European Masters champion weightlifter Zoe Chandler hadn’t set foot in a gym until she was 40 - but that moment was transformational.
“I fell into the gym by accident and found that it was an absolute lifesaver,” she said. “I suffered with my mental health, and I have five children - two with special educational needs - which can be challenging. I found going to the gym and being in an environment where everyone supports each other to be amazing.”
After feeling the improvements that Olympic weightlifting made to her physical and mental health, Zoe wanted others to feel the same benefits. “I just wanted to replicate it for everybody,” she said. When she started running her own classes, she found that her clients enjoyed staying for coffee and a chat after the class just as much as the class itself. And so, the idea for Weights and Cakes Weightlifting Academy was born.
Understanding that people get so much more out of sports than the physical benefits, Zoe set up a club that helps people get into weightlifting, but also provides a sense of community and inclusion for children and young people in Southwick.
Weights and Cakes opened in 2020 to work with adults and young people from all backgrounds, including those with special educational needs. It has members aged from 8-18 and welcomes everyone but aims to deliver workshops and courses to marginalised groups.
Zoe explained: “We have a high number of people coming to our gym who have children with special education needs and I think it’s because we have that shared experience and we understand how hard it is; they know they can come to the gym and also find a support network and signposting to other services.”
The weightlifting academy also aims to address some of the challenges faced by children and young people. Zoe explained: “Some children had been negatively affected by the reduction of out-of-school activities due to costs and the Covid pandemic, leaving many feeling directionless and lost. We have seen children who are dealing with poverty, bullying and mental health problems.
“But when we ran a pilot programme, we saw reduced engagement in anti-social behaviour, improved physical and mental health, and increased engagement in school and teamwork.”
The academy now offers four sessions per week to young people, where they can develop their weightlifting skills, learn how to coach, work as a team, and grow their community. “Together with local schools and community projects we offer fitness workshops, skill building, and weightlifting courses to encourage young people to improve their fitness, social skills, school attendance and communication,” Zoe said. “During the school holidays we also run programmes where young people can come in to take part in weightlifting, yoga, and sports classes. They can join us for days out and have a hot meal.”
Weights and Cakes has grown to a thriving club of over 30 young athletes and 40 adults. The club is now adding more session to the timetable to cater for the increasing demand for smaller SEN classes.