
Information about The Alchemy
BB3 3JB, Darwen
Opening hours
- sunday: (closed)
- monday: 7h-20h
- tuesday: 7h-20h
- wednesday: 7h-20h
- thursday: 7h-20h
- friday: 7h-20h
- saturday: 8h-12h
Our comment from FitFit UK about The Alchemy:
The Alchemy in Darwen is not just a gym, it's a vibrant community that fosters personal growth and fitness achievements. Here's what makes it a standout choice:
- Supportive Environment: Members consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place for newcomers and seasoned athletes alike. Chris and Nicole, the head coaches, are noted for their encouraging and non-judgmental approach.
- Effective Training: With a focus on tailored fitness plans, members have reported remarkable improvements in their strength, endurance, and overall physical condition. The variety of classes and training sessions cater to all fitness levels, ensuring everyone feels included.
- Knowledgeable Coaches: Trainers at The Alchemy are highly knowledgeable, providing guidance on exercise techniques, nutrition, and injury prevention. Their expertise helps members achieve personal bests and navigate challenges effectively.
- Community Spirit: The camaraderie among members during sessions enhances the experience, creating a motivating and enjoyable training environment. Many users have formed friendships through shared fitness journeys.
- Flexible Schedules: Classes are conveniently timed to accommodate various schedules, particularly for busy professionals, making it easier to fit fitness into daily life.
While no place is without criticism, some users have mentioned occasional busy sessions impacting individualized attention. However, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, making The Alchemy a recommended choice for anyone looking to improve their fitness in a friendly and supportive setting.
Services, Machines and Guided Classes
The Alchemy: Opinions
Fantastic experience: Love Nic, Chris & the gang soo much! Amazing community to be in! I can’t believe how much I’ve changed in 6 months! Lost over 1 stone. Couldn’t of done it without them! Continuing to smash goals with Nic and wouldn’t ever leave! This place is so much fun which is so important and everyone is so lovely & supportive! X
Fantastic experience: Alchemy Gym is a great place to train and work towards your fitness goals. The positive drive from Chris and Nicole is overwhelming, together with encouragement from the other members gives a really nice experience on all classes. Additional extras are group chats on food and what to expect at the next class. Classes for ladies are conveniently timed to fit in with the working day.
Fantastic experience: I’m a new member to Alchemy and have been going for just over two weeks. It can be very daunting trying a new gym but Nicole and Chris have made me feel so at ease with no judgments present. I can already feel a huge difference in my fitness and I’m starting to see some small changes already. Highly recommend!
Fantastic experience: It is close to a year on from my first session and I cannot recommend The Alchemy enough. The morning classes with Natalie at 6:30am are definitely a refreshing way to start the day Evening sessions with Chris are always lively, motivational and push you to limits you didn't realise you could achieve I've tried a few gyms in the past, but this is by far the most beneficial physically and mentally
Fantastic experience: I recently attended the HUMP DAY class run by the motivational and energetic trainer Natalie at this gym, and it exceeded all my expectations! The combination of weight-bearing and banded exercises, along with power moves, truly targets the major muscles in the glutes, abdominals, hips, and lower back. Not only did I leave feeling the burn in all the right places, but I also appreciated the focus on proper core engagement for a full-body workout. If you're looking to grow your glutes and strengthen your core, this class is a must-try. Get ready to leave feeling accomplished and energised!
Fantastic experience: Really enjoying attending the female transformation classes. Already hitting PB’s and only been going a few times. Highly recommend
Fantastic experience: A great gym to train at everyone gets stuck in to the Hyrox sessions regardless of their fitness ability - effort is valued and the results will follow in good time
Fantastic experience: Only been going to the female transformation sessions for just over two weeks and already I can see huge difference with the help of Nicole. She always pushes us to do things we think we can’t do and is so supportive and welcoming.
Fantastic experience: Joined the alchemy just over a month ago and I am loving it! Nicole and Chris are great coaches, so knowledgable and really help push you to your potential.. such a friendly gym and made to feel welcome from the moment I walked in highly recommend, can’t imagine going anywhere else now!
