Read Karl's Story
Twelve years ago, Karl walked into Fitness First Basingstoke weighing almost 150kg. Staring in the mirror, he knew something had to change.
He chose progress.
The first steps weren’t easy—quitting smoking, managing depression, and finding consistency in the gym. But over time, the scale shifted, the weight dropped, and his confidence grew. Training became less about punishment and more about rediscovering what his body could do.
CrossFit carried him for a while, then HYROX lit a new spark. Event after event, Karl tested himself, from local heats to the World Championships in Chicago. Today, he’s 13 HYROX competitions strong, 9 years smoke-free, and already qualified for the 2026 World Championships in Stockholm.
At 87kg, fitter, stronger, and healthier than ever, Karl isn’t chasing perfection—he’s proof of what relentless consistency can achieve.
From 150kg to HYROX World Championships, Karl’s story shows that progress isn’t a finish line. It’s a choice, made again and again.
At Fitness First, we believe progress isn't linear, results don't come from quick fixes, it's about showing up, again and again. It's not about perfection, it's about progress. Every rep, every class, every choice adds up to real change. Whether you're taking your first step or your next leap, progress is waiting. Because when you choose progress, you don't just change your body - you change what you believe is possible.
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Choose progress.
A gain and a gain.
Join thousands of members who've chosen Fitness First as their path to their personal best.