The countdown is officially over. The hay is in the barn. In just a few days, 23 athletes from Danny Livings Personal Training will step onto the arena floor at the London Summer Turf Games 2026.
Over the last few months, the early morning sessions have gotten darker, the barbells have gotten heavier, and the standard has relentlessly been raised. Turf is a team game, and you cannot fake it on the competition floor. We asked the squad to reflect on the brutal realities of the training block, the massive breakthroughs, and what it truly means to represent DLPT.
The Power of the Squad Training alongside a team completely transforms how you push yourself. The gym floor becomes an arena of accountability where excuses simply do not survive. Nicola Kenyon found that stepping in with fit teammates made her own excuses evaporate, pushing her to the very edges of her limits. Craig Snelling echoed this, noting that the team environment forced him into "some very dark places" to find that extra gear.
When the fatigue sets in, the community pulls you through. Chloe Barclay highlighted how the squad naturally squeezes out that extra 10% of effort right when you feel like giving up. It is a shared responsibility, Esther Richards and Lorraine Booke both admit they push infinitely harder simply because they refuse to let their team down. David Croxford leaned into the healthy rivalry amongst the squad, which fuelled his drive, whilst Che To thrived in the chaotic moments when a cheeky extra exercise was thrown into the mix at the end of a gruelling workout.
The Brutal Reality of the Worm and the Engine There is one piece of equipment that unanimously strikes dread into the squad: the 4-person worm. As Jack Wilkinson put it perfectly, on the worm, "there is nowhere to hide."
It is not just about raw strength; it is a mental test. Jo Butler realised early on that shifting the beast is purely about communication and moving collectively as a single unit. Steph Helps embraced the grit, proudly lifting the 90kg worm alongside a team of strong-minded women, while Ben Cooper developed a classic love-hate relationship with the sheer mental character required to get through it. For Amber Prince, the most exhausting blocks involved the brutal transitions from running straight into synchronised worm burpees.
And then there is the cardio. The "Gas Station" sessions tested everyone’s resolve, with Adam Bond recalling the pure survival mode required for 25 minutes of flat-out cardio in 30-degree heat.
Breakthroughs and New Standards The ultimate goal of this training block was never just about surviving the workouts; it was about building a new level of confidence. The personal milestones hit across the board have been staggering.
Carly Richards went from being unable to run 100 metres to actively competing in The Engine division. Kaitee Robinson crushed a massive psychological barrier, proving to herself that she can step onto the competition floor and smash a 5k run.
On the rig, Layla Taylor and Ben Cooper locked in their Toes-to-Bar (TTB) mechanics, turning a weakness into a competition-ready skill. Meanwhile, the barbell standard shot up, with David Croxford nailing Olympic lifting personal bests, effortlessly moving past bodyweight on his cleans and push presses.
Game Day The preparation is done. The standard is set. When the final whistle blows, success looks like giving absolutely everything, surviving the assault bikes, and walking away knowing the execution was flawless.
As the athletes prepare to leave it all on the turf, the focus now shifts to the execution, the team, and maybe a few cold beers at the finish line.
Let's go to work. TURF GAMES.
Meet the Roster: Team DLPT
Every athlete stepping onto the Turf has a different starting point. Some are seasoned competitors returning to raise their standard, while others are stepping into the arena for the very first time, having conquered personal doubts and smashed through physical limitations. What unites them is the brutal work they have put in during the dark, early mornings and their unwavering commitment to not letting the squad down. Before they hit the competition floor, we asked the team for their raw, unfiltered thoughts on the reality of the training block and what it means to represent DLPT. Here is what they had to say.
Layla Taylor
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? Danny livings forced me! Kidding. Having done them before I see how my fitness improves each time!
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? We all push each other which is great. When one team member is not feeling as confident, the rest are there for encouragement.
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? The wormmmmmmm.
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? TTB!
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? We all push each other to be better and better.
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? The assault bike!
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? That we gave it our all.
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." Do TTB.
Nicola Kenyon
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? I wanted to be part of the fitness community and have something to strive for, but still have fun.
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? It’s been unimaginably transformative. I always held excuses in my head for why I didn’t push myself. Meeting my four very fit teammates was really daunting, but seeing how hard they worked, and how they squeezed the training into their busy lives made my excuses evaporate. Danny helped me find the edges of my limits, where I had previously held myself back.
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? I had a small injury 6 weeks into training. I found that mentally tough. But we found ways to train around the injury so I could still progress whilst I healed.
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? I am so much fitter, and yet I know I can do better.
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? This community is so supportive, funny, inspiring and enjoyable. It’s both serious about fitness and competing but we have a laugh along the way.
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? None, otherwise it wouldn’t be turf.
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? Achieving what I know I’m capable of on the day, and not listening to the imposter syndrome that tells me to give up.
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." Clean and squat 45kg
Jo Butler
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? The buzz from winter turf games!! Competing as a team with a shared goal of giving it ur all and having fun!!
