how the North East is embracing fitness for body and mind

“It’s gone from ‘This year I’m going to the gym’ to ‘I can’t wait to start my workout’,” says Callum, a personal trainer at United Leisure Blakelaw. He has witnessed a significant increase in the demand for personal trainers and gym memberships.

In cities like Newcastle and Sunderland, fitness has become more than just a goal; it has become a lifestyle for many residents. Whether at the gym, in Pilates classes, or while running outdoors, people are eager to stay active, especially during times that might otherwise encourage a more sedentary lifestyle. The motivations behind this movement are diverse, ranging from the pursuit of better health to improved mental well-being and the desire to connect with a sense of community.

Statistics and trends

Since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, physical activity has gained heightened importance. There has been a notable rise in gym memberships and participation in various physical activities (gym workouts, running, Pilates, etc). According to an Office for National Statistics (ONS) report, in Newcastle, for example, the city’s health index score reached 85.9 in 2020, an increase of 3.6 points from previous years. A recent report from Leisure DB indicates that the fitness and health industry has thrived since the pandemic: the total number of gyms and health clubs in the UK has surpassed 7,000, with a combined total of 10.7 million gym members.

Why exercise matters: health beyond the trend

Physical activity is a crucial aspect of human life. It enhances the immune system, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other chronic illnesses, and helps prevent obesity. Regardless of age, maintaining an active lifestyle is vital. The UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines on GOV.UK recommend that adults strive to be active daily, aiming for at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week through various exercises. In addition to its physical benefits, exercise also offers mental health advantages. It stimulates the release of endorphins – hormones that promote happiness, alleviate pain, and enhance the overall mood. Numerous studies have shown that regular physical activity can improve sleep quality and aid in injury recovery, depending on the type of exercise performed.

The rise in personal trainer and gym enthusiasts

As the demand for fitness continues to grow, personal trainers and coaches like Callum, who works at Blakelaw Leisure United, are at the forefront of this trend. With around two years of experience as a personal trainer, Callum’s journey into the fitness world began when he was 16. He started by focusing on weight loss, eventually leading him to the gym for general fitness and a career in the industry.

Since working there, Callum has noticed an increase in membership numbers and a growing demand for personal trainers. He believes this shift is driven by social media, especially among younger individuals, “I think social media is the main reason for this change. Young people see coaches and trainers in gyms with fit bodies, so they’re following this trend,”said Callum.

Blakelaw Leisure United, where Callum is employed, is not immune to these changes. Situated in a residential area, the increase in gym memberships can be attributed to its accessibility for residents. “Being in the heart of a community like this has increased our popularity, and this even extends to children,” Callum explained. The gym offers outdoor facilities and a wide range of physical activities, making it more than just a gym for its members. It serves as a place where children can exercise and make friends while parents can socialize or work out – everyone in the community benefits from this valuable service.

While some people are just entering the fitness world, Olla, a Nigerian living in Sunderland, has been part of it since the age of six, competing in cycling for his country. His involvement does not stop there; he also practised kickboxing and is currently a football player for the University of Sunderland. For him, “Having a healthy mind in a healthy body” is much more than a motto; it reflects his enjoyment of staying active and finding a sense of community. He stated, “Gym life has impacted my mental health and social connections; it is a community and a safe space where you can forget your worries. Everyone inspires one another in the gym, which helps them become friends.” This camaraderie keeps him motivated and pushes him to move forward.

However, like all gym-goers, Olla acknowledges that staying motivated is difficult. For him, the weather is a significant factor, especially in the UK, where it is constantly changing. He explained, “The weather can bring you down, especially when trying to be consistent. It can be so bad that it sucks all the motivation out of you.” 

The importance of community: running clubs

Communities are not only formed in gyms; they extend beyond that. Kola Erin Folami founded the Black Coffee Run Club. He explains that after moving to Newcastle, he felt out of place and decided to create a community that resembled his background. “Initially, the idea behind this movement was to encourage my African brothers to be more active, but above all, to make them feel like they belong.” The club meets on Sundays at 4:30 pm, running distances of three to five kilometres. Since its inception three months ago, the number of participants has steadily increased, welcoming a diverse group. Running offers numerous benefits, such as improved endurance, calorie burning, and weight loss or maintenance. However, among members, mental relief is one of the most common benefits.

Ashley, a participant since day one, developed a love for physical exercise at an early age. She started with short distancerunning, but during Covid, she increased her distances to avoid staying home. By joining the running club, she found an opportunity to keep fit, spend time with friends and support new participants. “I feel like I’m escaping real life for those one to two hours, taking a break and laughing with others before returning to it.” 

Running has also helped her address injuries. “Last year, I had spinal problems and couldn’t lift weights, but I still had running, where I could go at my own pace. The other participants helped me push myself beyond my limits.”

Pilates: the power of moving gently

Like running, Pilates has become a popular form of exercise for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. It is perfect for healing injuries and recovering from surgery without overexerting the body. Pilates conditions the body to perform precise movements enhances balance and promotes better breathing. 

It was invented by Joseph Pilates, a German sports instructor, during his imprisonment in World War I in the 1920s (Robinson, 2024). Pilates differs from yoga, which tends to be more spiritual and focuses on movements performed close to the ground on a mat. According to Nicci, the founder of Pilatease UK, Pilates is primarily mat based, but various specialised equipment, including Reformers, may also be used depending on the client’s needs. Nicci notes that many clients report improving their feelings after just a few sessions: “Many times, my clients tell me they feel better after a few classes. Others forget about the physical pain they experienced before.”

The benefits of Pilates extend beyond general fitness. Heather, co-founder of another Pilates studio, has observed significant improvements in her father, who is nearly 60. She states, “He’s in great shape and doesn’t have the same limitations as many others his age.”

Pilates can reduce the risk of arthritis and other joint issues by encouraging movement, decreasing the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, and improving posture. Additionally, Pilates fosters a better mind-body connection. Nicci emphasizes: “Pilates helps you stay focused. For instance, when using the Reformer, it’s crucial to be aware of your actions and remain in harmony with your body to prevent injuries.”

Clients are often asked to keep their cell phones away during sessions to minimize distractions. “It’s important to disconnect from the outside world and concentrate on yourself,” Nicci explains. 

The mind-body connection is increasingly vital in today’s lifestyle, where people are often glued to their screens. Heather shares her concerns regarding younger generations: “From the studio window, you can see kids hunched over their devices when coming back or going to school. They may overlook the consequences today, but by the age of 25, they could already be dealing with back pain and other issues.” She adds, “Many students, including young people, are signing up for our classes due to these concerns.”

At PilatEase UK, movement transcends mere exercise; it embodies well-being, healing, and health, regardless of age, gender, or motivation. Pilates offers a gentler yet still rigorous form of exercise.

Conclusion: a lifestyle in motion

Exercise and wellness are becoming increasingly important in the Northeast, whether through gym workouts, running along the waterfront at sunset, or practicing Pilates in studios. What was once just a personal goal for many has now transformed into a lifestyle. People are motivated by various factors, including the desire for better physiques, the influence of social media trends among young individuals, and a sense of community. Society is eager to embrace a healthier way of life. In our fast-paced, digital world, these activities offer more than just physical exertion; they provide a peaceful refuge where we can slow down, breathe, laugh, meet new people, and find the balance we’ve been missing. Individuals are discovering what works best for them in a healthy way. The future of the fitness and wellness industry looks promising as it becomes more inclusive and sustainable. 

So, whether you’re doing YouTube workouts at home, running at sunrise, or engaging in any physical activity, just do it! Your body and mind will thank you, and you’ll soon see the benefits!

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