Friday Fire: Joey’s Journey – Finding Strength Beyond the Gym
- GB1
- Aug 29, 2025
- 2 min read
From Gym Intimidation to GB1 Community
For Joey, the gym was never the answer.
“I’ve tried gyms before and never stuck at them, I’ve felt intimidated by fit and toned people and never really known what I was doing in a gym so have given up pretty quickly.”
That feeling is one so many can relate to — walking into a space where you feel like you don’t belong, and instead of getting stronger, you feel smaller.
But Joey knew she wanted to mix up her training, build strength, and find something that actually worked for her.
Having known Graeme for years through running, she decided to give GB1 circuits a try — and it changed everything.
A Mix of Training, Fun, and Belonging
What Joey found at GB1fitness was more than just a workout.
“I love the variety, the chats, the laughs and the encouragement from not only Graeme but all the others who attend. It is such a welcoming group of people, it really doesn’t matter your age, body shape and size or how fit you are. Everyone supports everyone.”
The circuits give her the mix of bodyweight and equipment-based training she was looking for, but the real difference has been the sense of community.
Instead of feeling intimidated, Joey feels encouraged, supported, and part of something bigger.
Finding Release from Stress
Joey works in a very emotionally stressful job, and some days the last thing she feels like doing is exercising.
“Some days I feel that I don’t want to go as I just want to go home and lie on the sofa and eat. But I make sure I go, I have never regretted going and I always forget about work for an hour.”
That one hour of fresh air, movement, and laughter has become her release — a way to switch off, reset, and focus on herself.
Strength, Confidence, and a Motto of Her Own
Even though she admits she’s still not sure what half the exercises are called, Joey’s approach is simple:
“My motto is just do something even if I’m not sure, and hopefully it's not for one of Graeme’s minutes (which are never a minute!)”
And that mindset has carried her forward.
Week by week.
Class by class.
Joey is getting stronger, fitter, and more confident in her own skin.
Joey’s Friday Fire
Joey’s journey is a powerful reminder that you don’t need a gym to transform your fitness.
What you need is:
Consistency,
Support,
A welcoming space where you can just be yourself.
“I’m definitely getting stronger and fitter and I would recommend everyone giving it a go!” 💙
🔥 Your Turn:
If Joey’s story sounds familiar and you’re ready to find your own supportive fitness community, why not come along and try a class?
You don’t need to know the names of the exercises, just turn up and give it your best shot.
One hour might just change your week.
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