Mayhem Fitness MK

Want to become a stronger runner without simply adding more miles?

Many runners focus almost entirely on running, but strength training can make a real difference. Building stronger glutes, hamstrings, calves and core can improve your power, help you maintain better form when tired and prepare your body for the demands of running.

At Mayhem, you can combine both in one evening:

18:00 Dumbbell Conditioning
19:00 Run Club

Whether you’re chasing a PB, building towards a longer distance or simply want running to feel better, both sessions can support your progress.

Come along for one or stay for both. All abilities are welcome, so drop us a message if you’d like to give Mayhem a try.

1. How long have you been a Mayhem member and what made you first join?

Since the inception! I have known Matt for years, so when he decided to start Mayhem, I was always going to join him on his next adventure.

2. What’s your favourite Mayhem session and why?

I have always loved the run class, but recently superhuman has been my weekly go to! I love seeing the strength we all having lobbing and pulling equipment.

3. What’s your favourite exercise, and which one would you happily never do again?

Carrying Thor hammer and I would happily never do a lunge again.

4. What’s your proudest fitness achievement so far?

Getting a sub 30 min 5km over 10 years ago, but now is watching my kids enjoy fitness like I do.

5. What do you enjoy most about being part of Mayhem?

The social side! You meet people with a similar interest and everyone is up for a giggle whilst working those muscles ( ). You don't have to be anyone but yourself.

6. What’s your funniest or most memorable Mayhem moment?

My funniest moment at Mayhem:

There has been many over the 6 years so I could not pin point just one.

My most memorable moment:

I will always love memories where people are laughing/smiling. Socials are always a great place to make more memories

7. What’s something most Mayhem members probably don’t know about you?

I played football for Rushden & Diamonds, MK Dons and Northampton Town before heading to University.

8. Describe Mayhem in three words.

Supportive, Fun, Orange

Another brilliant Sunday morning with the Mayhem crew!

We love being part of MK junior parkrun each week, and today we also enjoyed our monthly run with The Parks Trust.

It was fantastic to see so many Mayhem children and families out enjoying the morning together. The youngsters were brilliant as always, giving it everything, encouraging one another and, most importantly, having fun.

A special thank you to all the volunteers who make MK junior parkrun happen every week. They are always so welcoming, encouraging and fantastic with the children. Thank you also to The Parks Trust team for continuing to organise such enjoyable events for the local community. A lot of work goes into making mornings like this possible and it is really appreciated.

A huge well done to everyone who took part. A great turnout, plenty of orange shirts and another really enjoyable morning of running with the Mayhem community!

With Milton Keynes junior parkrun

The final kilometre or mile exposes more than your fitness.

When your legs become tired and your posture begins to drop, strength and control become just as important as your engine.

That’s where Mayhem Dumbbell Conditioning earns its place.

Lunges, squats and deadlifts develop strength through the legs, glutes and hamstrings. Rows, presses and loaded movements help you remain strong through your upper body and trunk. The conditioning element also keeps the session moving and provides the challenge that runners enjoy.

None of it looks like running, but all of it can support how you run.

Whether you’re chasing a faster time or building towards a longer distance, don’t only add more miles. Give your body the strength to support the work you’re asking it to do.

Most runners will happily add another five kilometres or miles to their week.

Ask them to add some kettlebell work and suddenly they become very concerned about doing too much.

But good kettlebell training isn’t simply extra fatigue. It develops qualities that running alone can sometimes miss.

Swings build hip power. Goblet squats strengthen the legs. Single leg deadlifts challenge balance and control. Loaded carries teach you to remain strong through your trunk when tired.

None of this replaces the miles. It supports them.

The aim isn’t to turn runners into weightlifters. It’s to build runners who are stronger, more powerful and better prepared for the demands of running.

Run your miles. But pick up the kettlebell too.

Runners, your next PB might not be hiding in another run.

It could come from stronger legs that hold their pace when tired. Better stability when running form begins to fade. More power when the road tilts upwards. A body that is better prepared for the training you ask it to do.

That is why Mayhem runners do more than collect miles.

We run. We lift. We carry. We jump. We build athletes who can do more than one thing well.

If your training is all miles and no strength, this is your reminder to change that.

Why Kettlebell Training Is So Good for Runners & Athletes

Running makes you a better runner. But getting stronger, more powerful and more resilient can make you an even better one.

That’s where kettlebell training comes in.

Kettlebells are brilliant for runners and athletes because they don’t just build strength in isolation. Many exercises train your whole body to work together, developing the strength, stability and power that transfers into running and sport.

Kettlebell training can help:

Build stronger glutes and hamstrings
Swings, deadlifts and lunges strengthen the muscles responsible for driving you forward, helping improve power and running efficiency.

Develop a stronger core
Your core has to work constantly to control and stabilise the kettlebell. A stronger, more stable trunk can help you maintain good posture and form when fatigue starts to kick in.

Improve single-leg strength and stability
Running is essentially a series of single-leg movements. Split squats, lunges, carries and single-leg exercises can improve balance, control and stability.

Increase power and athleticism
Exercises such as kettlebell swings train explosive hip extension, helping develop the ability to produce force quickly — useful for hills, sprinting, acceleration and almost every sport.

Build strength endurance
Kettlebells allow you to combine strength and conditioning, teaching your muscles to continue producing force when you’re tired.

Help make your body more robust
Running and sport involve a lot of repeated impact and movement. Strengthening the muscles around your hips, knees, ankles and trunk can help your body cope better with those demands.

And perhaps the best thing about kettlebells?

You can develop strength, power, stability, coordination and conditioning with one piece of equipment.

So if you’re a runner who only runs, or an athlete who thinks strength training will slow you down, it might be time to pick up a kettlebell.

Strong athletes don’t just move more. They move better.