Bolton's NH Fitness: A Community-Centric Gym Success Story
NH Fitness in Bolton has been named Gym of the Year, a testament to its remarkable journey from a humble outdoor meet-up to a thriving fitness hub. The gym's founders, Neil and Heather Raby, share a vision of creating a welcoming space for all fitness levels and backgrounds. Their story began eight years ago with a simple idea: a non-intimidating gym for everyone.
The Early Days: From Car Park to Gym
Initially, they started with a running club in a car park, attracting only three to four people. However, the pandemic posed a significant challenge, forcing them to pause their operations. Neil Raby reflects, 'Covid hit, and we had to pause everything.'
Rebranding and Growth
After the pandemic, NH Fitness rebranded and expanded its services. They leased a small fitness studio in Bolton, which quickly became too small for their growing community. In June, they moved to a larger, purpose-built gym at Back Cleggs Building, marking a new beginning.
A Comprehensive Fitness Hub
NH Fitness now offers a wide range of classes, including boot camps, strength training, and boxing, six days a week. They also provide open gym times, personal training sessions, and a membership package. Additionally, they have an in-house sports therapist offering services like sports massage, injury identification, and physio rehab.
Awards and Recognition
The gym's dedication to community and inclusivity has been recognized with several awards. At the Bolton Health and Wellbeing Awards, NH Fitness won three categories: Gym of the Year, Personal Trainer of the Year (Heather Raby), and Outstanding Contribution to Health and Wellbeing (Neil Raby).
Community Impact
NH Fitness's success is deeply intertwined with its community. The team expresses gratitude for the support and investment from the people of Bolton, stating, 'We are overwhelmed with the support and investment people have given us.' The gym's philosophy revolves around creating a supportive, inclusive environment, which has fostered a dynamic and community-focused fitness centre.
A Personal Journey
Neil and Heather Raby's own battles with overeating and weight gain fueled their passion for creating a supportive gym environment. Their journey from a car park to a thriving fitness hub is a testament to the power of community and inclusivity in the fitness industry.
