fast-paced competitions.
One that stands out in the fitness world is the rise of Hyrox, an indoor fitness competition that combines running and functional workouts. Participants alternate between the two as they take on a mix of cardio and strength exercises such as sledge pushes, burpees, the Ski Erg, or sandbag lunges in a bid to secure their best time. It’s intense but undoubtedly rewarding for those looking for a challenge and to meet fellow fitness enthusiasts.
But away from Hyrox, two friends have co-founded a new type of fitness competition that not only brings fitness goers together but helps in the world of dating, too. Toby Spooner and Will McLaren have launched Metrix, an immersive fitness competition that combines “club-like music and next-level production, which has never been done before.”
Will, a former royal marine turned celebrity PT, saw a gap in the market for “large-scale fitness events in the capital that brought together singles over a shared passion for fitness.” Forget swiping right on Tinder, as during the Metrix events you can choose to be paired up with a same-sex or opposite-sex couple to compete during five dynamic workouts.
Participants can test their strength and agility as they take on the Ski Erg, burpees, row Erg, bike Erg and shuttle run/sledge push during the exhilarating event while cheering on their partner. With DJs playing all day and a club-like feel, Metrix promises to be “a super cool event”, whether you’re competing or supporting.
Toby and Will told us: “It’s an accessible workout that anyone can do, be it a casual gym goer or an elite athlete. It’s not just focused on dating but community as a whole. We’ve tried to create a space where fitness enthusiasts can come together and enjoy a full day out in a fun, engaging and inspiring way. We partnered with some great brands and an epic record label (Glasgow Underground) to ensure the experience was next level.”
They added: “We both teach group fitness and have been in the industry for years. We’ve witnessed the power of music in driving your performance and how incredible the fitness community can be. Having taken part in so many other fitness events in the past, we wanted to create something that went beyond just a competition. A full day out.”
The event is held at the music venue, Magazine in London, with a list of “high-profile” DJs bringing the hits while competing in the new ‘era’ of fitness. Metrix is aimed at those aged from 25-44 years old, but the duo insist “everyone can do it”. They said: “It’s for everyone, not just those that are single. You can do the workout with your partner, your friend, a family member or with someone new.”
Toby and Will launched their first Metrix event on Saturday, March 1, but are aiming to host multiple events across the UK this year with hopes of going global by 2026. For more information, you can go to their website: https://metrix.events/