Meet: Zoe Chandler
My name is Zoe Chandler, and this is the story of how I discovered my passion for fitness and transformed my life.
Zoe Chandler
Head Coach and Founder of Weights & Cakes CIC
Unlike many in the fitness industry, sports and exercise were not a part of my upbringing. In fact, it wasn’t until my late 30s that I began to explore the world of fitness. Before then, I had tried the occasional group fitness class, like step aerobics, but none of it truly sparked any passion in me.
At that time, I was a single mother of five children, two of whom have special educational needs (SEN). I was struggling with serious weight issues, depression, and chronic pain, relying on painkillers just to make it through the day. Then, one of my children began experiencing tight hamstrings, and a healthcare professional recommended yoga. As I started taking my child to yoga classes, I met the yoga instructor’s husband, who owned a gym. He introduced me to the world of weightlifting, encouraging me to give it a try. From that moment, I was hooked.
Weightlifting became a powerful force in my life. After a year of strongman-style training, including charity truck pulls and local competitions, I saw someone demonstrating Olympic weightlifting. Intrigued, I decided to give it a shot, and I quickly fell in love with the discipline, structure, and the sense of progression that it offered. Without even realizing it, I lost over 40 kilograms, not through restrictive dieting, but by embracing a sport that made me feel strong and empowered.
By the age of 45, I was competing as a masters weightlifter, 40 kilograms lighter, and no longer dependent on antidepressants or painkillers. I was fitter and healthier than I had ever been. Along the way, I became a certified personal trainer, a British Weight Lifting (BWL) coach, and started running strongman bootcamps in local car parks.
In 2021, I took a bold step forward and rented a small studio space in Hendon. I founded Weights & Cakes Gym, driven by a desire to share my passion for fitness with children, young people, and adults. My goal was to create a safe, welcoming environment where everyone could train, feel supported, and be part of a community. I wanted my gym to be accessible to all, helping people get stronger, fitter, and healthier, while building a supportive network around them.
Today, in 2024, Weights & Cakes Gym has grown into something truly special. We have coached thousands of young people through school projects across Sunderland and have developed a thriving youth weightlifting club, with members competing nationally. Our adult classes are always filled with incredible, strong individuals who inspire each other to push their limits. Beyond just a gym, we have a community café, a sensory room, and a range of services that extend beyond weightlifting. Our team has expanded to include three dedicated coaches, a boxercise instructor, and we even offer
internships for aspiring student coaches. Additionally, we run holiday programs, provide meals for young people, and offer scholarships to families who otherwise couldn’t afford membership.
Personally, I have competed across the globe in my sport, winning eight Northern and British titles, two European titles, and achieving a 4th place finish at the World Championships. In 2022, our gym was honored with the Social Enterprise of the Year award, as well as a sports award from VCAS.
As a mother, athlete, business owner, coach, and now a 50-year-old woman, I am passionate about sharing my journey in the hopes that it may inspire others who are struggling. By focusing on training, eating well, staying hydrated, sleeping properly, and staying active, I have transformed my health and happiness. I believe that everyone has the power to change their lives, and I am committed to helping others discover their strength and potential.