Marcus Allan, who runs Swift Fitness in Mansfield Street with dad Mark, spoke to The Press after the business was shortlisted by readers shortlisted who it as one of the best in York.
Marcus said: “My dad is the boss I just do most of the heavy lifting!
“We’re a family-run gym and we all live locally in the Heworth area, which is ideal as it keeps us closely connected to the gym and the community around it.”
Mr Allen said Swift Fitness combines proper strength-training with a community feel (Image: Supplied)
He said it means a lot for the gym to be nominated, “by the people who actually train with us and see the work that goes on day in, day out.”
Marcus said: “It probably means the most to our mam, who does so much of the behind-the-scenes hard work especially keeping the gym spotless.
“She’s definitely “The Rock” of Swift Fitness and we wouldn’t know what to do without her.”
Mr Allan said the gym doesn’t chase hype or trends, focussing on turning up every day and doing things properly – and being nominated shows that approach is being noticed.
Swift Fitness has been open since 2014 and Marcus said over the years they’ve built something solid as other gyms around the area have closed.
Marcus said that gymgoers regularly mention the atmosphere, the quality of the equipment, and how easy it is to train without feeling judged or rushed (Image: Supplied)
He added: “The fact that so many members have stayed with us throughout that time speaks volumes about the strength of the Swift community.
“We combine a proper strength-training gym with a genuine community feel.
“Our equipment mix includes hammer strength, life fitness, cybex and primal, alongside dedicated areas for boxing, muay thai, and group classes such as zumba and our most popular yoga class.
“We’re not a one-size-fits-all commercial gym – members get support, structure, and a welcoming environment whether they’re beginners, students, or experienced lifters.
Marcus said the most common feedback the management team hear is that the gym feels friendly, clean, and unintimidating, while still being serious about training.
Mr Allen said Swift Fitness combines proper strength-training with a community feel (Image: Supplied)
He added that gymgoers regularly mention the atmosphere, the quality of the equipment, and how easy it is to train without feeling judged or rushed.
He said: “Retention and satisfaction are massive for us – if people keep turning up and progressing, we know we’re doing something right.
“We’re especially proud of the number of long-term members we have and the team we’ve built people who genuinely care about those training here.
“One of the best things to see is members who initially joined just to ‘get fitter’ go on to completely change their confidence and routines whether that’s weight loss, strength gains, or simply enjoying training again.”
“We also have my brother Danny, a former professional rugby league player, and Paul, a former professional golfer, so members are in very safe hands when it comes to personal training at Swift.
“As we’re in the spotlight, everyone in the Swift family would like to say a huge thank you to all of our members many of whom we now call friends for supporting us over the years.
“That support is exactly why Swift Fitness should be Best gym in York 2026.”