It should be no surprise that after the worldwide advent of Global Fast Fit a year and a half ago that Kenyans have no less than dominated. They’ve ranked highest in multiple metrics, which would include but most certainly aren’t limited to adoption, participation in events, fastest time in multiple categories, and much much more.

Kenyans are expected to hold the majority of Global Fast Fit records. Just based off the infographic above considering that out of the 29 countries, and 6,335 participants worldwide, Kenyans hold a staggering 46.2% of participation. Indonesia comes in 2nd with 26.2% and India is 3rd with 18.3%.

Let’s look at the top three performers of the Global Fast Fit Standard routine. We’ve divided the categories to see the top three overall, top women, top men above 50, and top women above 50:

The standard routine is much more accessible in that it only requires half the effort and exertion than that of the pro routine, but you can see that Kenyans under 50 have taken every spot for top three. What about the pro routine?

We can observe less parity in international distribution for the pro routine, but Kenyans still have excellent overall representation, especially when we consider increasing the list sizes to top ten or top fifteen.

But why do Kenyans have so much stake when it comes to athletic events? We had mentioned their dominance in long-distance running competitions in a previous post, but we’re seeing the same level of intensity toward Global Fast Fit.

Performers in any of the Global Fast Fit routines can attest that the running aspect of it is the most considerable factor in achieving a better score. Going too fast on the bodyweight exercises (pushups, plank leg lifts, bodyweight squats) lead to a high percentage risk of disqualification for poor form.

This would make the Global Fast Fit routines more favorable for athletes that are strong runners.

A study by Randall L. Wilber and Yannis P. Pitsiladis asked the same thing when it came to the naturally gifted long-distance running of Kenyan (and Ethiopian) athletes. They listed eight factors as markers for high athletic achievement.

1. Genetic Predisposition

East African genetics allow for higher performance, particularly when it comes to long-distance running.

2. High Maximal Oxygen Intake through Early Age Conditioning

Environmental factors in East Africa condition children to accustom themselves to movement over longer distances through walking or running. This increases their maximal oxygen intake at an early age which lends into adulthood.

3. Higher Hematocrit and Hemoglobin

This indicates the East African body’s ability to more efficiently carry and distribute oxygen throughout the body.

4. Body Type and Composition as well as Lower Limb Structure

The typical East African athletic build tends to be composed of a thinner frame with longer legs. This allows for the body to expend less energy while running and also carry less mass while moving.

5. Favorable Skeletal-Muscle-Fiber Composition

East African muscle fiber compositions tend to be that of slow-twitch fibers which are characterized with having higher oxidative enzymes. This is integral to having an increased aerobic exercise capacity.

6. Diet

A lack of processed foods, starches in every meal, balanced portions, and fresh fruit consumption lend to a diet favorable for runners.

7. Altitude

Some East Africans live and train at a higher altitude. This allows them to be more accustomed to areas where oxygen levels are lower. The body will adapt to areas with lower oxygen by increasing red blood cell production leading to more efficient oxygen distribution and usage.

8. Motivational Factors toward Economic Success

For some, achieving athletic success at the highest level is not only a great honor, but a gateway to a much better standard of living. Being able to compete athletically at an international level allows for greater recognition, and all the rewards that come with it.

Kenyans continue to dominate in Global Fast Fit, and we’re sure they’ll do so for the foreseeable future. Due to their resounding success, we grow more and more intrigued in the utility of the standard, pro, and shuttle routines as a universal fitness benchmark. With all of the aforementioned markers being potential contributors to Kenyan athletic success, and the Global Fast Fit routine’s capability of measuring overall fitness, we strongly believe the combination of the two is in order.

By the end of 2025, we believe we will eventually be able to utilize the Global Fast Fit routines to find the fittest Kenyan living within Kenya.