"We were both up to train at 4am so the kids routine wouldn't be affected by the sport but the sacrifices of early mornings and the demands of a strict diet are made so much easier when you're both going through it together".
The mention of the term 'bodybuilding gym' may conjure up images of vein popping, hard-core adrenaline junkies, of energy drink consumption and testosterone fuelled masculinity.
Buried in an industrial estate between an oak flooring business and a garage in the south of Bristol, sits Trojan Fitness, a name which probably does little to dispel such a reputation, but contains a set of individual stories that reveal a little more than the stereotype suggests.
Paul Latham, 38, was recently crowned world champion in his class and British overall champion by the bodybuilding federation. He was then offered a pro card, becoming the first person in the South West to do so in eight years.
A former professional motocross rider, the Bristolian turned to bodybuilding after recovering from a serious riding injury.
For Latham, bodybuilding doesn't come from a place of vanity. He describes himself as 'the person who is uncomfortable removing his shirt at the beach'.
On the journey that lead him to bodybuilding, he said: "I needed to channel my energy. When my riding career came to an end, I lost that sense of competition I needed. I started coming to the gym to build my strength back up and it went from there, helping to fill a void."
His wife, and mother of their three children, Claire, also took up the sport and competes in the bikini category. Both say the common interest is crucial in helping each other through the challenge of combining family life, a business and an elite level athletic career.
Lockdown bought its own tasks to overcome, compiling 4am starts to a strict dietary programme while trying to ensure that training didn't impact on the couple's children.
The gym helped to support the Latham's, along with other members during lockdown, lending equipment and staying in regular contact, concerned that the withdrawal of a fitness routine could take its toll on regulars.
See the full photo series inside Trojan Fitness below.
'We have people of all ages, shapes and sizes'
Owner Matt Hudd took over Trojan Fitness in 2010. Relocating to its current base in Ashton several years ago, the gym now boasts multiple bodybuilding champions.
But Hudd feels the value of the gym is as much in the community support it offers as it is a place to come and work out, an opinion which is supported by a selection of recent awards presented for work within the community.
He said: "We had a chance to reset during lockdown to see what this place really means to people. Some people might come in here and be inspired, however, others might walk in and find it a bit intimidating.
"Given the opportunity, people would see that we actually have a real family atmosphere in here with a group that really look out for each other.
"We have people of all ages, shapes and sizes on their own personal journey, looking to get fit".
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Two years ago, at age of 21, Will Odhams-Good suffered a stroke which was followed, two months later, by another stroke and then a heart attack.
Now partially blind, he also suffers from occasional stress-induced loss of feeling on his left side. Bodybuilding since the age of 16, Will commutes daily from Bridgwater, continuing to train in preparation for the next championships.
Odhams-Good says he has continued with the sport because of the social aspect which comes with it, as many of the athletes at the gym do.
The camaraderie evidently plays a role in helping each other through challenges on the way to achieving individual goals.
The 23-year-old said: "The changes you notice in yourself are so rewarding. It has really helped to build my confidence."
Paul Latham concludes: "I get to the point when I'm competing where I think 'alright, this is tough', and then I say to myself 'let's see how far can you go'. Not just in the gym either. If it's not a challenge, it's probably not worth doing."
