Wins
15.12 to 19.12
Milestone lifts, rapid progress, and a strong finish heading into the final stretch of 2025 wrapped up this week's Wins as Rob Conway, David Jordan, Jeff Smith, and newbie Julien Smith set the Björnstrxng studio alight with blazing bests.
Rob Conway & David Jordan
In their Monday duo session, Rob and David both hit 100 kilos on the bench press for a single rep. For Rob in particular, this capped off a year-long goal and represents a massive 54% strength increase since starting with Björnstrxng in January 2024.
Jeff Smith
Jeff trap bar deadlifted 100 kilos for five, marking a 10 kilo increase since last testing this lift a month ago. Consistent high-intensity core work and heavy pulling volume have quietly built the stability and power behind the progress. A big 2026 awaits.
Julien Smith
Julien made his Feats debut with a win alongside gym partner Ben and has hit the ground running. A focus on isometric holds, positional strength, and compound lifts has laid solid foundations, making him another one to watch for next year.
Massive congratulations Rob, David, Jeff, and Julien for finishing the year with intent and quality work. Strong habits, big numbers, and plenty of momentum head into what's shaping up to be Björnstrxng's most successful and competitive season ever.
Wins
08.12 to 12.12
Another week of Wins wrapped up just in time for Christmas, and it's only right we shine a light on the graft that's gone in. Huge congratulations to James Ball, Simon Foley, and Amit Kanabar for putting in some serious compound lift shifts.
James Ball
After months of chasing it, James Ball finally cracked 80 kilos for five on the bench press, marking a 35-kilo increase since starting with us. Patient progression through controlled tempo work turned persistence into a well-earned breakthrough.
Simon Foley
At 67, Simon Foley hit a trap bar deadlift five-rep max of 80 kilos, a massive 33.3% strength increase since starting with us two years ago. Smart load progression and dialled-in bracing and hip drive have all quietly added up to this milestone lift.
Amit Kanabar
Amit Kanabar completed his first ever bench press five-rep max attempt, having never tested it before. His first two sessions have focussed on building foundations through progressive overload principles and boosting fitness with functional work.
Big congratulations to James, Simon, and Amit for the work that's gone in alongside the festive build-up. Enjoy the run-up to Christmas, keep ticking over in some big Recömp sessions, and let's see what other Wins we can stack before the year's out.
Wins
01.12 to 05.12
As December settles in and the frost starts biting, Jez Grove, Connor Thacker, and Sam Young are keeping the gym heated through their hot form. In the season of overindulgence, discipline is shining bright within the Björnstrxng studio.
Jez Grove
Two days after turning 58, Jez pulled a 92.5 kilo barbell deadlift for five, showing that age has nothing on great technique. His dialled-in bracking, smooth hip hinge, and posterior chain activation made this lift look cleaner than fresh Christmas snow.
Connor Thacker
Connor claims his second Win in as many weeks, dropping another 2 kilos as he hits the midpoint of his Linx Transformation. With weekly check-ins through our bespoke app, he's keeping himself on Coach Joe and Vinita's "disciplined and dedicated" list.
Sam Young
Sam has now hit the incredible milestone of losing 25 kilos in 2025, all achieved through sustainable eating, progressive strength work, and staying accountable. The Linx Transformation and her Recömp sessions are keeping her focussed and flying.
Massive props to Jez, Connor, and Sam! In a month where motivation can melt quicker than a snowman in a heatwave, these three have shown what commitment really looks like. Let's keep pushing to finish the year even stronger than we started.
Wins
24.11 to 28.11
As the darker days roll in and winter motivation dips, our Björnstrxng Members continue to show that consistency doesn't hibernate. Faye Summers, Connor Thacker, and Jo-Anne Travena have stayed accountable when it matters most.
Faye Summers
Continuing her post-ankle surgery surge, Faye's scored high in Checkpoint, aided by lower-body work that would have been impossible weeks back. Isometric and stability-based sessions have also resulted in a new bench PB of 37.5 kilos for five.
Connor Thacker
Connor is 10 kilos lighter and 20 kilos stronger, smashing 150 kilos for five on the trap bar. Through careful progressive overload and manageable weekly jumps, he's proving that even in a calorie deficit - and during winter - strength can still climb.
Jo-Anne Travena
Jo-Anne has kicked off her Linx Transformation with unbelievable consistency, dropping 2.3 kilos in three weeks and moving past her comfort zone with some big workouts that are tailored specifically to her goals through our bespoke fitness app.
Shoutouts to Tom Dormand, Sophie Entwisle, Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson, and James Ball for your personal bests this week, and congrats to our top three of Faye, Connor, and Jo-Anne for proving what's possible in a season where discipline is hardest.
Wins
17.11 to 21.11
December is closing in, but four Members are proving that progress doesn't wait for January. Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson, Ian Cowley, and Simon & Sarah Foley have all stepped up with standout performances to round off a big week at the studio.
Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson
After months of continuous shoulder rehab work with us, our November high-flyer lifted 40 kilos for five on the bench press. At 53, Johanna continues to build muscle and protect bone density through strength training - and it's paying off.
Ian Cowley
Back from holiday and fighting off a cold, Ian still doubled his usual commitment and has started his twice-a-week schedule with us. His effort is already showing as he's 2.5 kilos down in just two weeks on the Linx Transformation programme.
