A former contestant on the BBC television programme Special Forces - Ultimate Hell Week has opened a gum in Clapham Junction inspired by his training with the World’s toughest Special Forces.

The show saw some of the country’s fittest men and women pushed to their limits in a series of gruelling military-inspired challenges.

Lee Steggles has used that experience at CrossFit Shapesmiths, which he co-owns with Richard Deans.

He said: “Ultimate Hell Week was a great experience. I was able to train with some of the best Special Forces in the world: Navy Seals, the Israeli Special Forces and NAVSOG, the Philippines Special Forces.

“I had to push my body beyond all mental and physical limits by battle-hardened veterans. “The fact I can now share these skills and experience with local people is very exciting.”

The new facility, close to Clapham Junction station, is not a traditional gym. There are none of the typical machines, instead there is an open space with gymnastic rings, pull up racks and other fitness gear hanging from the ceiling, ideal for the fitness regimen known as CrossFit which mixes weightlifting, cardiovascular conditioning and gymnastics.

CrossFit Shapesmiths officially opens on Saturday (April 23), with attractions including a barbecue and drinks, work-out demos, sample classes, fitness clothing, Q&As with a nutritionist and an osteopath, and the chance to see and Olympic lifting competition.

Go to crossfitshapesmiths.co.uk

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