When you think about how a Boot Camp will set challenges for their members, your mind would naturally go to a plank hold challenge, running a set number of miles or competing with other members on the number of squat jumps they can do. However, co-founder of Stevenage Boot Camp Peakk Potential, Jake had other ideas:
“Having climbed many mountains myself, and having completed the national Three Peaks Challenge, I wanted the gang to experience the natural high that I have. Every person I’ve climbed a mountain with I’ve become friends for life. That, combined with the thrill of the adrenaline, the fresh air through your lungs, plus the views. It’s literally breathtaking. Being fitness related, I felt it aligned perfectly with our business”
Why Mount Snowdon? The Goal Behind the Climb
When Peakk Potential set their sights on a challenge, their members go all in. And what challenge could be more thrilling than conquering Mount Snowdon? Situated in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, this towering peak isn’t just the highest in Wales and England; it’s a symbol of the kind of physical and mental fortitude they aim to cultivate in their members.
Embarking on this adventure wasn’t just a whim – it was a meticulously chosen goal. Their objective was clear: to elevate the fitness journey of their Stevenage members from the routine to the extraordinary, to test their limits in a setting far removed from the Stevenage Boot Camps familiar location of Fairlands Valley Park.
Jake continues:
“This climb was about more than fitness; it was about transformation. We wanted our members to experience firsthand the exhilaration of setting a daunting goal and the satisfaction of achieving it. It was about proving to themselves that their physical training had equipped them not just with muscle, but with grit and resilience. Every step up Mount Snowdon was a step out of their comfort zones, a direct challenge to their own personal boundaries.
Climbing a mountain is not a solo endeavor; it requires teamwork, encouragement, and a shared resolve. It was our hope that by facing and overcoming the challenges presented by Snowdon’s varied terrains and unpredictable weather, our members would emerge not just stronger individually, but more connected to each other. Having done many challenges like this in the past, I know full well the benefits of this experience long term”.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Climb to the Top
As the Stevenage Boot Camp team embarked on their ascent of Mount Snowdon, they were met with a myriad of challenges that tested their physical and mental fortitude to the limits. The climb was a formidable test, featuring steep inclines that seemed never-ending, slippery paths that demanded utmost caution, and a weather system that could change at the drop of a hat, from piercing sunlight to chilling mists and gusts. Each twist and turn on the path presented a new obstacle, a fresh challenge to overcome.
Despite these hurdles, the spirit of the team never wavered. With each step, their resolve strengthened, fuelled by the collective energy and encouragement of their peers. It was a beautiful display of human resilience and determination, as each member, regardless of their fitness level, found the inner strength to push forward. The power of encouragement became evident; a kind word, a helping hand, or even a shared smile made the weight of the climb seem lighter. A full representation of what Peakk Potential provides for their members every day!
In the face of such challenges, the camaraderie amongst the members was palpable. They moved as one unit, a symphony of footsteps marching towards a common goal. When one stumbled, there was always a hand to catch them. When one faltered, words of encouragement spurred them on. This climb was more than a test of physical endurance; it was a journey of personal growth and mutual support.
Navigating through the unpredictable weather, tackling the varying terrains, and overcoming the physical demands of the ascent, the Stevenage Boot Camp team demonstrated the very essence of what it means to face challenges head-on. Their journey up Mount Snowdon was a testament to the power of a supportive community and the indomitable human spirit.
“For me the toughest part of the challenge was managing the morale within the group and their emotions!” continues Jake
“Times got tough for some, some of our group had never experienced anything like this before and being completely out of their comfort zone trying to ensure they had that self belief installed in them when their body and mind is probably screaming to stop, I had to ensure they were motivated at the right time to listen and carry on believing they could accomplish this task.
We also had to split the team into two groups as George, (co-founder of Peakk Potential) and 3 other members were able get ahead which may have disheartened some members, but at the same time everyone has their own ability and works at different paces and is their to unlock their Peakk potential. We are proud of each and ever one of them”.
At the Summit: Lessons Learnt and Memories Made
Standing atop Mount Snowdon, the elation within the Stevenage Boot Camp team was undeniable. Surrounded by the stunning vistas that only the highest peak in Wales can offer, every member basked in the glow of triumph. Yet, it wasn’t just the achievement of reaching the summit that made this moment unforgettable; it was the journey that led them here. The ascent of Mount Snowdon became a masterclass in the values that Peakk Potential holds dear: perseverance, resilience, and the irreplaceable strength found in unity.
The climb, arduous and demanding as it was, unfolded as a series of invaluable lessons. Perseverance was more than just a word—it was felt in the burn of tired muscles and the determination to take “just one more step”. Resilience was not just a concept, but a living, breathing presence, seen in the moments where the only way forward was to dig deep into reserves of strength they didn’t know they had. And above all, the power of teamwork shone through. It was in the shared glances of encouragement, the laughter that lightened the load, and the collective cheer that erupted as each new milestone was reached.
This journey up Mount Snowdon was punctuated with moments of personal triumphs and revelations. Each member of the team came away with a deeper understanding of their own capabilities, a renewed confidence in their ability to face challenges head-on, and a profound appreciation for the landscape’s raw beauty. The sense of unity and accomplishment that comes from such a shared experience has forged bonds that extend far beyond the mountain’s slopes.
What’s Next for the members of Peakk Potential?
“The next challenge will be Ben Nevis or Scafell Pike”, says Jake. “I’ve done these myself so I am confident with the routes but I would like to take the gang through them so they have done the tallest peaks within the UK, England, Wales & Scotland. During this challenge to Mount Snowdon I made sure the team heard my mantra: DONT GIVE UP – YOU ARE STRONG – YOU ARE POWERFUL BEYOND MEASURE. I want this to be applied to everything we do in the future and in all parts of life
Peak Potential hold regular Boot Camps from 6am Monday’s, Wednesdays and Saturdays (from 8am). Including a women’s only group. Sessions take part at the bottom of the big lake at Fairlands Park. For more information click here.
