\n Susan Spinks, who runs First Step 2 Fitness, set up the facility in 2003 and says, at that point, there were only five or six gyms in the area.\n<\/p>\n
\n Susan Spinks from First Step 2 Fitness gym in Darlington (Image: ANDY FUTERS\/NORTHERN ECHO)\n<\/p>\n
\n But now with more than 40 competitors in town, Susan says it is “even more extraordinary” the Victoria Road ladies-only gym has reached the shortlist.\n<\/p>\n
\n Susan says that it’s become a “pleasure” to be at the helm and offers a long list of classes, including Zumba, Boxercise, Pilates, as well as offering personal training.\n<\/p>\n
\n First Step 2 Fitness gym in Darlington (Image: ANDY FUTERS\/NORTHERN ECHO)\n<\/p>\n
\n “We’ve created a real bond over the years with our customers that we see a lot of days of the week,” Susan said.\n<\/p>\n
\n “There’s a real community feel to the classes and to the gym, it feels like one big family, and we’re seeing mums and daughters and sometimes grandmas and granddaughters coming to the classes, and that’s humbling.\n<\/p>\n
\n Susan runs the gym on Victoria Road (Image: ANDY FUTERS\/NORTHERN ECHO)\n<\/p>\n
\n “To make it into the top ten is a massive honour. When we set up, there weren’t the masses of gym that there are now.\n<\/p>\n
\n “We had four or five in Darlington, but there weren’t many chain gyms.\n<\/p>\n
\n “So to compete and be judged to be better than the likes of the commercial gyms is really something we don’t take for granted.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Susan set up the gym in 2003 in Darlington (Image: ANDY FUTERS\/NORTHERN ECHO)\n<\/p>\n
\n And while Susan has created a family atmosphere in the classes, she says that her customers also meet up outside of the gym.\n<\/p>\n
\n “We get some people who met at the gym, and now they meet up and have coffees or go for walks together, which is great.\n<\/p>\n
\n “We put the fun into functional fitness, and we look to put a smile on people’s faces.”\n<\/p>\n