Over the last 10 years, The Dischem Living Fit Battle 2024, Powered by Puma has established itself as one of Africa’s premier and most inclusive functional fitness events.
Initially started to create a platform for Johannesburg-based gyms to compete against their counterparts from Pretoria, The Battle has grown from humble beginnings on a tennis court in Muldersdrift into the event of the year for the local fitness community.
The Battle is truly a community fitness event organised by the community, for the community.
Every employee, volunteer and judge is active within the community.
A decade of celebrating fitness
In 2024, the event celebrates 10 years of support for the local fitness community. This year’s event takes all the greatest moments from past events and combines them into what promises to be the best Battle yet.
Athletes will compete over three days from 6–8 September 2024 at Syringa Park in Muldersdrift at Avianto Estate.
Centrally located, the location offers sufficient space to host two world-class arenas, athlete areas, vendors and spectators, along with the first-ever Battle community village.
The venue will also provide numerous amenities for spectators and supporters, including 14 pop-up restaurants, entertainment for everyone, and the largest kids’ play area in South Africa.
Team spirit
The traditional Battle Team Division remains the true showcase during the Battle. This division allows teams to compete in three potential competency levels:
- Open
- Scaled
- Foundational
Teams can also select from two Age Group Divisions:
- Masters 35+
- Masters 45+
The Open team division, known as the Community Cup, allows gyms to put their fittest and strongest team forward to compete against the best teams in the country. At the end of the weekend, one ladies’ and one men’s team will earn the title of the fittest team on the continent.
Teams competing in the other divisions can consist of members from a combination of different gyms.
The 2024 event will also include mixed teams and functional fitness divisions for the first time. The Mixed division is an opportunity for competitors to compete under the lights in a mixed pair format, with one male and one female per team. These pairings can come from unrelated gyms.
The Functional Fitness division caters to the ultimate workhorses. Teams will need to work together to achieve various functional fitness goals, including running, biking, rowing, jumping, crawling, pushing and pulling sleds, carrying heavy loads, moving odd objects and more.
Event formats
The team competition formats are programmed to allow every athlete to contribute towards the common goal – to dominate their competitors and allow every team member to shine under the bright arena lights. Athletes in the team divisions will be tested over all 5 fitness pillars identified by The Battle.
The Functional Fitness division will push team members to their limits, testing them across three fitness pillars identified by The Battle, namely cardiovascular endurance, functional fitness and teamwork. Teams will not be required to perform any Olympic weightlifting or gymnastics.
The Battle challenges athletes within 5 five core fitness pillars: Olympic Weightlifting, Functional Fitness, Gymnastics, Teamwork, and Cardiovascular Endurance. This comprehensive program pushes participants to their limits, testing their overall fitness across a wide range of physical abilities.
The Battle not only wish to bring the best in fitness for competitors but also aims to bring together the fitness community for a fun, fitness centred weekend for the whole family.
To learn more about The Battle, visit the website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
