FROM humble beginnings Whitecroft Gym has become a hub for Forest sportsmen. For in addition to gaining outstanding success in weightlifting events, the gym offers facilities to help others get the best from their chosen sports.
Gym chief John Brookes explained: "We give local people the chance to work out and get fit as well as preparing programmes for football clubs, rugby clubs, cycling enthusiasts and skiers.
"We can devise programmes to improve fitness, strength and stamina for a large range of sporting activities."
Founded in 1986, the gym has gone from strength to strength.
"This year our lifters have done really well. We have six Gloucestershire county champions, five South West Counties champions, two British champions and an international," said John.
But the gym's focus next year will be on encouraging more local people to take up fitness programmes.
"We have a strong team of experts and we are willing and prepared to help people of all ages from youngsters through to those who are retired. Training is fun and anyone is welcome to come along to one of our induction sessions," said John.
Brookes himself is in strict and regular training as he prepares to represent Britain in the world championships to be held in America in April.
He retained his title with a massive bench-press lift of 200kg at the British Open Champ-ionships held at Milton Keynes. The British team coach is Graham Jones, also of the Whitecroft club.
National junior champions include Carl Bevan and Chris Hill.