NH Fitness recently won three out of the four categories they were nominated in at a local health and wellbeing awards evening.
The pair who run the gym say they are “overwhelmed” with the support from the community.
Neil and Heather Raby started their journey eight years ago as two friends with a simple vision: a non-intimidating gym for people of all backgrounds and fitness levels.
After outgrowing their first studio, NH Fitness opened a new facility in June, expanding classes and member services across Bolton (Image: Neil Raby)
Their early days were marked by a running club in a “car park”, which only three to four people attended.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic brought an abrupt halt to these efforts.
Neil said: “Covid hit and we had to pause everything.
“When Covid ended, we rebranded and NH Fitness was born. At first, we only did boot camps on the local park in all kinds of weather. But we grew slowly and before we knew it, we had a core of members.”
After the pandemic, the fitness venture took on new life and NH Fitness, leased a small fitness studio in Bolton.
The club quickly outgrew this space and, in June, leased a big purpose-built gym at Back Cleggs Building.
With an open day on June 1, the expanded facilities marked a new beginning for NH Fitness, which now offers a wide range of classes, including boot camps, strength classes, and boxing six days a week.
The gym also introduced open gym times, personal training sessions, and a membership package.
Moreover, they have an in-house sports therapist providing services like sports massage, injury identification, and physio rehab.
The gym was recently nominated in four categories at the Bolton Health and Wellbeing Awards.
NH Fitness claimed three Bolton Health and Wellbeing Awards, including Gym of the Year. (Image: Neil Raby)
Heather was named Personal Trainer of the Year, Neil received the Outstanding Contribution to Health and Wellbeing award, while NH Fitness claimed the revered title of Gym of the Year.
Expressing their gratitude, the team at NH Fitness said: “We are overwhelmed with the support and investment people have given us, these awards are truly special and have given us extra motivation to grow and expand our fitness community in Bolton.
“The category we are most proud of was winning the gym of the year award.
“Many of our members attended the awards evening and it was a fantastic event.
Members celebrated alongside staff at the Bolton Health and Wellbeing Awards, marking a proud milestone in NH Fitness’s journey (Image: Neil Raby)
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NH Fitness was set up by the two friends who fought their own battles with overeating and weight gain.
Now, their gym seeks to foster a welcoming, inclusive community that supports physical wellbeing.
According to Neil and Heather, the gym’s ethos centres around maintaining a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.
It is this philosophy, combined with consistent growth and adaptation, that has allowed NH Fitness to transition from its humble beginnings in a gym car park to a dynamic community-focused fitness centre.