Building connections beyond fitness with Jim's Gym Book Club

South West personal trainer James Hilton, founder of online fitness platform Jim’s Gym, is expanding his offering once again, this time by launching a virtual book club within the gym’s growing community.

This latest addition is designed to help members connect socially through a shared love of reading. Hosted in a dedicated WhatsApp group with 61 participants (and growing), the club offers a relaxed space to share recommendations, discover new authors, and enjoy conversations on everything from poetry and crime fiction to personal development and memoir.

“There’s no set reading list and no pressure,” James said. “It’s a cosy corner of the community where members can share what they’re reading, swap favourites, and now meet authors whose stories have inspired them.”

Genres already being discussed range from Ocean Vuong and Mary Oliver to classic Agatha Christie. Monthly guest author appearances and book giveaways are also being introduced as the space continues to grow.

The first guest author will be former Paralympian and commentator Louise Hunt Skelley PLY, who will join live via Zoom for a Q&A around her debut memoir What’s Wrong With You?

The book traces Louise’s journey from her childhood in Wiltshire to competing in two Paralympic Games, commentating at Wimbledon and at the Paralympics including Tokyo and Paris. It explores her fight against stereotypes and the importance of inclusion - themes already resonating with members.

“I’m really excited to bring authors into the mix,” said James. “It adds something special. A chance for members to connect with the people behind the books, hear their stories first-hand, and have conversations they might not get anywhere else. It’s all about making reading feel social, accessible, and inspiring.”

Jim’s Gym is an online platform helping people aged 55+ stay active, mobile, and independent from the comfort of home. With close to 250 members, and growing fast, it offers live and on-demand fitness classes - including Tai Chi, Pilates, Dancercise, and Yoga - plus nutritional advice and, now, a vibrant community Book Club.

The new Book Club builds on Jim’s Gym’s mission to support mental wellbeing, social connection, and personal enrichment. All are vital aspects of healthy ageing. It’s exclusively available to members and hosted via the gym’s private WhatsApp community.