While most people spend New Year’s Day recovering from the celebrations of the night before, Boxer’s Fitness Academy (BFA) once again brought together its members and supporters for the annual New Year’s Day Commando Fitness Challenge at the Hedgecock Community Centre (HCC) in Barking.

This year, over 35 participants took part in the high-intensity, endurance-packed challenge: an inspiring demonstration of discipline, resilience, and commitment to personal wellbeing.

The challenge was structured across three levels; beginner, intermediate, and advanced; ensuring accessibility while maintaining intensity. Participants were required to complete a demanding circuit of exercises including burpees, press-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, squat thrusts, crunches, jump squats, dorsal raises, lunges, and lie-down–stand-up movements. All six sets had to be completed within one hour, making it no easy feat for seasoned fitness enthusiasts or occasional participants alike.

This gruelling finale was the result of year-long preparation, with participants training consistently through BFA’s regular HIIT and conditioning sessions; proving that progress is built through discipline and sustained effort.

As the sessions began, participants arrived from across East London to take part in their respective levels. Each session was led by BFA trainers; Monir Ahmad, Maruf Ahmad, Ashraf Ali, Abdul Thahid, and Shahim Uddin, who guided participants through each set with clear explanations and demonstrations.

Throughout the challenge, a strong sense of camaraderie, brotherhood, and mutual encouragement filled the hall. Participants pushed one another to reach the finish line, embodying the spirit of collective strength and perseverance that defines BFA.

Upon completion, participants were treated to light refreshments, including coconut water and dates, to aid recovery. This was followed by a spiritually uplifting reminder from Shaykh Abu Hanifa Sohail, a regular participant, who spoke on the importance of maintaining physical strength as part of holistic faith and wellbeing. He reminded attendees that:

“Good health is like a crown—only the sick can truly see it.”

The event concluded with a short awards and prize-giving ceremony, recognising individuals for their dedication and commitment throughout the year. The surprise award winners were:

• Jahid Khan – Most Improved Award
• Mohammed Siqqique – Most Consistent Award
• Ali Khan – Best Energy & Positivity Award

Reflecting on the journey of the participants, Ashraf Ali, founder of BFA Tower Hamlets, said:

“It’s great to see the improvements in the brothers. They’ve come a long way since joining; consistency really is the key.”

An empowering and energising start to the year, the challenge left participants feeling motivated and optimistic; already looking ahead to the 2027 Commando Fitness Challenge. The session concluded with a ceremonial group photo, capturing a moment of shared achievement and unity.

#BFA #Boxers #FitnessAcademy #HCC