Simon & Sarah Foley
At 67, Simon hit a 77.5 kilo trap bar deadlift for five, a 17.5 kilo jump from when he started with us. Hours later, Sarah matched the energy with her first ever attempt at 65 kilos for five. Strength and competitiveness clearly runs in the household.
A big well done to Johanna, Ian, Simon, and Sarah - proving progress doesn't take holidays. And with the Foleys turning personal bests into a family rivalry, the competition has ran deeper than the leaderboard this week. Keep it up, everyone!
Wins
10.11 to 14.11
From weight drops to strength leaps, the standards in and out of the Björnstrxng studio are rising fast as Toby Barnes and Sam Young start well in their Linx Transformation journeys, and Jeff Smith hits a big personal best on the bench.
Toby Barnes
Down 2.3 kilos in his first week of the Linx Transformation programme, Toby is training remotely and smashing his calorie and macronutrient targets through our bespoke fitness app, all while laying the groundwork for his marathon goal next year.
Sam Young
Sam joined us a year ago at 95 kilos and now sits at 79.6. Yet, she's stronger than ever, as proven by a 47.5 kilo bench press for five. Strength up, weight down, and momentum sky-high in the early stages of the Linx Transformation programme.
Jeff Smith
Jeff also smashed a five-rep bench personal best at 50 kilos. When he joined, he relied mostly on Ironman prep and long-distance cardio. Now, compound lifts, power endurance blocks, and functional bursts are driving his performance to a new level.
Congratulations Toby, Sam, and Jeff - three completely different journeys, all fuelled by trust in the process and refusing to settle. Here's to even bigger Wins ahead - let's keep pushing, keep progressing, and keep stacking these success stories together.
Wins
27.10 to 31.10
It's spooky season, but Björnstrxng graft beats any nightmare. With ghosts lurking and ghouls creeping, Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson, Ian Cowley, and Sarah Foley still managed to rise above the fright to claim this week's Wins.
Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson
Birthday cake clearly carries supernatural power as Johanna smashed a 42.5 kilo bench press for one repetition - a personal best on her 53rd. Ten months ago she battled just to lift the bar; now she's benching like she's possessed.
Ian Cowley
Ian claimed a 55 kilo bench press five-rep max, a 10 kilo improvement. With neck issues limiting dynamic work, we shifted to stationary patterns to stabilise his upper posterior chain - and the payoff showed in force output under load.
Sarah Foley
Sarah took on a new training tactic this week: no moaning. One of her strongest sessions yet with us, capped off with ten reps at 50 kilo on the deadlift. She used to struggle with the empty bar; now she's lifting like something has awakened.
Congrats Johanna, Ian, and Sarah - three performances that cut through the Halloween chaos like a knife through pumpkin. Progress doesn't come from perfect conditions, it comes from pushing when it would be easier to hide in the shadows.
Wins
20.10 to 24.10
These three Björnstrxng Members continue to raise the bar - literally. From massive breakthroughs to all-out determination in the Feats arena, James Ball, David Jordan, and Jez Grove reminded us what consistency looks like.
James Ball
James smashed through his limits with a new deadlift personal best of 150 kilos for five. His commitment to posterior chain development, spinal stability, and core bracing has paid off - a huge statement of strength and progression.
David Jordan
David turned up the intensity with one of his most energetic sessions to date. With Rob Conway, he claimed second place in Power Couple, combining plyometric power and strength endurance as we ramp up for his next transformation phase.
Jez Grove
Jez, 57 and showing no signs of slowing down, proved that smart training never ages. His focus on compound control and functional posterior work delivered a new 90 kilo barbell deadlift five-rep max. The 100 Club is calling before 2026.
Another week, another round of massive Wins for the Björnstrxng community. A big congratulations to James, David, and Jez. The momentum is building - and if this is what October looks like, just wait for what's coming next. Well in, gents!
Wins
13.10 to 17.10
This week's Wins are all about consistency and mindset. From seasoned lifters to new faces who chase making an impact, Tom Cowgill, Andrea Tibbitts, and Ben Crutchley continue to show what physical and mental strength truly looks like.
Tom Cowgill
The definition of dependable. Whether it's after a day on the golf course or at work, Tom turns up, gets the job done, and gives Coach Joe stick about doing Feats in the process. His 14th Feats win is proof that showing up beats excuses every time.
Andrea Tibbitts
At 63 and only two weeks into training, Andrea smashed two deadlift personal bests. Concluding the week with 65 kilos for five, she's officially caught the Björnstrxng bug from fellow Members Rob Conway and David Jordan.
Ben Crutchley
Ben's bench press records continue with a new five rep max of 117.5 kilos. Ben's story is one of strength and perseverance. An upcoming Vlxg episode covers his journey from having heart surgery to becoming Björnstrxng's 'Bench Boss'.
From turning up to personal bests, these Wins prove that no matter what your background or goals, progress at Björnstrxng is always within reach. A massive congratulations Tom, Andrea, and Ben, keep that momentum heading into winter!
Wins
06.10 to 09.10
Another week of effort, progress, and firsts at Björnstrxng - and this trio showed what consistency, smart training, and a strong mindset can achieve. Let's hear it for Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson, Connor Thacker, and Andrea Tibbitts.
Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson
Johanna hit a huge 90 kilo trap bar deadlift for five reps, powered by months of high-intensity strength blocks, targeted core work for stability, and progressive overload. Relentless, tactical, and technical - with unmatched form and focus.
Connor Thacker
After months of refined tempo work, controlled negatives, and upper-body activation drills, Connor smashed a lifetime milestone as he bench pressed 60 kilos for five - a 50% increase since summer, all while dropping over 10 kilos of body fat.
Andrea Tibbitts
Despite never lifting before, Andrea excelled in a functional session designed to enhance hip mobility and balance, featuring suitcase deadlifts, rotational core work, and controlled movement patterns. A brilliant start to her Björnstrxng journey.
Each of these Wins reflects what Björnstrxng is all about - consistent effort, technical precision, and belief in the process. Huge congratulations to Johanna, Connor, and Andrea; the standard heading into next week is sky-high.
Wins
29.09 to 03.10
Helen Campbell made her debut, Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson hit new heights, and Elise Wild got back to her best. This week proved that no matter where you're starting from, progress comes to those who show up and trust the process.
Helen Campbell
Making her Björnstrxng debut, Helen laid the groundwork for success with a functional session testing squat depth, time under tension, plyometric control, and compound strength - a rock solid foundation built for big progress over time.
Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson
Johanna hit a new personal best on the trap bar deadlift with 87.5 kilos for five - achieved through improved posterior chain recruitment, refined hip mechanics, and progressive overload. This marks a 17.5 kilo increase in just six months.
Elise Wild
Elise is back to her best - both in and out of the Björnstrxng Gym. Sticking firmly to her calorie targets set by Coach Joe, she dropped 3.3 kilos in just seven days, translating in higher energy levels, sharper focus, and a Feats victory to prove it.
From debuts to personal bests to disciplined comebacks, Helen, Johanna, and Elise are showing exactly what it means to stay consistent when it counts. Every session adds up, and every small win builds belief. Keep at it and well done, ladies!
Wins
22.09 to 26.09
From Ben Crutchley's relentless rise on the Bench Press, to Kerry Laurence-Cowley showing the power of progressive overload, to Pete Campbell closing in on a landmark Squat goal - it's been another big one at Björnstrxng.
Ben Crutchley
For the second week running, Ben earns his spot here thanks to relentless Bench Press progression. This time he smashed out 115 kilos for five for a new personal best, cementing himself as Björnstrxng's undisputed powerhouse under the bar.
Kerry Laurence-Cowley
By applying progressive overload week after week, Kerry has added 10 kilos to her Trap Bar Deadlift in just one month, continuing to inspire as she focusses on using strength training as a tool to support both body and mind through life's transitions.
Pete Campbell
Months of focussing on quadriceps hypertrophy and glute activation as paid off for Pete as he recorded a 95 kilo Smith Machine Squat for five. His progression is a textbook example of smart, structured training delivering big results.
Congratulations Ben, Kerry, and Pete for your hard-earned Wins. These results are proof of what happens when dedication meets smart programming, and there's no better time to keep pushing for those breakthroughs as we lock in for winter!
Wins
17.09 to 19.09
It's been a huge few days in the Björnstrxng Gym as Ian Cowley and Sophie Entwisle both achieve mighty personal records via the Trap Bar Deadlift, and Ben Crutchley achieves a lifetime best on the Bench Press for one repetition.
Ian Cowley
Ian made his mark with a 100 kilo Trap Bar Deadlift for five on his first ever attempt. Focussed on building rotational strength, posterior chain stability, and core endurance to excel in motorsport, Ian's training is off to the strongest of starts.
Sophie Entwisle
While Team Athena couldn't clinch Björnlympic glory, Sophie's individual strength story continues to shine, proving competition is just one part of the bigger journey. She Trap Bar Deadlifted 110 kilos for five in her weekly duo session.
Ben Crutchley
At 47, Ben hit a lifetime Bench Press personal best with a massive 140 kilo single. By developing pressing power through accessory lifts, Ben's now stronger than he was in his twenties - a proud milestone he couldn't wait to share with his family.
Congratulations Ian, Sophie, and Ben, and shoutouts to James Ball, Pete Campbell, Sarah Dauncey, Callum Griffiths, Jony Ellis, and Rob Conway for your personal bests in the half week just gone. Who knows, they may just feature in Vlxg 5!
Wins
01.09 to 05.09
With Björnlympics 4 right around the corner, the energy inside Björnstrxng is electric. Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson, Denyse Price, and Stu Dunn fed the storm that's about to erupt this Sunday with some standout performances.
Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson
Johanna has come a long way from struggling to press just the bar due to a frozen shoulder. Through focussed scapular stability, rotator cuff rehab, and progressive overload, she Bench Pressed 35 kilos for five this week, as seen in Vlxg 3.
Denyse Price
Denyse hit a 55 kilo Smith Machine Squat for five to notch yet another personal best. When she first joined us two years ago, hip mobility was the barrier. Now though, she's sinking into Squats deeper than a submarine, and loving every sesh.
Stu Dunn
Stu showed exactly what mental grit looks like, blowing past his target of 15 to smash out 36 bonus points for Team Athena in Björnlympic Ballot. A massive performance when it mattered most, and a great way to head into 7 September.
