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The Pursuit of Better: Loughborough's Powerbase, a Hub for Performance and Inclusivity

At BLK BOX, we believe that strength transcends limits, challenges expectations, and drives continual progression. This belief is at the heart of Powerbase at Loughborough University, a high-performance training facility designed to support elite athletes, including those competing at the highest level in para sports.

Our latest video captures the essence of The Pursuit of Better through the experiences of Loughborough’s para athletes and their strength and conditioning coach, Jake. Their journey exemplifies how Powerbase is more than just a training facility - it’s a space where adaptability meets elite performance, allowing every athlete to push their boundaries.

The Athletes: Strength, adaptability, and dedication

The video features three exceptional para athletes:

  • India Oates (T35 Athletics), determined to maximise her potential at an elite level.

  • Tom Harvey (3.0 Wheelchair Basketball), showcasing the relentless work ethic needed to perform at his best.

  • Alex Marshall-Wilson (3.0 Wheelchair Basketball), demonstrating the drive and commitment required for elite competition.

For these athletes, the pursuit of better means continuously pushing their limits - whether overcoming setbacks, refining their skills, or putting in the hours of training required to compete at the top:

“Even if you face resilience like an injury or another setback, you just focus on what you can control and work hard to get the best version of yourself.”

This mindset is reflected across all sports, whether on the court, the track, or in the gym. Strength training plays a key role in their development, and Powerbase provides them with an environment where they can train alongside non-para athletes in a space designed for inclusivity and high performance.

A Coach’s Perspective: The role of Powerbase 

Strength and Conditioning coach Jake is at the forefront of helping these athletes achieve their potential. His role extends beyond physical training - he tailors programs that ensure performance-led coaching, not just fitness-based workouts. Powerbase plays a crucial role in this, with features that allow him to adapt exercises to the needs of para athletes while maintaining elite standards.

From accessible weight plate storage to adjustable pull-up bars, the facility is designed to eliminate barriers and enhance performance. The Smith Machine, with its extended bar length and multiple increments, allows for precise training adjustments. The force decks provide real-time data analysis, offering insights into power output and movement efficiency.

Jake’s coaching philosophy aligns with the Pursuit of Better - constantly evolving, refining, and finding new ways to help athletes progress.

Designed for All Athletes: Inclusive, performance-driven equipment

Powerbase isn’t just about accessibility - it’s about enabling peak performance. Every element of the gym’s design serves a dual purpose: it ensures inclusivity while maintaining elite training standards.

Key features include:

  • Weight plate storage at a low level for wheelchair users.

  • Colour-coded equipment for quick identification and ease of use.

  • Adjustable benches with belt straps, allowing for independent setup.

  • Smith machine and force decks, providing data-driven insights to enhance performance.

  • Flexible pull-up bars, catering to different athletes’ needs.

These design elements allow para athletes to train independently while also ensuring they can push their limits just like any elite competitor.

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