
🏆 Podium – What Is It? Let's Clear Up Some of the Confusion
Hey all,
I thought I'd take the time to put this post together and share what I've gathered so far regarding Podium.
There seems to be a bit of confusion around exactly what Podium is, how the new session fits in, and how it relates to the recently announced Podium Series #1 event.
Based on the information shared by BFT HQ, studio posts, event material and member discussions, here's my understanding so far.
TL;DR
- Podium consists of two parts
- New Podium training session starts Saturday 13 June
- Podium Series #1 competition event is 2 August 2026
- Tickets release 15 June via the BFT App
- Teams of 2
- Four competition zones
- Optional paid event
- Multiple divisions available
- More BFT-focused competition format rather than a traditional fitness race
Personally, I think it's exciting to see BFT continuing to evolve and introduce new challenges for members.
While Podium will naturally draw comparisons to HYROX, it appears to be a much more BFT-focused competition format.
Some key differences from what we've seen so far:
- Team-based competition (Teams of 2)
- Built around BFT-style training principles
- Dedicated competition zones rather than moving station-to-station around a large course
- No long running sections between workout stations
- Greater emphasis on teamwork and shared strategy
Rather than trying to replicate another fitness event, it looks like BFT has created something that aligns closely with how members already train inside the studio.
From what has been shared so far, Podium is actually made up of two parts.
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1. Podium Program Session
The first part is the new Podium training session, with the very first class scheduled for Saturday 13 June.
This is a new addition to the BFT programming lineup and appears to be designed to help build the fitness, skills and work capacity required for Podium-style competition.
Think of it as a training pathway that:
- Builds strength and conditioning
- Introduces competition-style training
- Helps prepare members for future Podium events
- Adds another option to the overall BFT programming schedule
Whether you plan on competing or not, it looks like it will become another regular session option within the BFT ecosystem.
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2. Podium Series #1 (Competition Event)
The second part is the actual Podium competition event.
BFT HQ has now officially released details for Podium Series #1.
📅 Event Date: 2 August 2026
🎟️ Tickets Release: 15 June 2026
📱 Book via the Events section of the BFT Booking App
This is a completely optional event.
Like HYROX, it is a competitive fitness event designed for members who want to test themselves outside of the studio environment.
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Team-Based Competition
One thing many people may have missed:
"No One Climbs The Podium Alone"
Podium Series #1 is competed in teams of two.
Available divisions:
- Women's Open
- Women's Pro
- Men's Open
- Men's Pro
- Mixed Pro
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Event Format
Teams will take on four different zones throughout the competition.
Zone 1 – Strength Zone:
AMRAP
- Trap Bar Deadlift (6 mins)
- 3-minute switch
- Bench Press (6 mins)
Zone 2 – Conditioning Zone:
Max Distance
- Run
- Erg
- Ski
15 minutes total.
Zone 3 – Strength Endurance:
AMRAP
Kettlebell Complexes (6 mins)
- Row
- Swing
- Clean
- Squat
- Strict Press
3-minute switch
Dumbbell Complexes (6 mins)
- Push-Up
- Devil
- Squat
- Push Press
Zone 4 – Finisher:
Calorie Hill Climb
- Wall Balls
- Assault Bike
Rep ladder:
10 → 15 → 20 → 25 → 20 → 15 → 10
Each zone runs for 15 minutes with a 5-minute changeover between zones.
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Competition Weights
The following weights apply during the Strength and Strength Endurance zones.
| Division | Trap Bar Deadlift | Bench Press | Kettlebell | Dumbbell | Wall Ball |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Open | 60kg | 25kg | 10kg | 7.5kg | 4kg |
| Women's Pro | 80kg | 35kg | 16kg | 12.5kg | 6kg |
| Men's Open | 80kg | 60kg | 18kg | 12.5kg | 6kg |
| Men's Pro | 100kg | 80kg | 24kg | 17.5kg | 9kg |
Mixed Pro: Male partner completes Men's Pro weights and Female partner completes Women's Pro weights.
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A Few Other Things Worth Mentioning
- Participation in Podium Series #1 is optional.
- There is a cost to enter, with pricing likely varying depending on studio, region and event arrangements.
- Some studios may look to participate alongside neighbouring studios.
- Depending on numbers and logistics, we may see inter-studio, regional or larger-scale Podium events.
- More details will likely become available once registrations open and studios receive additional event information.
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What Might Be Next?
One thing I noticed is that this event is called Podium Series #1.
While BFT has not officially announced any future Podium events beyond this one, the naming does suggest this may be the beginning of a larger competition series.
My personal guess is that we could eventually see multiple Podium events throughout the year, perhaps one in each half of the year, but that's purely speculation on my part.
We'll have to see how Series #1 is received and what BFT HQ announces afterwards.
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Final Thoughts
At this stage, Podium looks like BFT's own unique competition format rather than simply being another HYROX-style event.
The new Podium session appears to be the training pathway, while Podium Series #1 is the competition itself.
For members who enjoy challenging themselves, working with a teammate and testing their fitness in a competitive environment, this looks like it could be a lot of fun.
I'm looking forward to experiencing the first Podium session this Saturday and learning more about how the format works.
Who's thinking about signing up for Podium Series #1?
Have you already got a teammate lined up? And if so, Open or Pro division?