Having a family history of heart disease I wanted to ensure I was as fit as I could be, training has both helped my physical abilities but also makes me feel strong mentally. Having gone through some tough times recently it’s easy to give up but lifting heavier than I ever thought I could gives me hope and makes me proud no matter what else is going on. Feeling strong is important and with training it gives me a sense of achievement. For someone who’s never tried it, go for it, it’s addictive and you’re stronger than you ever give yourself credit for.

~ Andrea

When I step up to the bar everything around me melts away and it's just me and the weight. I train more than my body; it builds resilience, self-belief, and mental wellbeing. It helped me recover from a hip replacement but was also the reason I stayed at work right up to the day of the op. It was and still is my pain belief, both physical and mental.I think lifting weights is for everyone. I encourage my patients to give it a go as there is evidence of a benefit into old age. It is the way to live well, to reduce the risk of falls, to combat the illness that comes with a sedentary lifestyle, and allows you to eat more!

~ Fiona

At first, it was amazing to notice new muscles appearing and being able to see the progression as I lifted heavier weights. Later, I noticed that all those little aches and pains that I took for granted when getting out of bed - the stiff right knee, lower back ache, sore Achilles tendons, dodgy shoulder - they got a lot better too.  These were just weaknesses and poor conditioning and I learned that most of these things are better solved by being active rather than trying to “nurse” them by avoiding activity.

APEX coaches are great at knowing many different ways to target an area and making subtle tweaks to an exercise so you can do it effectively with whatever limitations you have - the ultimate “personalised” training.

I love being strong and it carries over to other activities - jogging, circuit training, yoga - keeping me injury-free. It’s definitely an investment and my family is all in, my mum, my wife, my son - and we’re all buzzing and better for it! Cheers guys "

~ Paul

For me it was originally to strengthen my core, post back op to help with back issues but it’s turned out to be much more than that - it’s helped my mental health by allowing some much needed “me” time as well as the added bonus of being leaner and therefore feeling better in myself. It also gives a great sense of achievement seeing weights increase over time which is good for a competitive person like me!  Thanks so much team Apex!

~ Heather

Last year I was 60 and became aware of so many articles in papers and magazines highlighting the importance of strength training particularly as you age.

During my weekly shop at Tesco’s I had noticed the ‘APEX’ gym from the car park and I gathered up the confidence to walk over and push open the door; I had never been into a gym before and found the idea quite daunting but I’m so glad I did.

It has given a huge boost to my self-esteem, especially when I can lift something a little heavier or push myself a little further.

I would really recommend strength training to everyone and don’t leave it till you are 60!

~ Claire