Britain’s Fittest Farmer judge gives no-nonsense training tips
© MAG/Colin Miller Entries are flooding in for Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2026, and as the competition gears up, head judge Will Arden offers practical, no-nonsense training tips to build the strength, stamina, and grit needed to reach the final.
Farmers across the UK are being urged to step up, swap their wellies for trainers and start training ahead of this summer’s high-intensity qualifying heats, with the final in the autumn.
Taking place this June at the Cereals event at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire (10-11 June) and the Lincolnshire Show (17-18 June), the competition promises to push competitors to their absolute limits with a demanding mix of strength, stamina and mental resilience.
See also: Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2026: Returnees chase title again
Now, with competition day edging closer, head judge Will Arden is urging entrants to sharpen their preparation, and he’s offering a valuable glimpse into both training strategies and what to expect on the day.
Three quick no-equipment workouts from Will Arden
Workout 1
- 20min run – E2MOM (every 2min on the minute); 30 bodyweight squats.
Workout 2
- 8min AMRAP (as many reps/rounds as possible) – set a timer for 8min and complete as many rounds as possible
- 20 alternating lunges, 10 press-ups, 10 butterfly sit-ups
Workout 3
- Five rounds of 15 burpees, 10 V-ups, 50m run
“Fitness shouldn’t be about looking a certain way; it should be how it makes you feel,” he says.
“That’s what Fittest Farmer is all about: being functionally fit.”
Will stresses that everyday farm work is already a powerful foundation, if used right.
Turning routine tasks into timed challenges can build both strength and endurance in a practical, relevant way.
“Take your everyday manual jobs and race yourself,” he advises.
“Push to get them done faster, that’s real, functional fitness.”
For those with access to a gym, Will recommends combining strength training with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to replicate the demands of the competition.
“Get strong so heavy weights feel light, and build your engine so you can keep going under fatigue,” he explains.
“That combination is what will carry you through to the finals.”
He also highlights the importance of full-body movements, the kind that mirror real-world exertion.
“Your full body will be tested, but the powerhouse always comes from your legs, so give some extra attention to your lower body while preparing, and you will be flying through the challenges.
“Focus on exercises like carries, squats and deadlifts.”
A sneak peek at the challenges
To help competitors prepare, Will has revealed a preview of the kinds of tests awaiting them:
- Hawkstone – A descending rep challenge of 15, 10, five reps combining ground-to-overhead lifts, squats and 10m shuttle runs, a test of strength under fatigue and speed.
- Maxam Tyres – Three rounds of 10 tyre flips, a 20m tyre carry and 10 burpees onto the tyre, pushing grip strength, explosiveness and endurance.
- Cummings – A 10-minute bike erg test for max distance, interrupted every two minutes by four 30m shuttle runs, starting with a run to immediately elevate intensity.
- VW Truck Pull – A returning fan favourite, with a potential twist: competitors may be required to pull the truck backwards, ramping up the difficulty.
- Kubota Challenge – A three-minute all-out effort featuring 20 sandbag-over-shoulder lifts, 20 alternating lunges, followed by maximum-distance sandbag throws for the remaining time.
Together, these challenges reflect what Will has been emphasising: functional, full-body fitness, mental toughness, and the ability to perform under relentless pressure.
About Britain’s Fittest Farmer
Launched by Farmers Weekly in 2018, the initiative continues to champion health and wellbeing in agriculture, challenging farmers to prove they’re not just tough in the field, but at peak physical performance, too.
After applying online with a photo or video showcasing their fitness and an insight into how they maintain both physical and mental resilience, successful entrants will earn a place at the live heats.
There, they’ll battle through fast-paced, physically demanding challenges, with top performers advancing to interviews with judges and the Farming Community Network before the ultimate test: a final assault course.
Titles are awarded across four categories: men and women under 40, and men and women over 40.
