Northman Gym offering a safe workout space at Leigh Spinners Mill

In 2019, a collective of residents who had served in the Armed Forces or emergency services had the idea to set up a small gym that would be designed as a safe workout space. 

This idea blossomed into the birth of 'Northman Gym' and since its switch to the second floor of Leigh Spinners Mill, the concept has "grown and grown" to cater for more than 60 members.

While the gym prioritises those from the armed forces or emergency services, the wider community is welcome at 'Northman' following an application process.

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The gym is full equipped and has space for martial arts and fitness classes (Image: Northman Gym)

Paul King, a fireman and one of the founding members of Northman Gym, said: "Around eight or nine of us got together as collective, to offer people from our backgrounds a safe space to train and workout.

"The Mill was the perfect place to start as the rent was really affordable. It is all run voluntarily and the gym has grown and grown since we started.

"It is not the biggest place in the world but the gym is fully equipped and has space for Martial Arts and fitness classes, and all of our members are brilliant."

James Grundy MP with Michael Morgan and Robin Reynolds at the Northman Gym (Image: James Grundy MP)

While the gym is not always manned, members are welcome to train at the space at any time that the Mill is open to the public.

With workers at the Mill also offered discounts to train at the Northman Gym, Paul encouraged people in the community to come down and try out the intimate workout space.

Members at a martial arts class at Northman Gym, with some choosing to have their faces blurred (Image: Northman Gym)