Congratulations Johanna, Denyse, and Stu for your timely Wins. As four armies of pink gather for Björnlympics 4, these achievements are the perfect reminder of what's possible when Members give it their all. Sunday is set to be unforgettable.
Wins
25.08 to 29.08
Another week, another set of personal records that prove a positive mindset always pays off. From huge strength achievements, to mental breakthroughs, Rob Conway, Vinita Parmar and Kerry Laurence-Cowley rose to the occasion.
Rob Conway
As seen in Vlxg 2, Rob left both himself and Coach Joe wide-eyed when he Bench Pressed 85 kilos for five. Just two days earlier he could only manage a single rep, a perfect reminder that training isn't linear - your performance can fluctuate.
Vinita Parmar
As captured in Vlxg 1, the Björnstrxng legend Deadlifted 92.5 kilos for five repetitions. Vinita sits firmly above the average strength standards for her age and weight class, showing that resilience and persistence beat excuses every time.
Kerry Laurence-Cowley
Kerry smashed through a mental barrier on the Trap Bar Deadlift, hitting 50 kilos for five. For women approaching 50, lifting is vital for bone density, metabolism, and long-term mobility. Kerry's making sure she stays strong for the future.
Whether it's chasing down numbers, breaking through mental blocks, or shocking yourself with what's possible - you're all part of a community that refuses to stand still. Congrats Rob, Vinita, and Kerry. Now, bring on Björnlympics 4!
Wins
18.08 to 21.08
Whether it's breaking past old barriers, hitting new personal bests, or dropping into long-awaited weight loss goals, Jony Ellis, Sam Young, and Jeff Smith have been putting in the graft and it's certainly showing in the results.
Jony Ellis
Jony hit a new Trap Bar Deadlift personal best of 112.5 kilos for five, finishing it off with a cool "easy!" He had more in the tank but kept things measured, protecting the back he's been rehabbing through weekly Recömp sessions with Coach Joe.
Sam Young
Sam dipped below the 13-stone mark for the first time in years. While we usually track in kilos, this was a huge personal landmark and a reminder that the scale can reflect real lifestyle change. Her progress and discipline have made it possible.
Jeff Smith
Jeff, brand new to lifting, stacked up two compound PBs in one session, including a 90 kilo Trap Bar Deadlift for five. He's building serious all-round strength as he gears up for upcoming Iron Man races and a potential Hyrox with partner, Holly.
Another successful week, another set of well-earned Wins to celebrate. Big congratulations to Jony, Sam, and Jeff - three different journeys, all fuelled by consistency, hard work, and the right coaching - even if we do say so ourselves!
Wins
11.08 to 15.08
Another week, another set of impressive personal bests on the board. Over the past five days, Denyse Price, Sam Young, and Pete Campbell have shown that consistency, smart programming, and a bit of grit pay off in spades.
Sam Young
Sam Pressed 45 kilos for five reps, adding 12.5 kilos to her Bench in six months. Alongside this strength gain, she's shed 10 kilos since joining us, showing that smart caloric management and structured training can deliver fat loss and performance.
Denyse Price
Through the help of mobility drills, joint stability work, and progressive loading, 66-year-old Denyse hit a Squat best of 50 kilos for five, a huge achievement considering she struggled to lift the bar when she started with us two years ago.
Pete Campbell
Pete hit a Squat personal best of 92.5 kilos for five, adding 17.5 kilos to this lift while dropping over 10 kilos of bodyweight in a year. Focussed lower-body hypertrophy and attention to joint mechanics have contributed to his gains.
Congrats to Sam, Denyse, and Pete for setting the bar higher for everyone in the Björnstrxng Gym. These Wins remind us that age, bodyweight changes, or past limitations don't define potential - commitment, trust, and work ethic do.
Wins
04.08 to 08.08
Big numbers, big improvements. This week, Simon Foley, Vinita Parmar, and Ben Crutchley took the headlines with performances that prove progress comes in all forms - whether it's rowing faster, lifting heavier, or doing both with style.
Simon Foley
Simon smashed through the 1,000m Row in 05:27, carving 54 seconds off his time in just three weeks. At 67, he shows no sign of slowing down - literally. Simon has also recently lost half a stone, so watch this space for more big performances.
Vinita Parmar
Vinita continues to defy the scales and the odds. Despite losing 10 kilos since joining us in 2023, she's still lifting like she's on a bulk. Her 90 kilo Barbell Deadlift for five reps is a 10 kilo jump in just a few weeks of dialled-in practise.
Ben Crutchley
Ben, our June 2025 Milestones champ, is still on a hot streak. This week he Bench Pressed 112.5 kilos for five strict repetitions, an increase of 12.5% since joining us. At this rate, we'll need to reinforce the bench before the year's out!
Congrats to Simon, Vinita, and Ben for showing what consistent effort delivers - whether it's slicing time off the rower, adding weight to the bar, or showing up week after week ready to improve. Keep writing your names in gold on that board!
Wins
28.07 to 01.08
It's a trio of standout performances on the compound lifts as Denyse Price showed age is just a number, Rob Conway finally cracked his long-time Bench Press barrier, and Faye Summers exceeded expectations in classic Faye fashion.
