Black Country Barbell

This week’s Member Monday goes to Jackie!

Jackie first came to BCB after noticing that she was beginning to feel weaker as she got older and decided she wanted to do something about it.

“I wanted a local, friendly gym to help stop that decline.”

Since then, she’s been working on building her strength and fitness, with her current goal being to continue improving her muscle tone.

And she’s already noticing the difference!

“I’m feeling stronger, fitter and happier about myself.”

For Jackie, though, there’s a much bigger reason behind wanting to stay strong.

“I’m motivated to keep myself as healthy as possible as I age, so I’m not a burden to anyone, and for my mental health.”

It’s a brilliant reminder that strength training doesn’t always have to be about lifting the heaviest weights or chasing PBs.

Sometimes the goal is simply to keep doing the things you enjoy, feel good in yourself and stay strong and independent for as long as possible. ❤️

When we asked Jackie what she enjoys most about training at BCB, it was the people who stood out.

“The best part of training at Black Country Barbell is how helpful, friendly and encouraging everyone is.”

And for anyone who might be reading this while feeling nervous about stepping into a gym for the first time, Jackie has some advice:

“Get a coach! And see what a lovely environment it is.”

“I’m sure, like me, you’d soon be surprised at your achievements.”

And we couldn't agree more!

Walking through those doors for the first time can often be the hardest part. But Jackie is a brilliant example of what can happen when you allow yourself the opportunity to start.

Stronger, fitter, happier and plenty more progress still to come.

Keep smashing it, Jackie! 👏💪

Most people don't fail because they aim too high. They fail because they never plan for the week life gets in the way.
This workshop walks you through it: set a goal worth chasing, structure it so it's actually trackable, then bulletproof it against the obstacles that usually end it.
Wed 9 September, 6:30pm. Drop us a DM to book.

This week’s Member Monday goes to Ian!

When Ian first came to BCB, he wanted a way into strength training that gave him the structure and support to train properly, without making silly mistakes or, in his words, “killing myself lifting.” 😂

Having a focused programme and a coach there to guide him gave him exactly that.

And since then, the strength gains have been pretty impressive

Ian started with a 70kg deadlift.

He’s now pulling 165kg, with his sights firmly set on the big 200kg. 👀

But for Ian, progress isn’t all about what the scales say.

“I think it’s a bit of a gym myth that weight loss is the key to success. Strength for me has been the main gain.”

His goals now are less about chasing quick results and more about continuing to turn up, making small improvements and staying injury-free.

“Being an older bloke, staying injury-free and consistent is key for me. The rest should look after itself.”

Ian originally started his coaching journey with George, who played a huge part in helping him build those foundations.

“George was key for me, both in my training technique and accountability in those early days of ‘shall I, shan’t I go to the gym today?’”

As many of you will know, George has now sadly left the BCB coaching team for pastures new. We’d like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to George for all his hard work during his time with us and for the impact he’s had on clients like Ian.

We wish him nothing but the very best for whatever comes next! ❤️

Back to Ian...

When we asked about his biggest win since joining, it wasn’t actually the 165kg deadlift.

It was simply building the commitment to train week after week.

“I’ve walked in wanting to go to bed and walked out feeling on top of the world with great energy and a mood boost.”

We think a lot of people can relate to that one!

Finally, Ian had a brilliant bit of advice for anyone who feels intimidated about stepping into a gym for the first time:

“Everyone is on a journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced gym-goer, everyone has that journey to travel.”

“Yours is hopefully just beginning. Get on the bus – you never know where it’s going.”

Keep smashing it Ian

After the success of last year, we’re bringing back the Black Country Barbell Strength Camp for 2026 and this year we’re going bigger and better! 🔥

For now, Strength Camp is exclusively available to our current BCB coaching clients 🧡

Over 12 weeks, we’ll be bringing the whole coaching community together to set goals, learn, train, test and see just how much progress we can make.

📅 THE LINE-UP:

🎯 9th September – Goal Setting Workshop
🥗 16th September – Nutrition Workshop
🏋️ 26th September – Baseline Testing Event
🏆 19th December – Final Re-Test Event

You’ll have the BCB coaching team behind you throughout, helping you set your targets, choose the right lifts and stay accountable over the 12 weeks.

Whether you want to get stronger, give your training a new focus or simply see what you’re capable of, it’s time to Get Focused. Get Stronger. 💪

More information on how to get involved is coming very soon

After the success of last year, we’re bringing Strength Camp back for 2026! 🔥

We’ve put together a series of workshops designed to help you set your goals, get your nutrition in place, test where you’re starting from and then spend the next 12 weeks seeing just how much progress you can make.

📅 THE LINE-UP:

🎯 9th September – Goal Setting Workshop
🥗 16th September – Nutrition Workshop
💪 19th September – Nutrition Workshop #2
🏋️ 26th September – Testing Day
🏆 19th December – The BIG Re-Test

You’ll have the BCB coaching team there to guide you along the way, with plenty of support and accountability throughout the 12 weeks.

Whether you want to get stronger, give your training some direction or simply see what you’re capable of, Strength Camp is for you.

Drop us a message if you'd like to join us for any/all workshops!

Who’s ready for round two?