Bodybuilders scoop top awards

Kaleem Pasha, a manager at the Warehouse gym in Hindley, came in second place in the North West heat of the UK Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (UKBFF) championships in Warrington last week.

It was the first time the 23-year-old, who entered the category focusing on physique, has entered such a contest and he says he was staggered to have achieved so much.

He will now join first placed Simon Wynne and third placed Louis Cannell in the national finals later this year.

He said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to have done so well, I really didn’t expect it. I’ve been training for some time now but this was the first time I’ve entered a competition like this so I’m made up to have done as well as I have.

“There were 16 other lads in the category too and looking around I was thinking how tough the competition was so it’s a big achievement.

“The gym opened in January last year and it’s going from strength to strength. It’s an absolute pleasure to work here to be honest because everyone is so helpful and friendly.

“Everybody pushes each other to achieve their goals, all the member work so hard too and are very committed to what they do.

“Another good thing about doing well in this competition is that a few people have now seen I can do it and have become interested in doing it themselves.”

It’s been a hard slog for Kaleem,from Hindley, who has had to give up going out for food and drinks with friends so he can concentrate on his nutrition and training.

But, as the result was called out at Parr Hall last week, he knew it was all worthwhile.

“It takes a lot of commitment,” he said.

“When my mates were going out for food and stuff I had to say no so it did take some willpower but it’s all been worth it in the end.

“My category focuses on the athletic side of bodybuilding and you can get marks taken off if you’re too big so I have to be careful.

“When it was all over though I went and enjoyed myself. I went for food straight away!

“The national contest is in October so I’ll probably start training for that about 14 weeks beforehand. Apparently the North West was one of the best regions.”

One of Kaleem’s training partners at the gym is Zane Ainscough.

The 48-year-old from Hindley Green has also enjoyed success at the recent Mr Bolton contest.

Kaleem added: “It’s great to train with someone like Zane, we really push each other.

“He won both the over40s and regular categories so he’s done great.”

The Warehouse Gym in Hindley hosts state of the art training equipment to maximise workouts.

It also has a dedicated cardio section which can help members to acheive their fitness goals and drop weight as well as a huge free weights section.