The Jim's Gym Podcast - Inspiring Movement cover art

The Jim's Gym Podcast - Inspiring Movement

The Jim's Gym Podcast - Inspiring Movement

By: James Hilton
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Introducing a podcast dedicated to inspiring older adults to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. Join us as we speak with incredible people who share their stories and expertise, providing valuable insights and advice that will encourage listeners to view being active through a different lens and take action towards a happier and healthier life. Reaping all the benefits of being fitter.

© 2026 The Jim's Gym Podcast - Inspiring Movement Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • S3E2 – Vernon Lidstone – 82 Years Old, Powerlifting 200kg & Proof It's Never Too Late

    S3E2 – Vernon Lidstone – 82 Years Old, Powerlifting 200kg & Proof It's Never Too Late
    May 21 2026
    What happens when an 82-year-old retired prison chaplain decides to start strength training for the very first time?In this inspiring episode of Inspiring Movement, Jim sits down with Vernon Lidstone, who began his fitness journey at the age of 70 and is now competing in powerlifting competitions in his 80s.Recently, Vernon completed “The Chaplain’s Challenge”, lifting a combined total of 200kg at Crazy Strength Gym near Salisbury to help raise £40,000 for essential heating repairs at St Peter’s Church, Framilode. The church’s boiler had failed beyond repair, and the fundraising campaign aims to replace it with a cleaner, more energy-efficient air-source heat pump system.Even more remarkably, Vernon has since been informed by the South West Powerlifting Association that his performance set nine regional records across the Masters 3 and Masters 4 categories.But this conversation is about far more than weights.It’s about confidence, community, ageing well, resilience after grief, and why becoming stronger later in life can completely transform how you move through the world.Vernon shares how he went from community fitness classes in his church hall to stepping into a powerlifting gym surrounded by athletes decades younger than him. Along the way, he discovered not only physical strength, but a new sense of purpose and possibility.If you’ve ever thought “I’m too old to start”, this episode may change your mind.👉 Support Vernon’s fundraising challenge:St Peter’s Church JustGiving Page👉 Join Jim’s Gym:Jim’s GymIn this episode:How Vernon became a prison chaplain after the loss of his first wifeWhy he first became interested in strength training in his late 70sThe difference between being “fit” and being “strong” as we ageHow community exercise classes in a church led him into powerliftingWhat it feels like walking into a powerlifting gym at 82 years oldThe three lifts used in powerlifting competitions: squat, bench press and deadliftWhy fall prevention and strength matter so much for older adultsThe surprising confidence that comes from learning how to fall safelyHow Vernon raised money for St Peter’s Church through “The Chaplain’s Challenge”The story behind his 200kg fundraising lift at Crazy Strength GymSetting nine South West Powerlifting Association records in his 80sWhy strength training has changed the way he approaches everyday lifeThe social side of fitness, and why community matters just as much as exerciseVernon’s advice to anyone over 55 who feels it’s “too late” to startAbout Vernon LidstoneVernon Lidstone is an 82-year-old retired prison chaplain from Gloucestershire who began strength training at the age of 70. What started as community fitness classes in his local church eventually led him into competitive powerlifting.In 2026, Vernon completed “The Chaplain’s Challenge”, lifting a combined total of 200kg to help raise funds for essential repairs and heating upgrades at St Peter’s Church, Framilode.Following the competition, Vernon was informed that his lifts had set nine South West Powerlifting Association records across the Masters 3 and Masters 4 divisions.His story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to become stronger.About The Chaplain’s Challenge – 200 for 200“The Chaplain’s Challenge – 200 for 200” was created to help raise £40,000 for St Peter’s Church, Framilode after the church’s oil-fired boiler failed beyond repair.The fundraising campaign aims to replace the heating system with a cleaner, more environmentally friendly air-source heat pump system to keep the church warm and sustainable for the future.Vernon invited 200 people or groups to donate £200 each, symbolising £1 for every kilogram lifted during his 200kg challenge.Supporters could also choose:Silver Donation: £100 (50p per kg lifted)Bronze Donation: £50 (25p per kg lifted)👉 Donate here:St Peter’s Church JustGiving PageUK taxpayers can also use Gift Aid to increase their donation by 25% at no extra cost.About Jim’s GymJim’s Gym is an online fitness and wellbeing membership for adults aged 55 and over. With 15+ live classes every week via Zoom, 800+ on-demand workout videos, and a warm, welcoming community, it’s everything a gym should be without any of the things that put people off.Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Strength, Balance, Dance Fitness and more, all led by specialist instructors and accessible from home.Monthly membership from just £12.99. No contracts. Cancel anytime.👉 Join Jim’s Gym: www.jimsgym.fitness👉 Join the free Facebook community: Friends of Jim’s Gym🎧 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Inspiring Movement is produced by Jim’s Gym and hosted by James Hilton.
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    33 mins
  • S3E1 – Dietitian Ian Thomas - Eating Well After 60: Protein, Carbs and Practical Advice

