\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n Heather Atkinson Assistant Manager of Physique (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)\n<\/p>\n
\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n “We try to make exercise affordable for everyone, and cater for all ages and abilities, from beginners to fitness fanatics.\n<\/p>\n
\n “The job is massively rewarding, we see the difference in people as they start to lose weight.\n<\/p>\n
\n “We like to do a lot for the community – especially St Teresa’s Hospice. In 2024 we raised more than \u00a323,000.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Heather, 53, only got the fitness bug in the last few years due to surgery.\n<\/p>\n
\n Manager Deith Bridges and dog Lilly, and Heather Atkinson , Assistant Manager of Physique (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)\n<\/p>\n
\n She said: “I got into fitness a few years ago when I needed to lose weight to have a knee replacement.\n<\/p>\n
\n “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.\n<\/p>\n
\n “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.”\n<\/p>\n
\n “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.”\n<\/p>\n