Gunwharf Jockey Gym: Portsmouth shoppers put through their paces as Charlie Bishop shows how it's done
A temporary gym has been installed at a shopping centre aimed at showcasing how fit and strong you need to be to be a jockey.
The Jockey Gym pop-up, produced by Great British Racing, has been installed in Gunwharf Quays to give members of the public a chance to see what it takes to be a professional jockey. The gym, which is being overseen by strength and conditioning coach James Adams, opened on Friday, May 24 and will be in place Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 6pm.
Professional jockey, Charlie Bishop, came to the opening of the gym prior to competing in three May Festival races at Goodwood Racecourse on Friday afternoon. Chris said: “The Jockey Gym is a great initiative to show members of the public what it takes to be a jockey and the level of fitness required.
“It’s great to be able to see the number of people, particularly children, that wanted to get involved today and learn more about what we get up to day to day as athletes competing at the highest level in racing.
“Gunwharf Quays was the perfect venue to host the Jockey Gym for the first time away from a racing environment and I’m looking forward to coming back for the Glorious Goodwood Festival where the Jockey Gym will be open for racegoers to take part.”
It is the first time that the gym has been installed outside of a race course. James, of X Compete, works with a number of he top jockeys including Hollie Doyle, Tom Marquand and Sean Levey. He is looking forward to seeing members of the public get stuck in to the fun circuit sessions.
James said: “People don’t often realise just how much strength and fitness jockeys must possess in order to ride at the highest level. Working closely with some of the biggest names in world racing, I know the physical demands that it can take, so to be able to show members of the public is really inspiring. I’m delighted to be working with the Jockey Gym this summer. It is a brilliant way of engaging the public and a little competition always gets people interested!”
Alongside the gym, in the main square of Gunwharf, there is a chance to have your picture taken atop a wooden horse amidst the backdrop of the Goodwood Festival. Further information on the gym and the event can be found on the Great British Racing website.