Denyse Price
At 66 years young, Denyse set the tone for the week by pulling a five rep max of 60 kilos during this week's Dead Weight Feat. Not only was it a brilliant personal best, but she also finished just two points shy of the top score. Experience and execution.
Rob Conway
Breaking through his Bench plateau has been months in the making, but Rob finally hit 82.5 kilos for five. He's over six kilos lighter than when he first hit 80 for five, and has added a whopping 32.5 kilos to his pressing strength since joining us in 2024.
Faye Summers
No stranger to exceeding expectations, Faye kicked off Dead Weight with a five rep max Barbell Deadlift of 70 kilos, smashing through her target by a full 10 kilos. A relentless work ethic and competitive streak that never takes a day off.
A huge congratulations to Denyse Price, Rob Conway, and Faye Summers for this week's headline lifts. The whiteboard has once again been lit up with gold, and we're expecting even more personal bests as August heats up. Who's next?
Wins
21.07 to 25.07
It's been a month since we last crowned our weekly Wins - but after the past seven days, you'd be forgiven for thinking we crammed all of July's PBs into one week as Alex Herrmann, Eliot Dunn, and Sophie Entwisle lock in big records.
Alex Herrmann
Despite juggling a hectic work schedule, Alex is showing up when he can and making every rep count. His 142.5 kilo Trap Bar Deadlift for five marks a 12.5 kilo jump this year alone. Strength gains like that don't happen by accident.
Eliot Dunn
Known for lightning pace and core capabilities, Eliot proved that strength training hasn't taken a back seat. He's now pushing out a Bench Press five rep max that's 36% up from when he joined us in 2023. Small frame, big engine, bigger numbers.
Sophie Entwisle
When Sophie started with us earlier this year, it was to enhance her upper body strength for ice climbing. Seven months later, her Bench Press five rep max of 42.5 kilos proves her upper body strength is climbing just as fast as she does.
The whiteboard was glowing in gold as Toby Barnes, Jez Grove, Ben Crutchley, James Ball, Sam Young, Callum Griffiths, Jony Ellis, and Connor Thacker all set personal bests, but congratulations to Alex, Eliot, and Sophie for leading the pack.
Wins
16.06 to 20.06
Strong minds breed strong lifts. Millie Ryde blew past Coach Joe's plans with no hesitation, Stu Dunn turned heads with his grit, and Ben Crutchley continued his reign as Björnstrxng's 'Bench Boss' with another double personal best showing.
Millie Ryde
Last week, Millie Bench Pressed 40 kilos for two. She took one look at Coach Joe's modest goal of three reps on her next attempt, and smashed out five instead, officially leapfrogging her target and fast-tracking her strength progression.
Stu Dunn
A staple of the Björnstrxng community, Stu has turned it up a notch in recent weeks as he placed in the top five in two out of three Feats for the first time ever. Consistency, courage, and encouragement from his son, Eliot, has gone a long way.
Ben Crutchley
The 'Bench Boss' has done it again with two personal bests of 110 kilos for five, and 132.5 kilos for one. Back in his twenties, he Benched 137.5 kilos, so you can guess where he's headed. Mid-forties and still putting up numbers like it's 1999.
Congratulations to all three Members for showing what happens when discipline meets momentum. Whether it's unexpected personal bests of long-awaited leaderboard moments, this week has been all about exceeding expectations.
Wins
10.06 to 13.06
This week's triumphs weren't measured by numbers alone - they were forged in commitment and mindset. Legend status Members Denyse Price, Jack Meakin, and Elise Wild each overcame hurdles and proved that the long game pays off.
Denyse Price
Marking papers all week, running on fumes, and still turned up. When everything screamed "go home", Denyse had one of her most impressive sessions to date - two years into her Björnstrxng journey - finishing Yank Bank and leaving with pride.
Jack Meakin
Eight weeks into Recömp 4 and Jack's momentum is unmistakable. With 3.3 kilos lost, more energy in the tank, and a body transformation well underway, he's proof that nutritional consistency, plus training intensity equals impressive results.
Elise Wild
Following foot surgery, Elise is back in the game, booted up but missing zero beats. Her resilience this year has been something else - and after naturally dropping close to 40 kilos in 2024, she's not letting a temporary setback dent her gains.
A huge shoutout to Denyse, Jack, and Elise for reminding us that winning isn't just about maxing out reps - it's about showing up, staying consistent, and playing the long game. All three are stronger, smarter, and reaping the benefits of consistency.
Wins
02.06 to 06.06
Pete Campbell cranked out a five-rep personal best on the Trap Bar Deadlift, Ben Crutchley continued his reign as the 'bench boss' with yet another individual record, and Hannah Herrmann marked her Björnstrxng debut with a big shift.
Pete Campbell
Pete's new personal best was a full-circle moment. Just over a year ago, he was Deadlifting 100 kilos for five. Now, 42.5 kilos stronger and nearly 10 kilos lighter in bodyweight, he's the product of dialled-in nutrition and training consistency.
Ben Crutchley
Ben's chest has entered the chat - again. With another Bench Press record set of 105 kilos for five, he's proving that rally prep isn't just about the wheels; it's about the engine, too. The perfect combination of strength and relentless work ethic.
Hannah Herrmann
Hannah kicked off her Recömp journey with a no-nonsense, 30-minute circuit session that she owned, hitting both session targets with fellow trainee - Marie Griffiths - and bringing the kind of effort that made Coach Joe nod in appreciation.
