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JustGym · Saffron Walden

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DEADLIFT CHALLENGE 1020 REPS IN 4 WEEKS NOW ON AT JUSTGYM AS SEEN IN THE TELEGRAPH SAFFRON WALDEN EST. 2010 DEADLIFT CHALLENGE 1020 REPS IN 4 WEEKS NOW ON AT JUSTGYM AS SEEN IN THE TELEGRAPH SAFFRON WALDEN EST. 2010

Current Challenge

Running Now 💪
4 Week Challenge
1020 Reps. One Unstoppable You.
13th April to 11th May 2026 · 3 Sessions a Week
🔥 On Now!
JustGym Deadlift Challenge 2026
This is your challenge...
The Deadlift
Challenge
3 sessions a week. 4 weeks. One seriously strong posterior chain.

This challenge is about more than just reps. It's about building a habit, finding consistency, and proving to yourself what you're capable of. Whether you're brand new to deadlifts or a seasoned lifter, there's an option here for everyone. Pick your movement, show up three times a week, and let's get it done together.

1020
Total Reps
4
Weeks
3
Sessions / Week
+10
Reps Each Session

How It Works

Each session you add 10 reps. Start at 30, build to 140. Simple. 👇
Week 1
Session 130 reps
Session 240 reps
Session 350 reps
Week 2
Session 460 reps
Session 570 reps
Session 680 reps
Week 3
Session 790 reps
Session 8100 reps
Session 9110 reps
Week 4
Session 10120 reps
Session 11130 reps
Session 12140 reps

Pick Your Movement

Not a deadlifter yet? No problem, there's an option for every level 🙌
01
Hip Extensions
45° Hyper or GHD

Great entry point. Focuses on glutes and hamstrings through hip extension. Bodyweight is plenty to start.

02
Hip Thrusts
Barbell or Glute Drive Machine

The glute builder. Back against bench, barbell across hips, drive up until your body forms a straight line.

03
Deadlifts
Conventional / Sumo / Trap Bar

The full package. Glutes, hamstrings, lower back, lats, abdominals. Ask a coach if you want a form check!

What is the Posterior Chain?

The posterior chain refers to all the muscles running down the backside of your body, mainly the glutes, hamstrings and spinal erectors. Most exercises revolve around the hip hinge movement, where we move the hips back and forward while keeping a neutral spine.

Training these muscles regularly improves strength, movement quality and injury resilience and is one of the most functional things you can do in the gym. It directly carries over to everyday life: lifting, bending, carrying, sport.

Ask a Coach

JustGym in The Press

The Telegraph · March 2026
📰 As Seen In
The Daily Telegraph
Published 28 March 2026 · 226 Comments
Featured in The Telegraph · 28 March 2026

"Without Weightlifting, I Would've Wasted Away on Fat Jabs"

Award-winning Telegraph journalist and columnist Allison Pearson wrote a glowing piece about her strength training journey, and our very own James Wilkinson is her personal trainer. Shot entirely at JustGym, the article became one of The Telegraph's most-read health pieces of the year, with 226 reader comments.

After losing almost 3 stone on Mounjaro, Allison was reluctant to start weight training. James convinced her otherwise, and the results transformed not just her body, but her brain too.

By Allison Pearson · The Daily Telegraph
Trainer featured: James Wilkinson, JustGym
Published 28 March 2026 · 6:01am GMT

What the Article is About

Allison Pearson, one of Britain's best-known journalists, used Mounjaro to lose almost three stone. But she discovered a problem that affects many people on weight-loss drugs: alongside the fat, she was losing muscle mass. Her personal trainer, James, had the answer.

The article tells the story of how James persuaded a self-confessed sceptic to pick up the weights, and the remarkable results that followed.

"Muscle is not vanity tissue, it's survival tissue. Every single one of us can become stronger, move better, boost metabolism, prevent injury and even prolong our life." — James Wilkinson, JustGym

What James Says

Weight-loss drugs are a powerful tool, but they work best when paired with lifestyle changes, not used instead of them. Studies show that between 25% and 40% of weight lost on Mounjaro and Ozempic can be lean body mass.

"Think of strength training as a retirement fund, every exhausting lift is making a payment you can draw on in the years ahead." — James Wilkinson, JustGym
Read the Full Article
Available on The Telegraph website, subscription may be required
Read on Telegraph

💡 Inspired by Allison's story? James and the team at JustGym can build a programme around your goals, whether you're on a weight-loss medication or not. Get in touch for a free chat.

So why JustGym?

We're Not Your
Average Gym

There are plenty of gyms out there. Big chains, fancy apps, 12-month contracts you regret signing by February. JustGym isn't that. Never has been, never will be.

We're a local, independent gym in Saffron Walden where the coaches know your name, the doors open early and close late, and nobody's going to hard sell you a protein shake on the way out.

0
Contracts. Ever.
Come when you want. Leave when you want. No guilt, no penalties, no awkward phone calls.
Always
A Coach on the Floor
You'll never be left guessing. There's always a qualified instructor on site, just ask.
15+
Years in Saffron Walden
We've been here since 2010. We know the town, we know our members, and we're not going anywhere.
Zero
Judgement. Seriously.
Whether it's your first session or your thousandth, you belong here just as much as anyone else.
Alex Sullivan, Owner, JustGym
A note from the owners

"Our trainers aren't just certified, they are constantly honing their craft. We're all about education, and we encourage our staff to always be continuing to learn, whether that's in-house or externally."

"We're not just about muscles, we're dedicated to ensuring you have a truly enjoyable time when you're here training."

Alex Sullivan & James Wilkinson, Owners and Personal Trainers

Want to get involved?

Whether it's the deadlift challenge, a new membership, or just a chat about your goals, we're always here. No pressure, no hard sell. Just a friendly conversation.

Get in Touch
JustGym

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