Jude Caunter

Meet Jude Caunter
 

An experienced exercise instructor, Jude Caunter, works in the accessible gym at the John Pounds Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Jude has a wealth of knowledge, and she loves nothing more than helping our gym users get the most from our accessible gym.

Jude is qualified to work with everyone but specialises in working with those with additional needs. Jude provides supervised exercise to those who are recovering from cardiac issues, diabetes, disabilities or injuries.

Jude also runs specialised guided exercise classes in the gym at midday on Tuesday and Thursdays for those who have been referred to her. Jude accepts referrals from GPs, Physiotherapists, the Cardiac unit at QA hospital and the Portsmouth Wellbeing team.

A wheelchair user herself, Jude has a spinal cord injury which prevents her from having full strength in her legs. Her favourite exercise machines include the rowing machine and a seated elliptical trainer, which can be powered by your arms or your legs. She also enjoys and encourages others to use our specialist cardio wall, which is great fun and really adaptable. (Pictured)

 

The Accessible Gym and equipment

The John Pounds centre gym is completely accessible for wheelchair users. It has a specialist cardio wall and other weightlifting and adaptable cardio machines. Combined with Jude's specialist knowledge, you’ll soon have an exercise routine that suits you. Jude also loves to help gym users switch up their routines so they don’t get bored.

Working out Safely

As well as Jude’s expert coaching, there are also first aiders and defibrillators on-site for added reassurance to those who are coming in for cardiac rehabilitation. This quote form a gym user really sums up what Jude's presence in the Gym means to members.

"John Pounds Centre Gym has been a godsend for my service user and me. To be able to attend a fully accessible gym in a wheelchair has ensured his ability to maintain his physical abilities and also his independence. Having Jude on hand to assist us with her knowledge has ensured we remain safe whilst using the equipment. I also attend the gym with my daughter. We both suffer from self-esteem issues. John Pounds has been welcoming and helping with a calm and quieter environment to workout in has boosted our self-esteem. The yearly discount deal in March was amazing! It definitely encouraged us to attend regularly.

Beau and Ben

Qualifications

In 2013 Jude completed an Instructability course, qualifying as a Gym Instructor. The course was designed for disabled people to qualify as gym instructors to encourage other disabled people in gyms across the country. You can read more about Jude's story on the Instructability website. In 2016 Jude added to her qualifications by qualifying as a Level 3 Excercise Instructor and a Level 3 GP referral partner through the Healthy Living Scheme. In 2017 Jude added to her qualifications with a Level 4 Cardiac Rehabilitation qualification. This is reissued every three years, and Jude successfully achieved requalification in 2020. Jude is passionate about her CPD and is constantly reading up on new health and fitness information. In June, she is studying Physical Activity and Exercise in Type 2 diabetes with The British Association of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR).

Professional memberships

Jude is a member of the CIMSPA, the Chartered Insititute of Management of Sports and Physical Activity. She is qualified as She is also a member of BACPR, the Cardiac rehab training provider. 

Get in touch

If you would benefit from our accessible gym, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. You can call us on 02392 892 010 or fill in our contact form.