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alwaysforwardbrand

@alwaysforwardbrand

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Activewear that Makes a Stand for Mental Health 🐺
Athleticism and Adventure through Adversity 🌊
Become Part of the Movement 🏔️
UK Based 🇬🇧

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

If there is one reason I am not ready for the London Marathon, it’s this exact weather.

I hate running in this shit. 😂🌧️

Waterlogged socks, zero visibility, and questioning every life choice as the kilometers tick over. But London isn’t going to run itself, and April doesn’t care if it’s torrential outside. Miles don't bank themselves from the sofa, so we get it done regardless.

Shoes are soaked, spirits are… surviving, but the training stays on track. 🧱

Who else got bullied outside by their training plan today? 👇

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#LondonMarathon #MarathonTraining #UKRunners #RunningInTheRain #HybridAthlete

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Quality start to the week…

Push right out the gate, rep progressions across the board, increase in weight on my flat press and everything feeling very responsive.

Feeling very much in the flow of these morning sessions to start the week. Really sets you up for a productive day.

Dips still proving a little difficult to progress. But staying in nonetheless at the moment. Hit my chest Mondays and Fridays. Same with my delts and triceps.

Current split layout is:
- Push
- Legs 1
- Pull
- Rest
- Upper
- Legs 2
- Rest

Working a treat at the moment and is allowing me to spread volume evenly across the week.

Ensuring I’m getting the posing rounds in everyday. Not solely mens physique. Practice makes perfect and all that jazz. Putting the time and effort in now so it makes things as smooth as possible next year.

Legs 1 today also went down very well! Time to eat, recover hard and repeat! 🔁

Have a great Tuesday all 👋

#bodybuilding #push #trainingsplit #progress #posing

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The weekly Debrief

📸1-9 - Saturday club, some time spent out in Brecon Saturday, now and then youll get a trip out there which feels like a full factory reset, this was one of them…trip to look for the best spot for a post cold dip coffee…couldnt have found a better one

📸 10-11 - Closed out this week with the Sunday S&C session with the sprint canoe athlete, exciting few months as we are in the winter block now so shifting focus to getting very..very strong

📸 12- been out of the routine with training this week, when I say out of the routine just dotting around gyms like some nomad as theres been an issue accessing the one I have been using, but still ticked off sessions I needed to when it would have been easier to write the week off, just limited footage due to it. Week 5 of our Virtus 10 week performance challenge coming to a close ☑️

📸 13-14- solid week of work, one of our athletes completing his first marathon, meetings to roadmap the winter block with welsh canoe, some great updates from some of our response athletes this week, messages I love to receive of people trusting the process and reaping the rewards of it out on shift

📸 15-20 collection from the camera roll, evening saunters, good food, good company and not a great night of boxing for Wardley

Time to rest, recharge and go again

Happy Sunday team

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆, 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 ⚔️
—————————————————————————————
#responseathlete #theresponseathleteprogram

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My penultimate competition of 2026, the BNBF British Finals, absolutely deserved a place on the grid. A result I worked hard for. 🥉

Scroll across the carousel for a wicked collection of stage shots by @karlmorris_photography and a few post show ones too 📸

But Dua Lipa got it wrong! Training season is never over, but this prep very nearly is. 😂

There’s one more stage to step onto, and it happens to be the world finals. 😳🌍

Of course I’m looking forward to being fuelled by a little more food again…however, I’m not wishing these last weeks (days!) away. I’ve put too much into getting here to spend the rest of it waiting for it to be over.

While @coach_dsl and I were happy with the look I brought to the stage, we know there’s still work to do. This means over the next 16 days there is cardio to be done, meals to prep, a routine to refine, a suitcase to pack and more memories to make.

The countdown is on. I am not done yet. 💪🏻

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From a guy who hated running... to London Marathon 2027... This is just the beginning! 🏃🏻‍♂️💨

There are less than 3 months left in this year... time to quite those bad habits!

Never Give Up!!

@londonmarathon
@londonlandmarkshalf
@newbalancerunning
@pumarunning
@puresport
@reealnutrition

#LondonMarathon #LondonLandmarksHalfMarathon #Runner #MarathonTraining #RunningCommunity

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As I’m sure many of you know, things haven’t been easy lately. The last two weeks have been very difficult for my family and me since we lost Lauren so suddenly.

Everybody grieves in different ways, and everyone has their own way of coping. I’ve learnt from past experiences, ones that led me down a pretty dark path, that during challenging times, times of weakness, and times of hurt, I really struggle when I’m on my own. That vulnerable video I posted? That’s exactly how I get when I’m left alone with my thoughts and emotions. I don't like that feeling, it reminded me of just how low I felt in the past.

That is exactly why I surround myself with people I care about, that care about me, people who lift me up, listen, and don't judge. I keep myself busy, whether that’s training in the gym or being at home with my family.

One of the hardest things I’ve found with mental health is the isolation, feeling like you have no one, or feeling too scared to ask a friend for help. Knowing that feeling, and knowing just how lonely it is, is the reason I set up the "A Friend in Need" initiative. No one deserves to feel alone.

If you’re in need of a friend, just drop me a message saying "I need a friend", and we’ll arrange a time for you to come down and join me.

I’m also backing @alwaysforwardbrand and the Blue Heart Campaign. If you don’t have the strength to reach out or find the words to say you need a friend, just send me a "💙" and I will reach out to you.

Don't fight your battles in silence or alone. I’m here when you need a friend.

