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JustGym in The Press
The Telegraph · 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.
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.
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.
💡 Inspired by Allison's story? James and the team can build a programme around your goals. Get in touch for a free chat.
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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.
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The S.O.S.N.T.E.M method A step by step system for teaching any movement to any client.
The Understand how and why the body adapts so you can build programmes that actually work.
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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."
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