A detective inspector has told how Flint House supported her recovery while she was training for the PCA British Bodybuilding Championship.
Sharon Gill-Lewis turned to the rehabilitation facility after tearing a hamstring. She has since spoken of both the physical and mental health benefits of her stay.
It was Sharon’s first time taking part in the event and she finished fifth and qualified for the World Championship.
Her achievement followed two years of dedication to the sport, during which she spent much of her time in preparation for competing and the commitments and sacrifices that come with that.
And Sharon says that after balancing her full-time policing role with the level of training required to compete for the World Championship, she has decided to call time on her competitive bodybuilding.
Detective inspector Sharon Gill-Lewis
Instead, she is focused on her recovery and rehabilitation at Flint House, and on taking time for herself, something she admits she rarely allows herself to do.
Sharon worked closely with physiotherapists, took part in injury-specific classes, and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.
“I worked with my physio and joined some classes,” she said. “The gym is really good, and the sessions were really well designed.
Exercises
“There may be 10 of you in a class but the exercises target and work your specific injury.
“One of the biggest things for me was taking that time out for me and taking time to rest. That’s something I wouldn’t do back home.
“They do guided walks as well. The surrounding areas are spectacular and absolutely beautiful places to walk and hike. It really helps with the mental health side of things as well.”
Sharon sustained the injury training for the British Bodybuilding Championship, which was held in Telford earlier this year.
It was only her second-ever competition, having qualified after finishing runner-up in the Physical Culture Association’s (PCA) first-timers’ event earlier in the year.
“It was a fantastic day,” Sharon said. “I had a really good feel for what it’s like to compete at that level. To come fifth in my category and qualify for the World Championship was beyond anything I expected.”
Injury
Despite her success, Sharon has decided to step away from competitive bodybuilding after two years of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. She has chosen instead to focus on her career progression – including preparing for her Chief Inspector boards – and her recovery from injury.
“I’ve already competed more than I thought I would this year, and I’m happy with how it’s gone,” she explained. “I know when I’m done, and for me, it feels like the right time to stop.”
Sharon’s dedication to bodybuilding came alongside the demands of a full-time policing career, with early mornings, long shifts in multiple roles, and a rigorous training schedule.
“It’s such a full-time commitment,” she said. “There’s the diet, the training, but also the sacrifices – missing social events, family time, and holidays. It’s been an amazing experience, but it really does impact on everything.”
Looking ahead, she plans to channel her drive and determination into a new physical challenge in Hyrox, a fitness race combining running and functional training.
“I always need a goal to work towards,” Sharon said. “Hyrox looks like a great next challenge once I’m fully recovered from my torn hamstring.”
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