Physique Fitness, on Banks Road, opened in Darlington in 2008 as The Boxfit and Foxfit Health Club Gym – but has been trading under its current name for the past eight years.
Offering everything from spin glasses to ab workouts, zumba, high-intensity and group cardio classes, the gym also has a dedicated women’s-only section.
And with more than 12,000 followers on Facebook, they are hoping their regulars will come out to support them in The Northern Echo’s best gym competition.
Heather Atkinson Assistant Manager of Physique (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Heather Atkinson, assistant manager, said: “We class ourselves as a gym with a difference, because we include free personal training sessions as part of people’s membership.
“We try to make exercise affordable for everyone, and cater for all ages and abilities, from beginners to fitness fanatics.
“The job is massively rewarding, we see the difference in people as they start to lose weight.
“We like to do a lot for the community – especially St Teresa’s Hospice. In 2024 we raised more than £23,000.”
Heather, 53, only got the fitness bug in the last few years due to surgery.
Manager Deith Bridges and dog Lilly, and Heather Atkinson , Assistant Manager of Physique (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
She said: “I got into fitness a few years ago when I needed to lose weight to have a knee replacement.
“I lost enough to have my left knee replaced and have since had both of them operated on. I run quite a few classes and take part in them too.
“I want to prove that even if you have had joint problems or have been overweight, you can overcome it and get your fitness back.”
“It’s nice to know that people recommend us. We just need people to vote for us, pick up a copy of The Northern Echo and send the voucher in.”
The full list of nominees to be crowned best gym can be found here.
To vote for your favourite gym, simply complete the form in The Northern Echo and return it to Suite 10, Second Floor, Coniscliffe House, Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 7EE.
Votes will be counted shortly after voting closes, and a winner will be crowned.