Challenges, articles, events and everything happening at your local gym.
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.
Great entry point. Focuses on glutes and hamstrings through hip extension. Bodyweight is plenty to start.
The glute builder. Back against bench, barbell across hips, drive up until your body forms a straight line.
The full package. Glutes, hamstrings, lower back, lats, abdominals. Ask a coach if you want a form check!
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.
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.
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.
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.
💡 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.
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.
"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."
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.