As we charge into the next week, the bar's been set. With more personal bests on the horizon, fresh faces stepping up, and Recömp: June 2025 well underway, the effort is only just getting started. Congratulations Pete, Ben, and Hannah!
Wins
26.05 to 30.05
Connor Thacker pulled 130 kilos for five on his first ever Deadlift, Ben Crutchley Bench Pressed the equivalent, and Holly Kelly hit a five-rep Trap Bar Deadlift personal best with her little lad watching - officially a certified good luck charm.
Connor Thacker
In his first crack at the Trap Bar Deadlift, Connor pulled 130 kilos for five like he'd been doing it for years. While his strength rises, his focus on summer weight loss hasn't wavered - he's lifting heavy, moving smart, and shedding fat with precision.
Ben Crutchley
Ben smashed out a 130 kilo single - a full 20 kilos over his session target. He also secured a five-rep personal best, pressing 102.5 kilos, all part of the prep for his 2026 motocross rally, where upper body strength is just as important as leg power.
Holly Kelly
With her son cheering her on from the sidelines, Holly hit 72.5 kilos on the Trap Bar Deadlift just days before her Deva T100 race. Proof that with the right training, you can crush strength and endurance goals in one swoop - and she's doing it in style.
Personal bests were broken, goals were smashed, and children may now be required as official gym mascots. With summer nearly in full swing, our Members are turning up the heat. Well done Connor, Ben, and Holly. Keep up the form!
Wins
19.05 to 23.05
Vinita Parmar is officially in holiday mode and she is over 10 kilos down in 2025, Sam Young is ahead of schedule with her eight-week weight loss goal crushed in five, and Faye Summers once again rewrites the Feats record books.
Vinita Parmar
Vinita is now just 0.6 kilos from her Recömp goal, thanks to consistent training twice a week and nailing her calorie target - even while navigating a hectic family schedule. Now on holiday, she's proving that discipline is the best travel companion.
Sam Young
Sam has lost 3.6 kilos in five weeks thanks to her improved accountability around training and nutrition. With her programme keeping her on track in the Björnstrxng app, she's not just smashing her goals on the scale - she's lifting her standards, too.
Faye Summers
Faye has practically made the Feats leaderboard her second home. She pulled off her third career hattrick of wins - an unmatched milestone that proves stamina, strength, and a lot of competitive drive are all very much in her toolkit.
Three earned dubs from three of our highflyers in the women's division. As bikini season approaches, the bar is officially raised. Expect a fired-up gym floor in the coming week, because nothing fuels motivation like seeing others win big.
Wins
28.04 to 16.05
Every week brings a fresh batch of Member wins that deserve a shoutout. From weight drops to muscle gains, Rob Conway, Connor Thacker, and Holly Kelly have turned Recömp 4 goals into results at the halfway mark of the contest.
Rob Conway
Rob has flipped the switch from bulk to shred in just two weeks, dropping a lean 3.1 kilos by locking in his calorie target like a man on a mission. His summer holiday's got him cutting, but he's still eyeing up the post-trip return to big lifts.
Connor Thacker
Connor has been living out of his work truck more than his kitchen lately, but that hasn't stopped him clocking his steps, hitting his macros, and sticking to the plan. Thanks to tracking and bulletproof willpower, he is 2.5 kilos down in four weeks.
Holly Kelly
Despite an upcoming race, Holly has gone full throttle on strength. With a Hyrox-based programme and a no-nonsense approach, Holly has stacked on 1.5 kilos of muscle in under a month, chasing speed and strength gains simultaneously.
Massive respect to all three Members for showing what happens when discipline meets direction. Whether cutting or gaining, the results speak for themselves - and the rest of the Björnstrxng community will be hungry to chase their own next Win.
Wins
22.04 to 25.04
James Ball nearly put a hole in the floor with his 170 kilo Deadlift five-rep max, Sam Young smashes her Recömp performance goal, and Dave Mellor finished the Paris Marathon in under four hours with thanks to his relentless training regime.
James Ball
In just over a year of training with us, James has piled a massive 70 kilos onto his Trap Bar Deadlift five rep max. Through consistent graft and commitment, his 170 kilo effort showcased how steady progress has turned into standout strength.
Sam Young
Sam smashed her Recömp goal nearly two months early as she Bench Pressed an impressive 45 kilos for five reps. Hard work, sharp focus, and a serious dose of determination made sure that she didn't just meet the standard - she rewrote it.
Dave Mellor
After months of individual training and endurance-oriented work at the Björnstrxng Gym, Dave powered through the 2025 Paris Marathon in under four hours, proving that not even dropping his energy gels early could slow him down.
Hard work, big lifts, lost snacks. From Sam smashing her Recömp goal ahead of schedule, to James hauling and extra 70 kilos off the floor, to Dave outpacing disaster, it's safe to say our Björnstrxng Members know how to get the job done.
Wins
07.04 to 11.04
From record-breaking achievements to personal bests fuelled by holiday carbs, the bars were loaded as long-term Björnstrxng Members Hannah White, Jack Meakin, and Vinita Parmar achieve three massive personal milestones.
