For us, it has not really been a year. In fact, as we see out 2025 and welcome 2026, it will mark the six-month point since the two of us took over the running of Central Staffs CrossFit. That said, it still seems fitting to sum up the year as we have seen it, and to celebrate some of the successes we have witnessed. It also feels like the right moment to look ahead to 2026 and update everyone on some of our plans and predictions for the coming year.
This year saw CSC host and welcome our friends from Eccleshall CrossFit. It served not only as an inter-box competition, but also as a chance for members and staff to bid a fond farewell to Tim and his family as they travelled abroad to start a new chapter. It was well attended and supported, and showcased some impressive levels of fitness from both gyms.
We have hosted a number of BWL-affiliated weightlifting competitions this year, helping us cement strong relationships with BWL and with weightlifters and clubs from near and far. We have seen qualification totals for British Championships, record attempts, and first-timers giving it their all. Throughout all of this, we have been keenly supported by our own membership, without whom we could not put on the show that we do, nor build the reputation we are known for. We already have two bigger Tier 3 competitions planned for 2026, with more to follow. Our goal is to see more than five of our own members competing, and even more taking part in supporting roles.
The gym also sent a number of members down to Devon for this year’s Tribal Clash. Our teams were mixed in ability, experience and, by the end of the weekend, morale. An early near-washout created challenging conditions that tested everyone’s resilience. Regardless, our members put on a fantastic display of grit and fitness, and represented CSC incredibly well. We already have three teams entered for the coming year, and training will begin in earnest in the spring.
We welcomed Icarus to the gym this year for their popular fitness race series. It was their first event without a run, and it proved as popular as ever, drawing a great crowd and high-quality athletes from home and away. Seeing so many of our members comfortably switch to a more hybrid style of fitness was impressive and inspiring in equal measure.
In addition to the competitions already mentioned, our sister company LDG Events held their first competition, a mixed-sex pairs fitness throwdown. This saw even more of our members step up to test their fitness and volunteer to help deliver a well-run and positively reviewed event. LDG will be running our future weightlifting events, along with seminars and further competitions. LDG Fourged, a mixed-sex four-person team event, will follow in the footsteps of the CSC Invitational, and an entirely new format, Lift and Shift, will bring a fitness racing feel back to CSC. Expect heavy lifts and running, with accessible levels for all. LDG will keep a consistent theme through its events, offering efficiently run days, top-tier prizes, and an atmosphere built from entertainment and professionalism. Whatever your preference, they will bring something for you in 2026.
This year also saw CSC host CrossFit seminars and British Weightlifting courses. You can expect much more of this in 2026, without disruption to our class schedule. As delivery partners and educators for British Weightlifting, we will be delivering their full range of courses, all scheduled to avoid affecting our timetable. If you are interested in qualifying in coaching weightlifting, strength and speed, or kettlebells, keep your eyes open for details being released over the coming weeks.
Alongside all the events and excitement, we have also seen a huge amount of change, progress and success in our regular schedule. From huge PRs to first-ever achievements, from members losing 20kg to others recovering from serious medical situations, we have seen everyday people commit to a process and strengthen an already incredible community. We have said goodbye to well-loved members as they moved on, and welcomed new faces who have slotted in as if they have been here for years. We also came together this month at our Christmas party to celebrate you all.
Looking to 2026, we have plenty planned. This includes development of the upstairs, a reimagined entrance, and more top-class events, seminars and competitions. We’ll also be making a big event of the 2026 CrossFit Open early in the year! At the core of everything we do, though, are our classes and the coaches who deliver them. We have been working behind the scenes to stabilise our schedule, employ coaches on contracted hours, and provide a consistent level of delivery across all our offerings. We have made huge progress thanks to the professional development and continual improvement shown by all of our coaches, as well as the adaptability of those who help us out when needed. As we move into 2026, our coach observations, feedback processes and staff CPD schedule will continue, as we gradually work to raise standards even further. Our coaches have already booked courses and seminars to expand their knowledge. We are now a more qualified, experienced and assured team than we have ever been, and that growth will continue, with all employed coaches fully Enhanced DBS cleared, licensed through their certifying bodies and as current as possible in their qualifications.
All in all, the final months of 2025 have brought success and progress for customers, staff and the business alike. We are extremely excited to see what 2026 brings. We are grateful to have every one of you on board, and we cannot wait to share the next 12 months with you.
Enjoy whatever break you take this festive period, and enjoy your time with loved ones. All the best, from our families, to yours, and we’ll see you soon on the dancefloor.
Tom and Ginge
