PHOTO CREDIT COURTESY OF FOX 13 SEATTLE, WORDPLAY MAGAZINE, KAMPUS PRODUCTION, LADBIBLE WRITTEN BY KEVIN JAMES JEFFERY Strength Unleashed
“J7 classes are a beautiful mix of ages, abilities, and sizes, where we go to war together.It works because everybody is included.”
Javeno Mclean’s Lifelong Commitment to Universal Fitness
W hen Javeno Mclean started J7 Health Centre in Manchester, UK, he had one goal in mind. That mission was to open a facility where the whole family could come and exercise. “J7 classes are a beautiful mix of ages, abilities, and sizes, where we go to war together,” Mclean has said. “It works because everybody is included.” When he says “everybody,” he really means it. A big part of what Mclean does at J7 is to help people with cancer and disabilities. And it’s not just a project; it’s his life’s work. Mclean’s free gym for people with disabilities has become somewhat of a sanctuary for the disabled, elderly, and ill. He doesn’t believe any of them should have to pay to better their physical and mental well-being. When asked where Mclean got the idea to help clients with a wide range of disabilities, he pointed to the unloving, uncaring, and patronizing ways he saw people being treated as his motivation for fixing and changing the industry. “My passion comes from my gratitude for and knowing how much helping people to better health can positively affect and influence the entire family,” he said. “Being included is one the greatest things in the world! And all I saw was disabled and elderly people missing out and being disrespected.” It’s been nearly 15 years since the former champion athlete followed his long-time dream of opening a gym. Over that time, he’s helped people with illnesses, dementia, and disabilities completely free of charge. Asked why he does it, Mclean says, “The last thing I want to do is take your money. I want to make you smile. I want to put that smile on your face.”
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