Hannah White
Hannah Bench Pressed her way into the record books with a monstrous 60 kilos for five reps, crowning her the strongest female lifter in Björnstrxng history for this lift. Calm under pressure, powerful under the bar - a textbook display of strength.
Jack Meakin
Jack turned paella into power, harnessing the fruits - and fats - of his recent holiday to Spain to smash a 65 kilo Bench Press for five. With a summer cut on the horizon, this was his window to lift heavy, and he certainly made every calorie count.
Vinita Parmar
Hitting triple digits at the lightest bodyweight she's ever been with us, Vinita combined power and precision to become the strongest lifter in the female division on the Smith Machine Squat. She lifted 100 kilos for five deep and clean repetitions.
Records were smashed by three lifters who've each put in the work - Hannah leading the Bench pack, Jack turning holiday mode into beast mode, and Vinita proving strength doesn't come with size limits. A phenomenal week for all.
Wins
24.03 to 28.03
Ben Crutchley secures his place amongst the Björnstrxng Gym's elite, Pete Campbell proves that leg day pays off as he marks a 20% Squat strength boost in a year, and Team 2 claim Björnlympics bragging rights - at least until next time.
Ben Crutchley
On his first ever five-rep max attempt in the Björnstrxng Gym, the ex-Walsall rugby player set some solid foundations for his journey with us as he Bench Pressed 100 kilos for five. Only a select few have managed this feat on their first Bench Press.
Pete Campbell
With his session target set for an 85 kilo Smith Machine Squat for five repetitions, Pete surpassed expectations by lifting 90 kilos for five, marking an overall strength improvement of 20% in a year with us, whilst also being nearly ten kilos lighter.
Team 2
The team of Sam Baker-Smith, Jony Ellis, Elle Turner, Chelsea Baker, Marie Griffiths, and Ryan Baker won Björnlympics 3 - a fitness event that raised over £900 for Cancer Research UK in memory of Danny Baker and Annette Turner.
Beyond big lifts, the real victory in the week just gone was raising money for a fantastic cause. As has always been the case with our biannual fitness event, it was a huge effort from everyone - now, time to recover before Björnlympics 4!
Wins
17.03 to 21.03
Hannah White continues to master structure inside and outside of the Björnstrxng Gym, the Griffiths finish Recömp 7.8 kilos lighter, and Alex Herrmann shows that even a few days at the races can't gamble away his gains.
Hannah White
For the second week on the bounce, Hannah has exhibited the importance of structure, both inside and outside of the gym. In four weeks of Recömp 3, she has lost 4.8 kilos, placing her as a frontrunner for the in-house contest win.
Callum & Marie Griffiths
The Griffiths have also benefitted from the implementation of routine that Recömp offers around their busy jobs as teachers. The couple have lost an accumulative 7.8 kilos through steps targets, completing workouts, and adhering to nutrition goals.
Alex Herrmann
Despite a heavy few days of client entertainment at last week's races, Alex stayed firmly on track and did not let the occasion derail his health and fitness journey. His five-rep max of 62.5 kilos marks a strength increase of 25% since summer 2024.
From structured success to serious weight loss and unstoppable progress, the week just gone proved that discipline, Recömp, and resilience can outmatch any challenge - even Cheltenham week. Well in Hannah, Callum, Marie, and Alex.
Wins
10.03 to 14.03
Through form refinement and progressive overload, James Ball and Rob Conway hit big personal records on the Bench Press, and Hannah White proves that consistency drives results one week out from the finish line of Recömp 3.
James Ball
For weeks, James has demonstrated a dedication to structured improvement, meticulously mastering his technique, increasing his workload, and pushing past previous limitations, as made evident by a new personal record of 70 kilos for five.
Rob Conway
Like James, Rob has also shown a disciplined adherence to structured programming and attention to form. Through this - and his unrelenting work ethic - our recent Milestones winner has steadily increased his rep max, reaching 80 kilos for five.
Hannah White
Despite having two weeks away from the Björnstrxng Gym prior to her participation in Recömp 3, Hannah's recent weigh-in concluded in 3 kilos of weight loss in three weeks of online programming, calorie tracking, and frequent check-ins.
Well done to our three Wins pacesetters on this occasion, with nods going to Sam Young for hitting her Recömp 3 performance goal, Jack Meakin for his Bench Press record, and Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson for her 85 kilo Trap Bar Deadlift for five.
Wins
03.03 to 07.03
In three remarkable displays of strength progression, Pete Campbell, Vinita Parmar, and Jony Ellis have achieved new personal records through compound lifts, underscoring the power of tailored programming and consistent training.
Pete Campbell
Despite being almost ten kilos lighter since starting with Björnstrxng in the warmer months of 2024, Pete's Bench Press continues to progress as a 65 kilo effort for five repetitions marks a strength increase of 20 kilos on this lift, equating to 44.4%.
Vinita Parmar
With her third Wins recognition in four weeks, the April 2024 Milestones winner continues to make waves in the Björnstrxng Gym through her consistent strength progression and weight loss. Vinita Squat 85 kilos for five for a big personal record.
Jony Ellis
Perseverance has finally paid off as two weeks of unaccomplished session targets motivated a big benchmark on the Bench Press for Jony, who lifted 55 kilos for five repetitions, a strength increase of ten kilos since starting with us in summer 2024.
