A champion bodybuilder is endorsing a new gym that focuses on being more accessible and tackling obesity.
Frances Amies-Winter has started using Fitness and Physique, formerly Lifestyles, in Chatham as he believes it is an athlete’s responsibility to help others learn.
The mother of two said: “A lot of other bodybuilders don’t go back to their local gyms, but we do. We go there, train and answer any questions.”
“It’s a way to give a little bit back to the community which, as an athlete, I think is important.
“As a champion bodybuilder, you want to be out there inspiring the next generation. I think athletes in all sports have a responsibility to be in their local gyms, be a role model and inspiration.”
Frances, of Barming, near maiden stoneShe runs the Minster of Muscle Coaching along with her husband and trainer Steve.
The duo began holding sessions at The Links facility as they agree with owner Luke Treeby’s goal of making gyms more accessible, particularly for women and people with disabilities, and to combat the crisis of obesity.
the british bodybuilding champion said: “I want people to walk into the gym without it being intimidating, women in particular. A lot of girls have a really bad body image with the pressures of social media, but when you sit down and explain how to use the gym, you start to see a positive change in people.
“I think when we look at the next generation with obesity, Covid and the lockdown [had a part to play as] people couldn’t be as active as they could.
“I think a lot of the younger generation was potentially falling into the habit of video games and the virtual world and then they find it extremely difficult to be in reality.
“The main thing with Covid is you have to stay healthy, we don’t know what’s around the corner and obesity is the number one killer that’s not really being addressed. Especially when you look at the most deprived areas, it never seems to be a priority.” .
“There are not only huge physical benefits to training, but also psychologically, so it ticks all the boxes. This is what we believe and the spirit shared by Luke as well.”
Treeby took over Lifestyles a few weeks ago and will change its name to Fitness and Physique in the coming days.
The 36-year-old said: “This is the only gym I’ve gotten into in any kind of shape, so that’s what I’d like to pursue. You could be in a huge gym with millions of pounds of equipment and not get to nowhere”. We want to help people.
“You meet some people, particularly girls, just look around for a few weeks, but here I want everyone to feel like they can ask questions and help others participate.”
Luke said he wanted the renovated sports facilities to be less intimidating as he hopes to welcome new users. He added: “I’m trying to make it what it should be. I want it to be a gym for everyone. It’s not too big so people can get in and be comfortable.”
“I want it to be like a family, you find a lot of gyms like that. You get to know everyone there.”
It will focus on weights and fitness and is still undergoing renovations, which have already cost around £30,000, while it remains open.
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