A PORT Macquarie family has taken on the world in the fitness craze sweeping the globe and has come away with some impressive results.
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Ann Cunning finished sixth in Australia in her age division in the official Crossfit Games.
Her son Bryce finished first in Australia and second in the world in the Beast League.
Even more impressively the youngster, at only 16 years of age, contested the under 18s division.
It means he has another two years left in the age division giving him a top chance to take out the top spot in the world in the coming years.
But it’s the opens of the Crossfit Games that Bryce has in his sights.
“This would have to be the best of my sporting achievements so far,” he said.
“But I really want to do well in the Crossfit Games so that’s what I’m aiming for.”
Bryce comes from an elite sporting background, having been selected for representative honours in the past for rugby union.
He played with the Hastings Valley Vikings.
But a hectic schedule saw him put a hold on the game and concentrate on crossfit.
“I’m doing year 11 and 12 and with crossfit training and union it was getting a bit much,” he said.
Cunning senior has been doing the sport since before it gained its popularity as one of the favoured work outs of fitness fanatics.
Not surprisingly, Cunning senior is also a personal trainer.
“I just love it (crossfit),” she said.
“I’ve been doing it for about two and a half years. I love leading a healthy life, it’s an all round functional movement.
“It’s basic movements brought into everyday life and includes all body parts in the work out.”
Cunning said Crossfit also helped her overcome a serious health issue she developed.
Although already extremely fit and healthy she was diagnosed with high cholesterol.
The doctor urged the patient to go on medication to bring down the levels, but Cunning refused.
“The doctor suggested a range of tests when I turned 40 and it turned out I had high cholesterol,” she said.
“They wanted to put me on meds, but I wanted to try and lower my cholesterol levels through diet and exercise.
“I was fit and healthy but it was an hereditary problem.”
Cunning persevered and before long her cholesterol levels had dropped.
The Cunning family including Ann’s husband Graham trains at Crossfit 2444.