Fantastic experience: A hidden gem in Darwen full to the rafters of positive energy! Chris and Nicole’s classes are both great. Hard going but that’s what you want from a gym class. If you want to see changes in your fitness this is the place to go
Fantastic experience: The alchemy is the friendliest gym and the most helpful I have ever been to. Would recommend!
Fantastic experience: Great gym and great community. Chris is an amazing trainer and if your looking for results he will push you to achieve your goals.
Fantastic experience: Very competitive and encouraging environment from all the team, and Chris the coach is very knowledgable and always eager to help, would recommend to anyone trying to get fit, compete in hyrox events, lose some weight, or even meet new people and try something new
Fantastic experience: My first Hyrox class and first time at the gym, I was made to feel very welcome by Chris and all the other members. The team are very knowledgeable and passionate about the training.
Fantastic experience: Welcoming and positive environment. Shep is a highly experienced coach, extremely supportive and personable. Hyrox focused sessions are well planned, very tough, yet adaptable to all fitness levels.
Fantastic experience: Great place to train. Main dude Chris is a great motivator and a top guy Sessions are always a blast and get the blood pumping like nothing else. In peak physical fitness because of The Alchemy
Fantastic experience: In my experience The Alchemy offers the best, most supportive and knowledgeable coaching around. The Hyrox training is excellent, and the sessions are exceptionally beneficial for competing and improving all round fitness.
Fantastic experience: I’ve known Chris for over 10 years now from when he was a boxing coach. I followed him when he started his personal training and am now a regular at The Alchemy. Great atmosphere and friendly environment in the gym. Chris’s knowledge on fitness, nutrition and how the body works in general is endless.
Fantastic experience: Started training @ the Alchemy in the last few months & I can’t put into words the difference it has made to my fitness levels & confidence when facing Hyrox themed sessions & track work! Chris (owner) supported me in qualifying for the world champs for Hyrox, a month or so into training! Atmosphere is epic & I’ve made some amazing friends who provide immense support & make you feel at ease Massive shout to the alchemy team for the warm welcome & to Chris for all the support… In for a big year!
Fantastic experience: Super friendly place and I’ve got the best results from consistent training. Having been in and out of various gyms over the years (including 18 years boxing) I feel I’m well placed to comment on how well this is ran. They really do care about you as a person and your needs are closely monitored. The level of knowledge is superb - highly recommended!
Fantastic experience: I am a professional boxer and have joined Chris at alchemy in order to improve strength without slowing me down. Chris is very knowledgeable around implementing strength and explosive movements in order to help me perform better. Can’t recommend the alchemy enough I’m looking forward to see where the year takes me.
Fantastic experience: Only wish I’d been introduced to alchemy years ago The kids love Chris one to one sessions and my niggling back pain has gone after just 6 private training session.
Fantastic experience: Chris is an amazing PT, he meets your needs and he will push you to do your best and to aim for your goals! Very professional and does everything step by step! Would 1000% recommend
Fantastic experience: The master of his work, brought shep on board to help assist me with my career as a professional boxer. His commitment he gives you is superb, not only a trainer for me but a good friend who is helping me reach my goals as a professional athlete. I drive from worsley to darwen every week to see shep and that speaks highly of his work!!!
Fantastic experience: Absolutely fantastic place to train, not only has my running improved, but also picking up less injuries due to chris s knowledge and know how Chris’s support is always fantastic and answers questions you have outside of his time , he is happy to help and guide you, and always interested in how you’re getting on day to day
Fantastic experience: I train many places in the past but this is by far the best place very knowledgeable coach Great atmosphere in group sessions and most of all got me to the fitness level I’ve been looking for for so long! Thanks chris
Fantastic experience: Amazing place to train. Great coach always pushing you to get the best out of your training. Lovely people to train alongside. Great atmosphere. Great value for money.
Fantastic experience: Chris is great at pushing you but also keeping it at your own pace and tailoring exercises to what you want to achieve! Would highly recommend
Fantastic experience: I’ve been training with Chris for a few months now. He pushes me every single class and fills me with knowledge on form, reps, strength etc. I’m enjoying my training more than ever and can’t wait to see what else is in store 10/10 would highly recommend.
