What is Spartan SGX?

If you have ever run a Spartan Race, you will have probably heard about Spartan SGX or have seen some of the propaganda in the festival areas at one of their races.  Many times, there will be a certified Spartan SGX coach running a warm-up session just before your start time, Spartan will be hosting SGX events nearby, or a local gym will be advertising that they are SGX certified. The question is, what exactly is Spartan SGX, and what can it do for you?

If you were to do a quick internet (bing, Yahoo, etc.) search, you would probably find this carefully crafted statement describing SGX: “Spartan SGX is a functional training system for individuals of every ability and any age.”

SGX is a structured program that requires a defined level of commitment. Becoming a certified coach is no easy task; you don’t just fill out a form and get some “fugazi” certificate in the mail three days later. The certification process requires that an individual is dedicated to a healthy lifestyle and can demonstrate an ability to motivate you as well as enhance your functional fitness.

There are two basic tracks your SGX coach can take to become certified:

Track 1: For individuals who possess a prior fitness or health and wellness certification; or an undergraduate or graduate degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Kinesiology, Medical or Allied Health fields, you need a:

• Passing score on the Spartan SGX workshop exam
• Current CPR/AED certification

Track 2: Individuals looking to become SGX Certified without a Certification or Degree in a related field need to:

• Passing score on the Spartan SGX Foundations Exam
• Passing score on the Spartan SGX workshop exam
• Current CPR/AED certification

Additionally, there are the seven pillars of Spartan Coaching for which each coach must be responsible for learning. S.P.A.R.T.A.N

• Stamina
• Power
• Athleticism
• Regeneration
• Tenacity
• Attitude
• Nutrition

SGX coaches don’t just drive you through a class and leave you to your own devices after you leave the gym, after all… there is no fitness without nutrition.  Nutrition and diet are strong contributors to your overall fitness.  Your SGX coach can help to guide your eating habits so that you can maximize your workouts and the associated gains.

While the movements performed are basic life movements, the program is scientifically designed to improve general fitness for athletes of every level and age.  The body weight exercises are crafted to improve agility, basic athleticism, and strength.  The classes become progressive, increasing intensity and focus with a general class length of 50-60 minutes.  Don’t be surprised if your SGX coach breaks out a kettlebell and some sandbags; there is only so much body weight.

Your coach will drive you through four domains:

1. Athleticism
2. Endurance
3. Strength
4. Mind

To simplify this a bit further, Spartan SGX will work you through a class where you perform the movements you find yourself doing daily.  These movements, exaggerated in OCR, are the most functional movements in life and the core purpose behind SGX is to repeat these and condition the parts of your body responsible for them.

These include: bending, crawling, carrying, climbing, hanging, jumping, lifting, lunging, pulling, pushing, running, sprinting, squatting, squirming, twisting, and more.

If you are counting down to your next OCR, your Spartan SGX coach can even help to guide you through strategies and techniques for conquering obstacles, your fitness, and your life. Most importantly, you are supporting the individuals dedicated to making our lives a little better, dedicated to the same things you are, dedicated to OCR. If you find a local SGX gym, go check them out, share some war stories, and take a class.

Even if you aren’t drinking the Kool-Aid, get out there and support your local businesses!