Photo: Facebook - The True Fitness Challenge

A different kind of fitness competition kicks off this weekend in Kelowna.

While many physique or bodybuilding competitions focus only on how contestants look, the True Fitness Challenge incorporates fitness and obstacle course portions in addition to the standard modelling show.

Carly Mitchell, event organizer, is a personal trainer in Kelowna who has competed in fitness and bikini competitions since 2006.

“For me, it’s just not enough. You train so hard just to stand there for 30 seconds,” said Mitchell. “I wanted to do something different and focus not only on physique, but being fit. Trying to promote it more in a healthy way.”

Mitchell said the skills aspect of the competition will include box jump, kettlebell shuttle runs, and tire flip. The obstacle course is more than 150 metres long and will be set up in the parking lot of Prospera Place. The modelling portion of the competition will take place at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

Mitchell said by adding the strength and fitness component to the competition, it encourages healthy bodies over skinny bodies.

“The way the (standard physique) shows are, it’s kind of more of a get-skinny contest, like who can get the leanest,” Mitchell said. “It has nothing to do with how fit you are, how strong you are.”

More than 40 contestants from Kelowna, Regina, Lethbridge and Grand Prairie will be participating.

Mitchell said the only similar event she knows of is held in Florida.

The modelling event on Saturday is $30 for spectators, and tickets can be found here. The skills competition and obstacle course is free to view.