Heavy Metal Gym, part of the Billington’s Strength and Fitness group based in Ilkley, is celebrating a clean sweep of victories at the recent Yorkshire & Northeast Powerlifting Federation (YNEPF) Junior & Masters Regional Championships.
Held in Riccall, North Yorkshire, on Saturday 13 September, six lifters representing Heavy Metal Gym competed in the event — Jacqui Foster, Ash Billington, Pete Billington, Gez Richardson, Karen Horwood, and Josh Draper — with competitors ranging in age from 16 to 60. Impressively, every team member won their respective category, earning the coveted title of Regional Champion.
Among the standout performances were Jacqui Foster, who set three new regional records in the Bench Press, Deadlift, and Overall Total, and Ash Billington who won the title of Regional Champion and Best Sub-Junior Lifter.
Heavy Metal Gym, located on Dansk Way in Ilkley, operates under the Billington’s Strength and Fitness umbrella, a local wellness collective that also includes Flow Osteopathy, Ilkley Dental Studio and the Ilkley Martial Arts Centre.
Co-owned by brothers Pete and Andrew Billington, the gym prides itself on fostering a supportive, inclusive community dedicated to strength, health, and mutual encouragement. Their latest success at the YNEPF championships is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and camaraderie of the team.
[Karen Horwood on the Podium]
Speaking after the event, Pete said:
"I couldn’t be prouder of the team, they absolutely smashed it on the day. It was also fantastic to see other members of our gym community showing up to cheer on the participants and volunteer their time on the platform. Powerlifting is an incredible sport, built on a foundation of camaraderie, strength, and personal growth.
“At our gym, we’re a tight-knit, passionate community that prides itself on being supportive and welcoming. Starting a fitness journey may feel a little daunting, but we do everything we can to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels encouraged, no matter their age, gender or experience level.
“While we’re proud of our powerlifting roots and success, we also offer a wide range of fitness services including strength training, muscle building, general toning, and personal training. We’ve seen first-hand how fitness can transform not just bodies, but confidence and self-esteem too. Many of our younger members, some of whom came to us feeling unsure of themselves, are now confidently competing in events.
“We also understand the vital connection between physical and mental health. That’s why we’re proud supporters of Andy’s Man Club and thrilled to see a local branch now open in Ilkley."
Speaking of her individual victory, Jacqui said:
“Powerlifting is an extremely inclusive sport and my experience at Riccall as the oldest female lifter in my flight was both uplifting and empowering, taking place as it did in an extremely open and supportive environment.
“There were the usual highs and lows on the day which incorporated the agony of failed lifts and the ecstasy of setting new age-related records
“I was ably supported throughout the competition by the other Heavy Metal gym members in attendance, in particular Pete Billington who has been my coach for the past two years and through whose guidance I continue to get stronger, despite my maturity. As ever it was a great learning experience, and the failed attempts have taught me what to focus on ahead of the next competition.
“For anyone thinking of getting into sport, whether to compete or simply to be strong for life, I would say go for it, but ideally with coaching initially, to get the best out of your training and reduce risk of injury. This is clearly where a coach and knowledgeable gym environment are crucial.”
The results were as follows:
Powerlifting Regional Champions
- Jacqui Foster
- Ash Billington
- Pete Billington
- Gez Richardson
Bench Press Regional Champions
- Karen Horwood
- Josh Draper
More information about Heavy Metal Gym, which accepts members from ages 14, can be found at: Heavy Metal Gym. Heavy Metal Gym, Dansk Way, Ilkley, LS29 8JZ.
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