    S3E1 – Dietitian Ian Thomas - Eating Well After 60: Protein, Carbs and Practical Advice
    May 8 2026

    What should you actually be eating as you get older? Not the latest trend. Not the stuff your friend read about online. The real, evidence-based answer from someone who genuinely knows.

    In this first episode of the new series of Inspiring Movement, Jim sits down with Ian Thomas, Jim's Gym's Resident Registered Dietitian, who leads the monthly Healthy Habits Club nutrition sessions for members. Ian's the kind of expert who tells you the truth even when it's less exciting than the headlines, and in this conversation, he delivers a masterclass in practical nutrition for older adults.

    They cover everything from why protein matters more as we age, to the truth about carbs and fats, to whether you really need that expensive superfood. If you've ever felt confused by conflicting nutrition advice, this episode cuts through the noise.

    👉 Become a Jim's Gym member and join Ian's monthly Healthy Habits Club sessions: www.jimsgym.fitness

    In this episode:

    • How Ian became a Registered Dietitian and what makes a dietitian different from a nutritionist
    • Why protein requirements increase as we get older, and what "anabolic resistance" means in plain English
    • How much protein you need per day, and the best sources, whether you eat meat or not
    • The truth about carbohydrates: Are they really the enemy?
    • Saturated vs unsaturated fat, and why it matters for how your cells function
    • Omega-3: why it's important, how much you need, and the best food sources
    • The set point theory of weight, and why losing weight gets harder over time
    • Why crash diets don't work long term, and what to focus on instead
    • The five foods Ian recommends eating every day
    • Ian's current favourite nutrition habit (hint: it involves cacao)

    About Ian Thomas
    Ian is a Registered Dietitian and a member of the Health and Care Professions Council. He studied at the University of Surrey and has a background in both clinical and community nutrition. Ian is Jim's Gym's Resident Dietitian, leading the monthly Healthy Habits Club nutrition sessions for members.

    About Jim's Gym
    Jim's Gym is an online fitness and wellbeing membership for adults aged 55 and over. With 15+ live classes every week via Zoom, 800+ on-demand workout videos, and a warm, welcoming community, it's everything a gym should be without any of the things that put people off. Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Tai Chi, Strength, Balance and more, all led by specialist instructors, all from home.

    Monthly membership from just £12.99. No joining fees. No contracts. Cancel anytime. 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

    👉 Join Jim's Gym: www.jimsgym.fitness
    👉 Join the free Facebook community: Friends of Jim's Gym

    🎧 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    Jim's Gym Podcast: Inspiring Movement is produced by Jim's Gym and hosted by James Hilton.
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • S2E5 – Julie Kent MBE, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire – Grief, Giving Back & Local Impact

    S2E5 – Julie Kent MBE, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire – Grief, Giving Back & Local Impact
    Jul 17 2025

    What does it mean to turn personal loss into lasting impact? In this episode of Inspiring Movement, Jim sits down with Julie Kent MBE, the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, to talk about grief, purpose, and the power of giving back.

    Julie shares her journey — from music and education to launching Emily’s Gift and raising £500,000 for children’s mental health. They also chat about the High Sheriff role, local leadership, and why small, heartfelt actions can go a long way.

    👉 Learn more or support the High Sheriff’s Fund:
    https://gloucestershirecf.org.uk/high-sheriff-of-gloucestershire-appeal/

    In this episode:

    • What the High Sheriff actually does
    • How Julie turned loss into legacy
    • Fundraising, public service, and building local support
    • Why movement and connection matter at every stage of life

    🎧 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
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