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Jamie Thomas

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September 24, 2025

Beyond Walls: One Year Strong

On 13th September 2024, we opened our doors for the very first time. One year later, it’s time to reflect on what we’ve built, celebrate the progress our members have made, and look ahead to year two.

Building More Than a Gym

From day one, our mission has been clear; “To measurably improve the wellbeing of our community.” We didn’t want to just be another gym — we wanted to create a place where fitness is accessible, scalable, and fun.

Over the past twelve months, we’ve seen new faces walk in feeling nervous or out of practice — and leave stronger, fitter, and more confident. We’ve witnessed friendships form, barriers broken down, and incredible milestones achieved both inside and outside the gym.

As one member said:

“BW has given me so much more than exercise. It’s taught me to be more positive, encouraging, and aware of the people around me… I feel safe to be me & my confidence is higher than it has been in years.”

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Thanks to our InBody scanner, we can track more than workouts — we can measure the progress our community is making. Over the past year, 112 members completed at least two scans, and the results are striking:

  • 155.7kg total weight lost
  • 63.5kg total muscle gained
  • 249.1kg total body fat lost
  • +348 total InBody score points gained

That’s almost 250kg of body fat gone and more than 60kg of muscle built — proof that consistency and community deliver results.

Average Results Per Person:

  • Weight: ↓ 1kg
  • Muscle: ↑ 0.6kg
  • Body Fat: ↓ 1.8kg
  • Body Fat %: ↓ 1.9%
  • InBody Score: ↑ +2.8

Or, as one member put it:

“Yep, I’ve lost weight and gained muscle, but the real achievement has been showing up again and again, even on the hard days. That commitment wouldn’t have been possible without the community I’ve found at Beyond Walls.”

Highlights From Year One

It’s been an unforgettable first year. Some of the moments that stand out include:

  • Our First Class (15th September 2024): the beginning of something bigger than we could have imagined.
  • The Winter Throwdown: our first in-house competition — loud, sweaty, and full of community spirit.
  • Fresh Start 60: taking fitness outdoors and helping people restart their journey.
  • Teens Take-Over: empowering the next generation to train, learn, and grow.
  • Charity Support: raising money for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service and using fitness as a force for good.
  • Everyday Wins: first pull-ups, first rope climbs, 100 check-ins, and countless smiles mid-WOD.

And behind those moments, the personal journeys that make them powerful:

“I never thought I’d train in a sports bra or comfortably train in shorts — being in a community that is all shapes and sizes and just here for what the body can do has helped me massively.”

“It would have been so easy to make excuses… but I’ve kept showing up, even with a full-time job and three teenagers.”

“Completing the Hyrox sim — a year ago I couldn’t even run 200m.”

“Thanks to the summer programme I went into surgery the fittest I’ve ever been — and recovered quickly.”

“Seeing people of every age, shape and size has helped me feel comfortable in my own skin.”

“Exercising as a couple has added so much fun to our marriage.”

“I did my first pull-up, hit new PBs, and now my son tells me my arms are looking toned — and not in a bingo-wing way!”

The Coaches Behind the Progress

If the numbers tell one side of the story, our coaches tell the other. They’re the reason members feel supported, encouraged, and pushed just enough. The survey made that clear:

“The best thing about the coaches is that they’re all great. I never look at the schedule and think ‘oh, x is taking the class, I might not do that one.’ I know that no matter who is taking the class, I’ll enjoy it and feel safe.”

“The patience, kindness and encouragement you all show is second to none. While there has been lots of laughter and highs, there have also been tears — and the coaches have been so understanding, caring and supportive.”

Every class is coached with the same attention to detail. I’ve never felt so supported and accountable before.”

“Starting a business and building a community from the ground up is one of the hardest things you can do. But the way Jamie and Julie have done it is extraordinary — they, along with Barry, Meg & Jono, have not only built a beautiful space but have protected the culture within it.”

“From Meg enabling me to deadlift with zero back pain, to Barry helping me find joy in running again, to Kerstin’s unbelievable strength, to Julie’s habits workshop that’s changed how I approach life, and to Jono’s energy at 6AM — every coach has left a mark.”

“All the coaches are awesome without exception. In previous gyms I always had a favourite, but here I’m happy when I see any of your names.”

“Just amazing — no matter what the day has been like before I walk into Beyond Walls, the minute I enter the gym and see the coaches, life starts to rebalance again. I feel like the strongest, fittest and happiest version of me when I’m here.”

Together, our coaches bring energy, sizzle, humour, and expertise to every class — but more importantly, they create a space where people feel safe, welcomed, and capable of more than they ever imagined.

Looking Ahead

We have so much to be excited about in the year ahead. Summer has been a fantastic season for Beyond Walls, but there’s plenty more to come this autumn and beyond. From competitions and community events in the run-up to Christmas, to the return of the much-loved 12 Days of Fitmas, there’s no shortage of things to look forward to.

Our goal remains the same: to measurably improve the health and wellbeing of our community. We’ll achieve this not just by growing in membership, but by expanding the services we offer and the support we provide — ensuring that every member, no matter their starting point, has the tools they need to succeed.

Thank You

Beyond Walls isn’t just walls, weights, or workouts. It’s the people. Every single member who has trained, cheered someone else on, recommended us to a friend, or simply turned up on the days they didn’t feel like it — you are Beyond Walls.

In your own words:

”I am proud of being able to show up for myself even when everything around feels dark. Beyond Walls is a place full of light for me.”

“Exercise no longer feels like a chore — I absolutely love it now.”

“Walking into a CrossFit gym and actually loving it — and staying!”

“I’ve gained friends, strength, confidence and consistency. BW has truly changed my life for the better.”

Here’s to year one. Here’s to the progress we’ve already made. And here’s to everything still to come.

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