I joined Zenith in the autumn of 2023 after becoming increasingly aware that my mobility and general fitness were starting to decline. During annual health checks at work, a nurse advised me two years in a row that I should begin “resistance training” because of my age. At the time, I didn’t really know what that meant, but I now realise it’s exactly the type of free-weight strength training we do at Zenith.
Before joining, I was struggling with things that should have been simple. I had difficulty with everyday tasks, even putting my shoes on, and arthritis in my foot made walking uncomfortable. I had previously been doing some cardio training at another gym, but it lacked structure and support. No one took any real interest in my goals, my progress or whether I was coping with the programme, and it’s easy to see why people lose motivation in that kind of environment.
Walking into Zenith felt completely different. The gym immediately had a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and the coaches genuinely cared about helping people improve, regardless of their starting point. I joined wanting to improve my fitness and mobility, but I also had a personal goal of being able to complete the prescribed workouts without scaling movements down. I wanted to be able to run and skip again — things I hadn’t done comfortably for a long time.
Since joining, the changes have gone far beyond what I expected. Physically, I’ve lost body fat, gained muscle and improved my bone density. My body shape has changed so much that I’ve had to replace parts of my wardrobe and even buy new shoes. More importantly, I can now do everyday tasks around the house much more easily and safely. I can bend down, lift things from the ground and tie my shoelaces without struggling.
One of the biggest surprises for me has been my strength progression. I’ve improved my personal bests in squat, bench press and deadlift, and I am now entering Masters Powerlifting competitions — something I would never have imagined when I first walked through the doors. I can also now run short distances, skip and comfortably take part in the lifts and movements required during Functional Fit classes.
The impact hasn’t only been physical. Training at Zenith has helped my mental well-being too. Going to the gym regularly, often at 6:15am, has given me structure and consistency, while the community aspect has been hugely important. Chatting with the coaches and other members has become part of the experience, and everyone is supportive, patient and encouraging. The “Pack” genuinely feels like a community where people can share challenges both inside and outside the gym.
A huge part of my progress has come from the coaching and accountability. My PT sessions with Karen have been invaluable, particularly as she works alongside my powerlifting coach in Paisley to help me understand and apply technical feedback. Having coaches who can tailor programmes to specific goals or sports makes a massive difference, and it’s clear that Zenith focuses on the individual rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Looking back, I feel far more confident, capable and prepared for everyday life than I did before joining. I worry less, feel more relaxed, and have a much more positive long-term outlook on my health.
For anyone considering joining, my advice is simple: your health is worth investing in. Speak to the coaches, ask questions and trust the process. Exercises can always be adapted, and the support is there every step of the way. I genuinely don’t think I could have achieved what I have without Zenith.