Kris's Gym & Juice fundraiser for Prospect Hospice
Kris Talikowski is raising money for Prospect Hospice
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Local Duo Take on 30-Day ‘Gym & Juice Challenge’ to Raise Money for Swindon Charities
Two familiar Swindon faces have launched a 30-day health challenge with a twist, and a forfeit that’s guaranteed to raise eyebrows as well as money for charity.
Kris Talikowski, owner of The Core Juicery in Old Town and Chair of the Old Town Business Association, has teamed up with Joe Matthews, General Manager at David Lloyd Swindon, in a month-long health showdown known as the Gym & Juice Challenge.
The rules are simple: both Kris and Joe have until early May to lose the highest percentage of body fat by following a routine of daily exercise and plant-based nutrition. Each day includes a green smoothie, a cold-pressed juice, and a plant-based protein shake from The Core, alongside regular training sessions at David Lloyd Swindon.
Throughout the challenge, the pair are documenting their progress publicly on Instagram, sharing honest (and often humorous) updates via @thecoreswindon and @davidlloydswindon.
At the end of the 30 days, the loser will donate £500 to the winner’s chosen local charity and, perhaps even more painfully, will dress as a children’s character for the day to entertain young patients at Great Western Hospital, where Joe’s wife works in the children’s ward.
Kris is raising money for Prospect Hospice, while Joe is supporting Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
“This whole thing started as a bit of friendly banter,” said Kris. “Then suddenly I’d agreed to wear a costume in public if I lost — so now I’m fully committed to juicing and gyming my way out of it.”
Joe added, “Honestly, I thought this would just be a fun way to stay accountable… but now I’m dreaming of carbs and checking Kris’s Instagram stories to see if he’s secretly skipped leg day. It’s turned into a full-on health showdown.”
The challenge, while competitive, is rooted in something more meaningful — showing that consistent, balanced changes to food and fitness can be sustainable, and even enjoyable. Both Kris and Joe hope their efforts will raise awareness (and funds) for their chosen charities, and perhaps even inspire others to make positive changes in their own lives.
More details about the challenge — including video updates, nutrition breakdowns and progress reports — can be found at: www.thecorejuicery.com/gym-juice-challenge