DEKA FIT: My Journey, My Passion, and Why I’m Bringing It to You
If you’ve ever tackled a fitness challenge that left you exhilarated, exhausted, and craving more, you’ll know what I’m about to describe. Whilst scouring the internet I was looking for new fitness events and challenges I was yet to do. Having participated in Spartan Races many times, I was excited when I noticed a new event breaking out in the US called DEKA. DEKA is slowly but surely coming over the 'pond' and is gradually building a UK scene. I was excited to sign up and participate in my first DEKA FIT event in Clitheroe, Lancashire. We made the jounrey and participated, and let me just say—it was more than a race. It was a revelation and exactly what I was looking for.
For those who might not know, DEKA FIT is one of the three DEKA modalities, part of the Spartan fitness ecosystem designed to test your overall fitness across ten functional zones. It’s a mix of running and functional fitness that’s as inclusive as it is challenging. Think of it as the decathlon for everyday athletes.
Here’s what stood out to me:
The DEKA Difference
What sets DEKA apart from other fitness competitions is its accessibility. It’s not just for seasoned athletes or CrossFit warriors. It’s for anyone who wants to challenge themselves—whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or you’ve been training for years. The event format and zones are designed to meet you where you are, yet still push you to discover your potential.
DEKA runs three distinct categories that are truly accessible and you will be able to find a level that matches your current ability.
DEKA STRONG- Compete solely against the 10 DEKA Zones.
DEKA MILE- Complete 160m run in between the 10 DEKA Zones, completing a mile of running in total.
DEKA FIT- Running 500m in between the 10 DEKA Zones, completing 5km in total.
This choice and style of event makes it incredibly accessible to all levels and even offers a nice way of progressing, as you get fitter and stronger you can simply work through each event. DEKA STONG is an excellent starting point. DEKA mile bridges the gap to completing the DEKA FIT.
With that being said, during the DEKA FIT event I saw people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels giving it their all. Most people I feel with a bit of training, can accomplish 5km and 10 zones and get so much out of the events.
I loved my first DEKA FIT event, from the buzz from the crowd spectating to the cheers and support I recieved from my volunteer judge, the energy was contagious. And let’s talk about the zones—10 functional stations that test strength, endurance, and grit. Each one offers a unique challenge: farmer's carries, rowers, med-ball sit-ups, and so much more.
It’s not just about how fast you can go; it’s about completing each station with purpose and pride. The sense of accomplishment I felt crossing the finish line was incredible, oh and lets not forget, Spartan and DEKA always do some of the best medals and finishing Tshirts.
What I Loved About DEKA FIT
- Community Vibes: This wasn’t a competition against others; it felt like a huge shared celebration of fitness and effort with others. The camaraderie was unreal. Strangers cheered for one another, fist bumps were flying back and forth with my judge, and every single person was celebrated, no matter how long they took.
- A Test of Balanced Fitness: Unlike events that focus solely on endurance, strength, or speed, DEKA FIT measures your all-around fitness. It’s about being versatile, functional, and prepared for real-life physical challenges.
- The Finish-Line Feeling: The finishing line maybe 20x RAM burpees (yay...) But in all honesty finishing them final RAM burpees wasn’t just about the clock and the time I had finished in, even though I was pushing for a good time. It was about knowing I had pushed myself, applied my best effort, and come out stronger on the other side.
Why DEKA Fits into My Vision
Participating in this event solidified something I’ve been mulling over for a while: I want to bring this experience to more people and make even more accessible. Running a gym I have had conversations with other organisations in the past and always been left feeling underwhelmed with the partnership and how the affiliation would work. So after my DEKA FIT event, whilst I understood the gym we participated at was an affiliate and it was something I could offer... I was hesistant due to previous conversations I had with different organisations. In hindsight this was a mistake. I should have acted sooner. I decided reach out to DEKA to discuss affiliation when I started to notice more DEKA STRONG events popping up.
Having finally decided to pull my finger out and really put serious thought into offering DEKA STRONG at my gym, I had a really positive conversation with Grant from DEKA and I was left feeling super positive and excited to have the opportunitity to work in partnership with DEKA and start hosting my own DEKA STRONG events. From speaking to Grant, it was clear to me, DEKA has the same values and ethos and running the events would truly be a partnership.
DEKA STRONG is a condensed version of the DEKA experience—no running, just the 10 zones. It’s perfect for beginners and the advanced a like, those who are short on time, or anyone wanting to focus purely on functional fitness. Hosting these events feels like the natural next step for me. It’s a way to give back to the fitness community, inspire others to set goals, and create a space where everyone can feel like a champion.
Why You Should Join a DEKA Event
If you’ve been on the fence about trying something new, let me say this: DO IT. DEKA events are more than a workout—they’re an opportunity to connect with yourself, challenge your limits, and become part of an uplifting community.
Here’s what you can expect from my upcoming DEKA STRONG events:
- A supportive environment where everyone is welcome, regardless of fitness level.
- A chance to push yourself in a way you never thought possible.
- The joy of celebrating accomplishments—yours and others’.
Whether you’re looking to test your fitness, train for life, or just have a blast doing something new, DEKA is for you.
Let’s Build Our DEKA Tribe
As I gear up to host my first DEKA STRONG event in February 2025, I’m more motivated than ever. This isn’t just about fitness for me—it’s about creating a movement and building a strong community that celebrate fitness. A movement of people who believe in themselves, who support one another, and who know that every small win is worth celebrating.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get strong. Let’s get fit. Let’s DEKA!
Stay tuned for dates, details, and ways you can join me on this incredible journey. Trust me—you’ll want to be part of this.
Here’s to discovering what we’re made of, together.
See you in the zones!