Jack’s Gym goes from strength to strength
Blackridge resident Jack started training with weights over 60 years ago when he was just sixteen. And now, with a bit of a boost from Blackridge Community Fund, he continues to inspire others to keep fit and stay strong!
Jack began as a weightlifter, then moved onto bodybuilding and subsequently coaching. On December 1st 2018, after turning 80, he broke the Scottish, British, European and World Bench Press record for his age group. So he definitely knows what he’s doing!
In 1983, Jack and some fellow residents launched Blackridge Bodybuilding Club. They built a wooden shed on the ground leased from West Lothian Council for 99 years for a peppercorn rent. The Club rapidly became known as ‘Jack’s Gym’, and the Council subsequently waived the lease charge in recognition of the club’s focus on improving health and wellbeing in the area.
In late 2017, the Club was awarded £4,000 from the Blackridge Community Fund to purchase new equipment, to match nearly £2,000 from the Club's funds. With this grant, the Club purchased four modern weight training machines designed to target specific muscle groups and two benches.
The new equipment enhanced the training facilities, helping to encourage people to train more often, whilst maintaining health and safety.
Anne MacDonald, Club secretary, reckons the equipment will make a lasting difference.
“Most definitely the grant will guarantee many more years of success for the gym. The machines that are being replaced have been in use for approximately 35 years, why not another 35? Without (the fund's) assistance our very future was in doubt but now we, and future generations, can look forward with a feeling of security.”