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JustGym · Saffron Walden

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Challenges, articles, events and everything happening at your local gym.

DEADLIFT COMPETITION✦ 21 NOVEMBER 2026✦ CLASSES WITH LAWRENCE ADDISON✦ AS SEEN IN THE TELEGRAPH✦ SAFFRON WALDEN EST. 2010✦ DEADLIFT COMPETITION✦ 21 NOVEMBER 2026✦ CLASSES WITH LAWRENCE ADDISON✦ AS SEEN IN THE TELEGRAPH✦ SAFFRON WALDEN EST. 2010✦

Deadlift Competition

Saturday 21 November 2026
Coming up at JustGym
The JustGym Deadlift Competition
21 November 2026 · JustGym, Saffron Walden
Step Up to
the Bar

On 21 November we're turning the gym floor into a competition platform. Your chance to test your strength, set a new personal best whilst being supported by the JustGym community.

Getting Ready?

✦ Open to JustGym members of every level
✦ Ask a coach for a form check before the day
✦ Deadlift classes available with Lawrence Addison
Learn from the best

Classes With Lawrence Addison

3x U18 British Record Holder

Want to sharpen your technique before the big day? Lawrence is a three time U18 British record holder, and he's running deadlift classes here at JustGym.

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 can build a programme around your goals. Get in touch for a free chat.

Become a Personal Trainer

Starting June 2026
JustGym PT Course 2026

Train to Be a Coach.
The JustGym Way.

This isn't just another PT qualification. This is a course built around real coaching, real clients, and a real future in the fitness industry. Designed and delivered by the JustGym team, covering everything from exercise science to building a sustainable PT career.

6 Jun
Start Date
5 Sep
End Date
Monthly
1st Weekend of Month
£1,950
Full Course Fee
Enquire Now
The JustGym Philosophy

E.M.P.O.W.E.R

Every coach we train lives by these values. They're not just words — they're how we build careers that last.

E
Ethical Training
Evidence based, honest, client first
M
Minimal Work for the Coach
Smart systems, not burnout
P
Progress for the Client
Measurable results, every session
O
Ongoing Client Retention
Build relationships that keep clients coming back
W
Rewarding for the Coach
Sociable hours, regular pay, work-life balance
E
Enjoyable for the Client
Training should be something people look forward to
R
Rejecting Bro Science
Keeping Up to date with recent, relevant research
What's covered in the seminars

Course Curriculum

Who Are You?

Self reflection on your motivations, skills, and identity as a coach. Learn the essential qualities that make a great personal trainer; friendly, empathetic, inspiring, organised and reliable.

Session One
Exercise Hierarchy

A structured movement framework, covering progressions from beginner to advanced and key points of performance for every exercise.

Movement Science
Coaching Methodology

The S.O.S.N.T.E.M method A step by step system for teaching any movement to any client.

Coaching Skills
Programming Science

The Understand how and why the body adapts so you can build programmes that actually work.

Sports Science
The Coaching Toolbox

Cues, isometrics, pauses, video analysis and systematic approaches. Learn how to build trust and buy-in with clients.

Client Retention
Building Your Career

The JustGym work model. Sociable hours, regular income, continued education and a real work/ life balance.

Career Development
Everything you get

What's Included

✦ Monthly weekend seminars: 6th June to 5th September
✦ Full course booklets for each seminar
✦ Video practical assessments
✦ Ongoing support from the JustGym coaching team
✦ Review questions and self-reflection exercises
✦ In person coaching experience at JustGym
The difference we make

Two Very Different Careers

The Negative Cycle
✗ Unsociable hours
✗ Unreliable pay
✗ Client frustration
✗ No progression
✗ Burnout and isolation
The JustGym Cycle
✓ Sociable hours
✓ Regular, reliable pay
✓ Happy, progressing clients
✓ Continued education
✓ Work-life balance
Limited places available
Ready to Start Your PT Career?
Course starts 6th June 2026. Full fee £1,950. Get in touch to secure your place.
Enquire Now
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.
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?

Get in Touch
JustGym

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