From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Story Behind Jim’s Gym
Meet Jim Behind the Gym
I’m James Hilton, founder of Jim’s Gym, a warm and welcoming online fitness and wellbeing community designed for people over 55. Our goal is simple: help you fit movement around your daily routine, stay healthy and independent, and feel awesome, all from the comfort of home.
From burnout to breakthrough
After 15 years in a fast-paced international sales career, I hit burnout. In 2019, with a ten-month-old son and my wife about to return to work, I found myself in the most toxic job I’d ever known, constant travel, constant pressure, and little time for family life. So, we made a huge decision. We packed up, left London, and spent six months travelling through Asia and New Zealand.
That time gave me space to think. I rediscovered exercise for enjoyment again, daily running, swimming, surfing, moving for the sake of feeling good. I realised I wanted to help other people do the same.
Finding purpose
When we came home, I retrained as a personal trainer, investing heavily in education around movement, pain, and injury recovery. Very quickly, I found myself working almost exclusively with people over 50, many recovering from illness or injury, living with long-term conditions like Parkinson’s or after a stroke, or simply unsure where to start.
What struck me most was how quickly small amounts of exercise could lead to huge improvements in their health and change someone’s life. Seeing a client regain confidence walking, continue to play sports they love, or building the energy to outplay their Grandchildren..
But as a personal trainer, there are only so many hours in a week. That’s why I created Jim’s Gym, to make those same results accessible to anyone, anywhere. Many people recognise the importance of being more active, but struggle to know where to begin. That’s exactly what Jim’s Gym is designed to fix, by making exercise fun, social, and something you actually look forward to doing.
Fitness without barriers
I wanted to remove every barrier that stops people from moving and reaping the benefits of being fitter: cost, travel, accessibility, confidence, or simply the feeling that “gyms aren’t for me.” By bringing classes online, we made fitness affordable, social, and possible for anyone, anywhere. Most importantly, super fun!
The impact so far…
Nearly half of our members have access needs, and our data shows clear improvements in happiness, mental health, confidence, and resilience.
But the best evidence comes from the words of our members themselves:
“I’m doing things I never thought I could. The classes make me feel stronger and more confident every week.”
“It’s such a supportive community. We have a laugh, I feel fitter and mentally better, and I actually look forward to exercising now.”
In under two years, we’ve been recognised nationally as one of the Small Business Saturday 100, finalists at the South West Business Awards, and highly commended in the SoGlos Health & Wellbeing Awards.
But the real achievement is seeing people move more, smile more, and reconnect with a sense of possibility.
Unbeatable value, lasting results
Membership is just £12.99 per month or £129.90 per year (with two months free). That gives unlimited access to 15 live online classes each week, plus hundreds of on-demand workouts, clubs, and community events. When you break it down, every live class costs around 25p per session, exceptional value for expert-led fitness. I’m not sure you can buy a penny sweet for 25p these days!?
We keep pricing simple and sustainable, asking one key question whenever we add new features: “Would this alone be worth £12.99 a month?” This ensures members always get far more value than they pay for, while Jim’s Gym stays strong and ready for growth.
What’s inside Jim’s Gym
15 live classes each week, including Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga, Seated Fitness, Cardio and Strength
Standing and seated options for every ability level
Over 400 on-demand workouts available anytime
Monthly Art and Book Clubs for creativity and connection
Healthy Habits Club and live nutrition talks with NHS Dietitian Ian Thomas
A private members’ community for support and accountability
My mission
My mission is simple: to make health and fitness accessible, enjoyable, and genuinely life-changing for people in later life, all from home.
If that sounds like something you’d love to be part of, you can join Jim’s Gym today and start your journey below, and I’ll hopefully see you in class soon!
Our monthly membership is great for those just starting out or may need to take a break for a big adventure! The yearly option gives you two months FREE membership with a 30 day money back guarantee.
FAQs
Is Jim’s Gym suitable for older adults?
Yes. Jim’s Gym is designed for people over 55 who want safe, effective online workouts to build strength, balance, and confidence at home without needing a gym.
What types of workouts does Jim’s Gym offer?
Members enjoy 14+ live online classes weekly, including Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga, Seated Fitness, and strength training, all with standing and seated options for different abilities.
How much does Jim’s Gym cost?
Membership is £12.99 per month or £129.90 per year (two months free). That’s about 25p per live class, great value for expert-led sessions and unlimited access.
Can I try Jim’s Gym for free before joining?
Absolutely. Join the free Friends of Jim’s Gym Facebook group for 10-minute live workouts every Tuesday and Friday at 9 am to get a feel for the classes.