“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end” and for Aaron Davison there were a series of new beginnings in founding AJC fitness and turning it into the sanctuary it is now.
Aaron worked in the music industry on and off from the ages 16 to 31 as ‘Aaron James Cashell’ and many came to know him as this. Once Aaron’s time in music came to a close, he decided to return to construction. He spent time on and off from 16 to 32 and found no joy in his job any more. He said, “I realised that is not a career I ever wanted to be in again. My back was breaking, the hours were ridiculously long and money was not great. It was just a nightmare job”. Upon realising that the path he was currently on was not one that would bring him happiness he walked away from the construction industry. Aaron was lost for some time not knowing where to go. His next decision came from one joy, one passion, one thing that consistently made him happy – the gym. Aaron says: “I always loved the gym, I was always in the gym, always in the boxing gym, was always in the weight gym, all the time, for all my life”.
Once he decided to get his P.T qualification he never looked back. After getting the qualification he spent time working in some commercial gyms to build up, but again this wasn’t enough for him. Aaron wanted his own business with his own values and to train people the way he wanted. “I decided to save and save and save and then I got a unit and I put every penny I had into it… biggest risk but the best I ever made”
A year into having his business he nearly lost it all with the arrival of the pandemic. Aaron goes on to speak about how the reason he got through COVID was because of his girlfriend. He describes her as “a rock, an absolute rock”. On his down days where he was overwhelmed with “doubtful, doubtful, doubtful thoughts” she was there to reassure him of what he does have and to just keep pushing. After struggling to keep their heads above water, the grant support from the government became an option and they qualified for some of the available grants “a humble experience but a great experience”. This took off some of the pressure, allowed them to keep the business and bounce back from almost losing it all. Aaron says there were ”a lot of stressful times but I would put it down to my partner, my girlfriend keeping my spirits high and level headed”.
Aaron is more than just a man of weights and protein shakes, he is also a very humble, big hearted inspiration, taking his gym to the next level. It’s more than just a place to work out, but how do we know this to be true? Well, after speaking to Aaron, we learned that he works with local charities called ‘Inspired Youth’ (https://inspiredyouth.org) and ‘Streetwise Newcastle’ (https://www.streetwisenorth.org.uk). Having a goal to, as he put it, “helping kids get off the streets and giving them the opportunities they haven’t had, what my dad gave me I’m trying to give back to the kids”. Wow! He explained how he’s working on giving kids in his community the chance to better themselves, whether it’s to work off some anger, learn new skills or help them create a healthier and safer lifestyle, a place that shows kindness, support, a place with role models that can help them stay on the right path. It shows very clearly that the gym he started is founded on his principles.
Aaron spoke about how COVID has affected kids more than adults and how they need more support now more than ever, “The word proud doesn’t get used enough. Too much pressure on kids, not allowed to make mistakes”. Aaron confessed, “The kids helped me more than I helped. I Didn’t realise how much I love training kids as much as I do”. COVID made him re-evaluate things within his business goals and community was one close to his heart. He also said how this has helped him communicate better with trainers, he’s more involved with the community through education and support, describing this as “it’s electric, life is too short to not be happy”. Going forward with this inspiring goal of helping the kids of the community, he is already looking into expanding a unit to create a boxing club for kids. The physical and mental health of children is so important, they are our future and Aaron’s passion to help them is truly amazing.
At Networthpick, diversity is an important part of the message we want to spread and speaking to Aaron, he shared his thoughts and his response was not surprising, after getting to know this kind, humble man. He said “I don’t see anything but people. If you’re a good person then I don’t care. Everyone is welcome”. A strong message from him was that “Everybody should have the ability and access to fitness. I’m proud to have people that show diversity… its class to see”. AJC is more than just a gym, its therapy, social, fitness, a place where you will “walk out with a bit more swag in your step”. Doesn’t matter your race, gender, beliefs, his one rule is if you’re a good person then that’s all that matters.
“AJC is an open gym; support is always there mentally and physically.”
Aaron Davison
“Take a risk, nothing is planned”, powerful and true words. Aaron grew up with the freedom to fail, to keep trying and that’s what he speaks of through his life, what he wants others to hear, to know, to feel. Wise words he speaks and believes in are these very words… “Do be afraid to try, don’t be afraid to fail… no risk, no reward”. Through the conversation with Aaron he showcased his confidence and positive attitude, as well as his comical side that he inherited from his dad “What’s the worst that can happen if you fail, go for pint, pick yourself up and do something else” – very real and relatable words, right? Aaron also said, “I find excitement in not knowing”. It can definitely be said it was great getting to talk and know the kind soul, beer drinking, deadlifting, burger loving hero and to hear how he is conquering the gym business and has become a super member of his community after turning his passion into a job.
AJC’s very own Aaron Davison… inspiring, humble and real.
Check out AJC’s website here: https://www.ajcfitness.com/ and social media pages for Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajcboxfit/ and Instagram: https://instagram.com/ajc_box_fit
Cameron is a junior marketer who enjoys roller-blading and playing video games.
Alexandra is a junior account manager, who also has her own small business called Petals and Pearls. She has a creative mindset and has a passion for dance.
