If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that the real magic of the gym isn’t found in the huge milestones or jaw-dropping transformations (though those are always great). It’s in the everyday moments—the quiet consistency, the camaraderie, the shared struggle. But every now and then, we get to experience something even bigger: moments of celebration. When the gym isn’t just a place to train, but a place where energy buzzes, where excitement is contagious, and where simply showing up feels like a privilege.

What’s truly special about these moments isn’t just the workout itself—it’s the shared experience. It’s not about who finishes first, who lifts the heaviest, or who pushes the hardest. It’s about being part of something bigger, about feeding off the energy of those around you, and about realizing that the real win is just showing up and being part of it. The feeling of community is what makes these sessions so memorable, and that’s what keeps people coming back.

Looking back over the past three months, there have been plenty of those moments. But three, in particular, stand out. Here are my top highlights:

1. The First Friday Night Lights Session

Back in the day, we used to run Friday night “no-rules” sessions at 6pm, and some of them got packed. And when we ran them during a challenge—especially when we gave out double stickers for attending on a Friday—well, they got REALLY packed.

I believed we could recreate that vibe during the Summer Slam if we gave people a reason… so Friday Night Lights was born.

We kicked off Friday Night Lights not knowing exactly what to expect. Would people show up? Would the vibe be what we imagined?

We kicked off Friday Night Lights not knowing exactly what to expect. Would people show up? Would the vibe be what we imagined?

Turns out, we had nothing to worry about. The first session was electric. Over 50 people piled into the gym, ready to throw down in a workout that was equal parts brutal and brilliant. There was music pumping, sweat pouring, and a whole lot of laughs (probably covering up the pain of the finisher). What made it special wasn’t just the workout itself—it was the feeling of a shared experience. Everyone was in it together, pushing hard, supporting each other, and making a regular Friday night feel like something way bigger. It wasn’t just a workout; it was an event, and it set the tone for everything that followed and made the Summer Slam 2024 such a special challenge.

2. The First Morning Bootcamp from the Current Fight Camp Series

There’s something about training early in the morning, while most of the world is still asleep, that makes it feel even more rewarding. We run early morning classes every day at 5:00am, but somehow that first bootcamp seemed even earlier, despite the “LATER” than usual (5:30am) start time.

There was genuine nervous energy as everyone got involved in setting up the session—almost like the pre-game buzz before a big match. It was a different kind of excitement, fueled by the anticipation of what was ahead. The crew showed up in the dark, ready to get after it. The warm-up alone was enough to wake everyone up, and by the time the session was in full swing, you could feel the shift—jitters gave way to intensity, focus, and an all-in effort.

By the end of the session, it was all grins and fist bumps (with maybe a few gasps for air). There was a real sense of ‘we’re in this together’—the kind of energy that reminds you why group training is so powerful. Everyone was fully committed, bringing a level of intensity that made the session one to remember. That morning, we weren’t just training—we were setting the standard for what Fight Camp was going to be all about.

There’s something about training early in the morning, while most of the world is still asleep, that makes it feel even more rewarding. And when we kicked off the first morning bootcamp of the Fight Camp series, that feeling was amplified.

The crew showed up in the dark, ready to get after it. Punches were thrown, combinations were drilled, and by the end of the session, it was all grins and fist bumps (with maybe a few gasps for air). There was a real sense of ‘we’re in this together’—the kind of energy that reminds you why group training is so powerful. Everyone was fully committed, bringing a level of intensity that made the session one to remember. That morning, we weren’t just training—we were setting the standard for what Fight Camp was going to be all about.

3. The First Friday Morning Sessions After Christmas/Boxing Day Closure

Closing for Christmas and Boxing Day is necessary—everyone needs time to step away, enjoy family, and eat their weight in ham and pavlova. But by the time we reopened that Friday morning, people were itching to train.

And it wasn’t just one session—it was the whole day. Classes were booked out in both boxing and strength, and the energy was next level. Everyone just seemed to be in a good mood, keen to move, and ready to shake off the holiday slowness. You could feel the buzz from the moment the doors opened, a collective eagerness to get back into the swing of things.

It wasn’t about burning off Christmas indulgences (though let’s be honest, that was on some people’s minds). It was about reconnecting—with training, with friends, and with the rhythm of moving again. There was an extra level of energy, as if everyone had been storing it up, waiting to unleash it. And they did. Hard. The sessions felt like a reunion, a chance for everyone to reestablish their routine and set the tone for the new year.

Finding Joy in the Ordinary (and the Extraordinary)

Most of the time, the joy of training comes from the simple, steady rhythm of showing up. Of moving your body. Of being surrounded by a community that gets it. But moments like these—when the gym feels like a celebration—are reminders of just how lucky we are.  Not just lucky to train, but lucky to do it alongside people who make it something special. These are the moments that define our gym—not just the workouts, but the collective experience, the shared determination, the way we lift each other up.

The key is to recognize these moments before they happen. Sometimes, you just know—like that first Friday Night Lights—that it’s going to be a blast. And when that happens, changing a plan or two to make sure you’re there is always worth it. Moments like these don’t just happen by chance; they come when people show up, bring the energy, and fully commit to being part of something special.

And now, we’ve got another one of those moments just around the corner: The Showdown. With a DJ spinning tracks, people cheering each other on, and an atmosphere like nothing we’ve seen at Round 1 before, this is going to be next level. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of something that brings that same energy, excitement, and camaraderie, this is it. Get your team of three together, lock it in, and get ready to be part of what will no doubt be another unforgettable day.

See you in the gym—and at The Showdown!