Pete, Vinita, and Jony will all hope to continue to develop on their strength gains as we approach summer 2025, with salutes also going to Faye Summers, Simon Foley, Rob Conway, and Luke Farrington for their new personal records in the week gone.
Wins
24.02 to 28.02
With encouragement proving its power, father-son duo Stu & Eliot Dunn set new personal records, husband-and-wife team Dave & Kate Pearce also max out, while Simon Foley illustrates that age is no barrier to improvement.
Stu & Eliot Dunn
The father-son duo was a winning combination as the Dunns set the tone for a week of personal records. Focus and encouragement helped Stu lift 137.5 kilos for five via the Trap Bar, and Eliot's effort equated to a 92.5 kilo personal best.
Dave & Kate Pearce
In spite of her history of lower back issues and a surgically repaired tibia, Kate Pearce's long-term rehabilitation continues to bear fruit as she Trap Bar Deadlifted 75 kilos, and her husband, Dave, Deadlifted 115 kilos in his first ever attempt.
Simon Foley
The 66-year-old Björnstrxng legend keeps making strides in his health journey as a Bench Press record of 47.5 kilos marks a ten kilo improvement on this lift since starting with us in late 2023, showing that growth and progress have no age limit.
A big week for our duos and Simon, with mentions going to Aaron Stevens for his record of 65 kilos for five on the Bench Press, Vinita Parmar for her 80 kilo Smith Squat, and Hannah White for her 1.7 kilo weight loss in week one of Recömp 3.
Wins
17.02 to 21.02
2024 highflyer Rob Conway, Björnstrxng newbie Luke Farrington, and April 2024 Milestones winner Vinita Parmar make big breakthroughs at the perfect time as they mentally and physically prepare for the much anticipated Recömp 3.
Rob Conway
It's two Wins in two weeks for the 2024 highflyer as he far surpassed Coach Joe's expectations in the final session of the week. With an initial target of 87.5 kilos, Rob hit 100 kilos for five reps on the Barbell Squat, improving by 43% in less than a year.
Luke Farrington
Despite being out of the lifting game for a few years, Luke's Friday session was swamped with monstrous compound lifts as he set the foundations for a successful Recömp. Amongst other efforts, he hit 130 kilos for five on the Trap Bar Deadlift.
Vinita Parmar
Like Rob, Vinita makes it two Wins on the bounce as her 68.7 kilo weigh-in marks a milestone moment for her in the Björnstrxng Gym. This is the lightest she has been on her fitness journey with us, and she intends to push it even further in Recömp.
Godspeed for Recömp 3 Rob, Luke, and Vinita, and best of luck also to our other contestants Hannah White, Sam Young, Aaron Stevens, the Griffiths, Alex Herrmann, Stu Dunn, Jack Meakin, Holly Kelly, Kate Pearce, and Toby Barnes.
Wins
10.02 to 12.02
Ahead of Recömp 3's start on February 24, Rob Conway, Vinita Parmar, and Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson are way ahead of their personal performance goals as they achieve push, pull, and legs personal bests in respective compound lifts.
Rob Conway
Rob's lean bulk has translated to enhanced compound strength. After securing a 75 kilo Bench Press five rep max last week, the January 2024 Milestones winner intends to utilise Recömp 3 as a final push of strength ahead of a big summer cut.
Vinita Parmar
Vinita's 75 kilo Smith Squat for five marks a monstrous improvement of 87.5% on this lift since starting with us in summer 2023. Only Hannah White and Paula Olsson - both 85 kilos - boast heavier Smith Squats for five in the female division.
Johanna Ahrberg-Jackson
As one of our newer Members, Johanna's January and February has been packed with personal bests. In just over a month of training with Björnstrxng, she has improved her Trap Bar Deadlift by 10 kilos, lifting 80 kilos for five repetitions.
With the personal records stacking up, Rob, Vinita, and Johanna have set the tone for an exciting lead-up to summer 2025 as they push toward their body recomposition goals - promising even bigger milestones in the months ahead.
Wins
03.02 to 07.02
Denyse Price edges closer to the hundred club on the Trap Bar Deadlift, Eliot Dunn's new personal record marks a strength improvement of nearly 40%, and James Ball's back-to-back bests earn him his first Wins shoutout of the year.
Denyse Price
Despite big weight loss transformations often translating to a loss of strength, 66-year-old Denyse achieved a new personal record by way of the Trap Bar Deadlift, lifting 90 kilos for five in spite of dropping 3.4 kilos in four weeks during Recömp 2.
Eliot Dunn
Twinning with Denyse's 90 kilo Trap Bar Deadlift for five repetitions, Eliot's 90 kilo effort for five marks an overall strength improvement of 38.5% since starting with Björnstrxng in mid-2023, proving the power of perseverance and persistence.
James Ball
Fresh off the back of his monstrous and record-setting 160 kilo Trap Bar Deadlift for five repetitions in last week's Compound Curveball Feat, James's 67.5 kilo effort for five on the Bench Press banks back-to-back compound lift personal bests.
Special mentions also go to Callum & Marie Griffiths for hitting their Recömp 2 performance goals, Aaron Stevens for his 140 kilo Trap Bar Deadlift for five, and Rob Conway for finally breaking past the 70 kilo barrier on the Bench Press.