Two members of The Unit Gym in Cumnock competed in National Strongmen and Strongwomen competitions last month – with both of them winning places on the podium.
Douglas Black was crowned Britain’s toughest cop while Christine Dunlop placed an incredible second in Scotlands Strongest woman natural master class.
This week Douglas told the Chronicle about both his and Christine’s journey’s to the podium at these National competitions.
He said: “For myself, I have watched strongman for many years both on TV and in person at events.
“In 2019 I decided I was going to have a go at it and found that I was pretty good at it and claiming five podiums in my first 18 months but always second and a third place until this year.
“I train four times a week in between work and personal training which consist of three, two hour sessions and one four hour event session on a Sunday.
“I recently competed and won my last competition which was Britain’s Strongest Police Officer 2021 (Covid edition).
“It was there where I set a British Police competition record with the log press of 140kg.
“I plan on retaining my title in November this year where BSPO 2022 will be held in Dumfries.”
Speaking about Christine’s journey in the sport Douglas said: “Christine originally started PT with myself in July 2020 where she wanted to increase her general fitness levels and feel a bit better.
“Less than two years later, she’s competed in two strongwoman competitions claiming second place at Scotland’s Strongest Woman Natural Athlete’s competition in the Masters category.
“Christine is training five times a week and is now training to compete in Britain’s Strongest Women competition in July.”
“This sport is like no other and would encourage anyone of any age to make contact with us in the Cumnock area via social media and pop in for a session.”
Douglas added: “The Unit is fully kitted for Strongman and Strongwoman training including logs, atlas stones and various other kit.”
The Sunday session at The Unit Personal Training is an open session which runs from 12-4 where anyone can go along and have a try of the strength equipment.
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