Functional fitness events are gaining global traction, attracting participants of various backgrounds and skill levels. The trend has cultivated a thriving community worldwide.
In the Sultanate, the trend is warmly embraced, with a surge in participation in premier events like Spartan Races, CrossFit competitions, Tough Mudder challenges, and Hyrox events. These rigorous yet rewarding competitions reflect the Sultanate’s fervour for diverse fitness challenges.
In a remarkable display of dedication and national pride, Fakhreiyah Menudin, a stalwart within the local fitness community, recently took centre stage at the prestigious Hyrox Korea event.
Held at the illustrious Songdo Convensia in Incheon, South Korea, this gathering of global fitness aficionados provided Fakhreiyah with a platform to shine.
Fuelled by an unshakeable passion for fitness and a boundless sense of joy, Fakhreiyah epitomised the essence of commitment as she represented her country on an international stage.
Clocking 01:32:19s, the Sultanate’s debutant relished victory, joining compatriots in conquering the event. Securing a top-five finish in the 35-39 age group while urpassing her 01:45:00 target made her success even sweeter. “At first, I felt nervous because it was my first time joining Hyrox. Since it was held outside of Brunei and I was alone, my anxiety soared,” said the fitness enthusiast.
Fakhreiyah added that “travelling to the event itself was tiring physically since the race day was also the day that I arrived in Korea so it naturally made an impact to my overall energy level”.
She went on to describe how accomplished and proud of herself she felt for having been able to finish the whole race. Even though she didn’t get to be on the podium, finishing the race itself was so satisfying because Hyrox was initially considered an unachievable feat due to its difficulty, especially at her average fitness level.
“I felt that all the efforts which I have put into my trainings were all worth it in the end. Overall, I feel happy and content although I know in my mind, I would try my best to improve some more in future Hyrox races, Insya Allah,” she said.
Competitions like Hyrox often draw top talent in the functional fitness circuit, enhancing the race’s prestige. Fakhreiyah felt intimidated initially, especially seeing athletes’ names from various countries.
“But, I knew at the back of my mind, I felt proud to be representing Brunei at my own accord,” she said.
Motivated by desire to embark a fresh challenge, gain new experience and explore the mechanics behind the race, Fakhreiyah’s initial journey in functional fitness stemmed from her early beginnings in 2016 when she joined her favourite classes at a local gym.
“As time went by, I started to join local functional fitness competitions and I realised that it gave me a ‘thrill’. I like the feeling of the adrenaline rush every time I join any fitness competitions.”
The competition first came to her mind when she watched Spartan Deka on YouTube and videos of the race were recommended as the two international competitions are compared to each other by fitness enthusiasts.
A single click of the button would set her into a new goal of completing the race and subsequently immersing into a new experience which further elevates her fitness career to new heights.
“Knowing nothing about the race at that time, I clicked on it to learn about it. I did say to myself there is no way that I would able to do it because I have not joined anything like it before in my whole life,” Fakhreiyah said.
Her fitness journey began with dance classes, gradually transitioning into strength and functional training sessions.
She found strength classes particularly rewarding, recognising their role in preparing her for competitions by improving her strength and endurance.
The race, which is popular among fitness enthusiasts, offers workouts focusing on strength and endurance, attracting athletes seeking challenging yet competitive experiences.
Fakhreiyah was drawn to its demanding format, which promises both physical and mental tests.
Her main challenge was the running component, an area she hasn’t prioritised in training. Despite this, she viewed the eight-kilometre (km) run as an opportunity to push her limits and surpass perceived boundaries.
Driven by a desire to overcome challenges, Fakhreiyah embraced the race despite occasional doubts. The event featured eight stations assessing fitness capabilities, with a 1km-run between each.
From cardio exercises like the SkiErg to strength tasks such as the Farmer’s Carry, participants are pushed to their limits, showcasing their determination and resilience.
Following her participation in the Deka Mile, an indoor functional fitness competition hosted by the Spartan brand in Bintulu, Sarawak, the Hyrox experience ensued two months later.
Despite the recommended two-month training period, she had only a month to prepare.
Fakhreiyah aimed for three simulations of all the race’s stations weekly, interspersed with strength and conditioning workouts.
She incorporated running and cycling classes for cardio, and once a week, she practiced all the race’s movements with running to simulate the event’s demands.
The transition from recreational to competitive fitness enthusiast shows no signs of slowing down as she expresses her ambition to participate in the upcoming event in Singapore at the end of June.
When asked about the benefits she gained from the race, she confidently replied, “Absolutely! Particularly when competing in an internationally recognised indoor fitness competition.”
Returning home, Fakhreiyah discovered the importance of self-belief amidst facing daunting challenges solo.
Establishing herself as an active competitor on the international stage, Fakhreiyah offers words of encouragement to aspiring athletes: “Success begins with a dream for those aiming higher.”
Though competing abroad may seem intimidating, she advises embracing the experience and cherishing the opportunity to compete alongside like-minded individuals: “While the journey may be daunting, stepping onto the battlefield unites you with fellow passionate athletes.”
She also emphasised the importance of enjoying the moment and giving one’s best effort. – Fadhil Yunus