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? Seeing how much others are able to put in, helps u push yourself to higher limits
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? The worm. I thought it was about how strong you are to start with but its really about about communication and coming together collectively, moving as a single unit....then shifting the beast
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? Turning up and switching on. Reaching new PBs on lifts.
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? Hi hard or go home right? Nothing left in the tank.
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? Ooooooo thrusters. God awful move.
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? Pulling together, workong as a team and having fuuuuuun
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." Survive and DPLT workout
Kaitee Robinson
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? I wanted to prove to myself that I can do a fitness event even at my age and with my chronic health issues! Just because I can’t live heavy weights, doesn’t mean I can’t get involved and be part of the team.
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? The girls and I are at a similar level so we’ve been able to train at the same sort of standard. One of them is a really strong runner so training alongside her has made me push myself where running is concerned. You also don’t want to let them down, so push through any tiredness or low morale that you’re feeling.
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? Not being able to run due to an ankle injury and now having to try and catch up!
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? Being consistent and making sure my training with the girls has been given valuable time in my already busy training and work schedules.
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? The DLPT environment always ensures that I grit my teeth and push on, with no faffing! Being strict and disciplined in that environment will enable me to be able to push through the potential psychological barrier and maintain the focus needed to get the job done.
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? Running 🙂 LOL
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? To be able to get through our event within the allotted time frame.
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." Run more than 5k or compete in any event whatsoever!
Craig Snelling
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? Finally talked into by Danny Livings as my final swan song
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? I’ve always thought my training was hard but the team environment has made me push harder and take myself to some very dark places haha
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? Two words “Gas Station”
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? Not breaking
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? I think so, if the competition floor will have Danny shouting at me to keep going then yeah.
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? The bloody Worm (sausage)
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? Not letting the team down and achieving what we set out to do
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." Dread a sandbag worm
Chloe Barclay
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? After competing at summer Turf summer games last year, it was a no brainer. Although you’ll hate those 15 minutes of absolute hell at the time, nothing compares to what you feel after completing it.
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? Working in a team and having people push you to get through it when you want to give up, helps so much. It squeezes that extra 10% out of you, when you didn’t think you had it.
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? The worm - it’s a mix of coordination, stamina, strength and being able to read your team mates without them having to tell you.
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? Being able to get through toes to bar - fingers crossed
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? The HIIT classes alone give a great sense of what’s required on competition day.
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? Running!
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? Finishing every workout within the time frame. Finishing first, at least once, in one our heats!
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." Climb a rope. It’s still not perfect, but hadn’t even tried it before.
Esther Richards
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? I enjoyed the winter and summer turf games that I had previously done.
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? I absolutely love training with a team. I push a lot harder because I don’t want to let anyone down.
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? The Worm
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? Getting stronger
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? Danny and everyone is so supportive, and so positive. Everyone has made you feel it’s not about how well you do but just be the best you can possibly be for yourself and team.
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? Rope climb
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? Us as a team completing each workout station.
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." Compete in an intermediate team
Che To
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? Dan got me on a high from the last event and made me sign up.
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? Training was hard work but fun. Doing the exercises with teams mates make me work harder than I would on my own.
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? All the training, especially in the early stages where tough but the more sessions I did the more comfortable I became.
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? Getting into a routine of regukar workouts that prepare me for the event. Eating healthier and pushing myself in all sessions.
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? In numerous ways, Dan pushing myself and other teams mates to put in the work. Not letting us have it easy during sessions and throwing in a cheeky extra exercise when you think you have finished your workouts.
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? Nothing. I like the challenge.
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? Getting the exercises done in the times we achieved in training.
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." Lift weights and attend the gym on a regular basis.
David Croxford
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? Competed with the team in previous events, so wasn’t a question about committing to another Turf Games with them
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? As your part of a team you don’t want to be the one to let anyone down, gives you a sense of purpose and drive. Healthy competition too
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? Completing the events back to back is always brutal, but helps you train under fatigue and push to your limits
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? Transferred strength training across to Olympic lifting, with a focus on heavy cleans, hang cleans and push press. Very proud lifting at bar that’s my body weight + lifts
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? Competition started early between the 10 of us, as we were to join a team of 5, so we have been pushed and been pushing throughout the 12 week build up. Healthy competition and rivalry.
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? Designed to challenge you, wouldn’t want to ban anything as it makes you learn, develop and demand more of yourself
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? Completed all of the events with a smile on our faces and enough energy to get to the Jubel tent. Not enough opportunities for great days out with your pals, great atmospheres and all focused on working together
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." Train and compete with my sister, it’s been great to does these events together
Amber Prince
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? After competing in Winter Turf for thr first time this year, it just felt right to give Summer Turf a go for the first time!