#MentalHealth #Grief #MentalHealthAwareness #Southend #LeighOnSea

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Legs/Pull ☑️

Another that felt pretty damn perfect! Getting used to these times now!

The format has been up at 4 for this session, which gives me enough time to get a serving of carbs in, hydrate and travel to the gym. Also ensuring I position a good sized meal as my last meal the night before.

No strength drop offs. Everything moving in the right direction. Cannot complain!

Upper on Thursday this week then legs at ultraflex Rotherham on Friday before the NBW! Going to be a wicked weekend! 🔥

Feeling very much in the flow of things at the moment. Work, training, content and learning. Everything is moving forward so, we acknowledge and continue. Let’s keep pushing and progressing. Ride the waves.

Took 140 for a spin on rows - pretty happy with these. Always been a fan of a bent over row. 120 for the back off for 15.

Seal/prone row - AKA the table 😉 - 90 for a better set this week and 1 rep up so that’s a big win!

We go again…

#lifting #training #bodybuilding #pushformore #progression

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Sometimes the weight on the bar is the easiest thing I’m carrying. 🖤

I’ve always loved training. Pushing myself, getting stronger, chasing goals.

But as I’ve got older, I’ve realised that what training does for my mind is just as important as what it does for my body.

Life gets heavy sometimes.

The pressures of work, being a husband, being a dad, trying to be the best version of myself for everyone around me and somewhere in amongst all that, trying to find time for myself.

Some days I feel strong, other days, not so much.

But when I train, for a little while, everything else goes quiet.

It’s not about escaping my responsibilities or pretending everything is okay. It’s about giving myself the space to breathe, reset and work through whatever I’m carrying.

I’m learning that strength isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about accepting that sometimes you won’t.

And that doesn’t make you weak.

That’s why the message behind @alwaysforwardbrand means so much to me.

Because moving forwards doesn’t always mean lifting heavier, achieving more or pushing harder.

Sometimes it simply means showing up, looking after yourself and recognising that you’re doing your best.

The weight doesn’t always get lighter. But we can learn how to carry it.

Rob.

🏋️‍♂️🖤

#alwaysforwards #mentalhealthmatters #strengthtraining #morethanmuscle #strengthbeyondthebarbell

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It’s OK not to feel OK…

This World Mental Health Day, I wanted to share a little reminder, one that I’ve needed to hear myself this year.

If I’m honest, I haven’t been ok at points this year. I’ve allowed stress to take over, noticed my health suffer and found myself feeling confused, overwhelmed and very low at times.

And despite recognising that things haven’t been quite right, I’ve been reluctant to take action. To slow down. To make changes. To admit that perhaps I can’t keep pushing through everything and expect things to improve.

Because sometimes, it’s easier to keep going than it is to stop and acknowledge that something needs to change. But I’m learning that admitting you’re not ok isn’t a weakness. It’s a starting point.

We need to get better at talking. Having conversations, whether they’re difficult or light-hearted. Sharing the good days alongside the bad ones. Being honest about how we’re feeling, rather than giving the automatic “I’m fine” because it’s easier than explaining what’s really going on.

We also need to remember that we’re not machines.

We can’t expect ourselves to keep pushing, keep giving and keep showing up for everyone else without listening to our own minds and bodies.

You don’t have to wait until you’re at breaking point to ask for help. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is acknowledge that something isn’t right and let someone in.

That’s a big part of why I started The Spotter and the reason I’m an ambassador for @alwaysforwardbrand. I want to create conversations that help people feel heard, encourage us to check in on one another and remind people that they don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.

But that starts with us, too.

So check in on your mates. Ask the difficult question. Listen without feeling the need to fix everything. And if you’re struggling yourself, please don’t feel that you have to carry it alone.

Let someone spot you, too.

We’re all human. We’re all navigating life for the first time. And none of us should feel ashamed for finding it difficult sometimes.

Nobody should lift life alone.

#worldmentalhealthday2026 #thespotter #mentalhealthawareness #talkinghelps #alwaysforward

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POV: You and your fiancé decide to leave the house after being stuck with each other for 4 days in the house unwell… only to sit in silence somewhere else.
We’ve resorted to watching trees 🌳

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What I’ve loved about this year so far…

The experiences I’ve been blessed to go through.

Not all fantastic. Sure some have made me think twice. Questioned a few aspects in life. Even pushed me to take some action.

But my love for the outdoors, nature, walking, and exploring has just deepened.

I feel truly grateful for the places I have been to this year. This is just a snippet of some of the spots.

I said at the start of the year I wanted you explore 3 new places. That’s well and truly been ticked off.

Adding hikes into the mix this year has been brilliant. Bodybuilding is phenomenal, it’s my staple, but it doesn’t define me. What defines me is who I choose to be.

You don’t need to box yourself in. Go and experience what life has to offer. Trying new sports, visiting new places, changing your career. Whatever it is, life has so much to offer.

I used to let my bodybuilding lifestyle define me. Whilst the discipline and routine side of things carries strong, it’s not the only thing I love.

This page is all about showcasing my love for being active, healthy, logging my lifting journey, competing all whilst being open about my mental health and encouraging others to be open too.

JakeJamesFitness stands for fitness in ALL aspects. The mind, the heart, the body and the soul.

Yep. That’s cringey as fuck. But I mean it 🤷🏼‍♂️

Anyways - this year has been amazing for so many reasons so far. I’m learning so much about myself and I hope to continue…

#thejourneycontinues #morelife #healthy #mindset #lookingforward

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