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? It is an inspiration not just seeing my team but all the teams practising together and seeing how strong everyone is but also being so motivational! My team in particular have been great support in pushing through certain excersies and been a great benefit having Steph to be able to help coach through the clean technique
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? The worm block has been our hardest one, it is a very exhausting block as not being the strongest runner and then having to go straight into burpees has been a struggle. With each training session our communication has gotten better with movements and we have managed to get further through the AMRAP
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? Although I have said it is the hardest, I am most proud of how we have gotten better on the worm with each training session
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? It has been great for training, although it seemed really far out we trained together in various teams in April going through old Turf blocks! I think it really benefited to start us getting used to everyone's strongest and weakest movement. On addition to team training sessions, also having PT with Danny has really helped me work on my strength movement to make sure I am doing it correctly. All of this together is making me ready for game day!
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? WORM! Or anything to do with running as this is my weakest
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? Completing every event to our best ability, knowing that we put everything into and having a good time is all that I could ask for!
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." keep up with the pace and intensity of summer turf games! But here I am ready for game day
Jack Wilkinson
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? Summer Turf is a non negotiable in the fitness calendar
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? The level is constantly raising, you have to keep your own standards high
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? 4 person worm, there’s no place to hide
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? Barbell PB’s and learning new skills on the rig
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? Pressure is for tyres
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? Wall balls
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? Zone 5
Steph Helps
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? Danny bullied me into it then stole Ben off me for his team🤣🤣🤣
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? Loved it. Being around strong minded women all pushing to our limits has been so motivating to see and be a part of. It's made me level up and keep wanting to work harder.
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? Navigating the worm, its grit, strength but communication is key!
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? All my team mates for working so hard and being a pleasure to train with. I look forward to competing on the big day with them.
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? The community is so supportive, the WhatsApp groups and team sessions have created a real buzz at the gym getting us all game ready
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? Running🤣
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? Just knowing we've all given it 100% we've put a lot of effort into the training so now it's time to shine
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." Lift that 90KG worm up without the guys as I'm used to being on a mixed team category.
Adam Bond
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? I found my progress flatlining and needed a new challenge which was going to push me hard
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? Pushing out that extra rep, extra km or burning that extra calorie is never easy but knowing that you have a quality team behind you and not wanting to let them down is the best motivator to just get it done.
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? 25min of flat out gas station cardio in 30+c heat 🥵
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? Hitting PB on squat to overhead lifts with little lifting expierience
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? Reminded me to "Trust the process" 😉
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? Air bike!! 🤢
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? Knowing we have given it our all on the day. Finished off with Cold beers
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." Step my fitness up to a new level... but proved myself wrong
Lorraine Booke
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? Esther made me
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? Don’t want to let my team down so push myself harder
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? The amount of running I have had to do
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? Getting through the workouts
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? The classes and the support from the group
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? Rowing
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? Completing as a team
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." To be involved in this type of workout
Carly Richards
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? I wanted an end goal to get me motivated and focused to a high standard on my training.
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? The support I have had from the team is on an another level… days when I’ve struggled or not been feeling it they have completely changed my thought process and made me carry on.
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? We are competing in The Engine so all cardio based…. The running and assault bike are brutal!!!!!!!!
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? Before training for this event I could not run more than 100 meters without stopping…. I can now run much further… never ever thought I would be able to say that.
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? The DLPT environment has prepared me knowing that we are in this as a team and as long as we send it and work hard to the best of our ability we will have done well.
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? If I could remove anything from The Engine competition it would 100% be the runs ….. my worst thing EVER!
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? As long as we complete the competition in the time frame knowing we tried our complete best and pushed as hard as we could as a team I will be happy.
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." Compete in any sort of gym competition… I never had the confidence or thought I was good enough fitness wise but Im now the fitest I have ever been and I’m so ready for this… Let’s go!
Ben Cooper
What finally made you pull the trigger and commit to the Summer Turf Games? Had such a good time competing with everyone at winter turf and wanted to step up the category to intermediate.
Turf is a team game. How has training alongside your squad changed the way you push yourself? I definitely feel that the team training sessions have helped improve my fitness, particularly in areas that were previously weaknesses. I’ve learned new skills and had the opportunity to train alongside and be pushed by a great group of lads.
What has been the most brutal part of the training block so far? The worm is always a bitch, weirdly enjoy it and at the same time hate it! Great test of strength and mental character to get through it
What are you most proud of achieving during this preparation? Learning to do toes to bar properly and potentially use this skill to help benefit the team
How has the DLPT environment prepared you for the pressure of the competition floor? Everyone is always encouraging each other, getting stuck in, and pushing themselves to improve. From experience, the training sessions are tougher than the competition itself, so you know you’re going into the event well prepared and ready for whatever comes your way.
If you could completely ban one movement from the Turf arena, what would it be? Rope climb
What does success look like for you and your team when the final whistle blows? Standing on that podium
Finish this sentence: "Six months ago, I never thought I'd be able to ____." Do 10 toes to bar properly
Ready to Join the Team?
The DLPT community is built on training like athletes and achieving goals and events like HYROX are where that hard work pays off. Whether you're aiming for a new PB or just looking for a supportive team to train with, we’re here to help.