Fantastic experience: Been coming to the alchemy for a good few months now to improve my strength and conditioning for boxing.. before I got there I just thought I'd be lifting heavy weights.. comely not the case.. the detail shep puts into his sessions and the knowledge he has on s and c is second to none.. the benefits I feel I have gained from his sessions is unreal.. I feel sharper stronger more explosive.. I buzz when I leave as I feel I have gained knowledge from it.. looking forward to the many years ahead with you mate .. thanks for helping and training me
Fantastic experience: I have never been to anywhere like it before, the classes are so inclusive there really is something for everyone. In the short time that I have been training, I have learnt so much. My mindset has completely changed and I feel so much more motivated. Chris really does take into account what you want to achieve and genuinely wants to help you reach your goals. I could not recommend The Alchemy enough!
Fantastic experience: I really enjoy training at The Alchemy. Chris is a fantastic trainer, very knowledgeable and professional. He offers a variety of sessions, tailored to meet individual needs. Its a great place to train with a great group of people, of all ages. I would highly recommend The Alchemy to anyone.
Fantastic experience: I've been training with Chris for the last 7 months and have never felt better, he understands what you want to achieve and will push you to your maximum potential to help you get there, his approach is extremely genuine and he is both and trainer and a friend, there's nothing about his training style that I can fault and the his enthusiasm about your own improvements make it even easier to push yourself. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else!
Fantastic experience: Since starting at Alchemy my strength and knowledge has increased dramatically. I understand so much better how my body works and which excercise targets which muscle best. Chris feeds you all his knowledge all the way through the session. He never let's you get comfortable, he understands what your goals are and helps you reach them. Before I started I had a lot of pain with my shoulders and neck I had a weak core and generally weak upper body. I can now do pull ups, press ups . My core is much stronger and because I am using the correct techniques I am suffering with alot less shoulder and neck pain. I recommend anyone from beginners to pro to go to Alchemy. The classes are fab, everyone that attends are very welcoming and works as a team through the sessions. It's a brilliant gym to be a part of.
Fantastic experience: The Alchemy is a great place to visit not only to keep fit but also raise your spirits. Chris is very approachable and makes you feel comfort with ease. Even after many years in the military, I still would rate him the greatest coach I have come across! 5 easy stars from me!
Fantastic experience: As the ‘newbie’ of the group strength sessions - the physical results are yet to be seen; but I can assure you they’re coming. As a female who was always fairly confident (not necessarily competent!) in weight training, but had lost my mojo and grown somewhat complacent in my usual gym; the idea of group work certainly took me out of my comfort zone. But that’s exactly what I needed! Recommended to Chris by a friend, he couldn’t of been more welcoming - and checks in with you throughout the sessions. He’s that push I needed to find my focus and motivation again. Watch this space! Highly recommended
Fantastic experience: Having an incredible experience at The Alchemy. Chris has helped me overcome injury, build strength and achieve goals I never imagined possible following medical advice. Very knowledgable and have seen results much quicker than anticipated.
Fantastic experience: What a fantastic training sessions I have at The Alchemy….. Never been a fan of the gym or any form of exercise to be totally honest and was extremely apprehensive about starting but I was hooked from the 1st Training session! Chris was so patient and understood my initial worries about starting something I had zero experience in! I very quickly felt comfortable and loved my sessions…. Highly recommend…..
Fantastic experience: Would 100% recommend Chris at The Alchemy! We’ve been working 1-1 for a short while now to correct and strengthen a shoulder injury. Each week I feel I gain more movement in my shoulder and pain and tightness lessens. I have been at the physio every 6 weeks for just under a year for hands on treatment and he was impressed and said how everything felt much looser and didn’t need to manipulate much even though I’d not mentioned that I’d been working with Chris. So if you find yourself with a similar problem and looking for someone to help - get in touch with Chris
Fantastic experience: Really enjoyed training with Chris over the past few months, and noticed results FAST! I became much stronger than I expected, and drastically improved my general fitness levels. You are pushed and worked hard, but the support within the group training classes makes you feel comfortable so you strive to achieve. Looking forward to returning when I'm back from uni!
Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to Alchemy for the last year, being fit & healthy has always been important to me. With Chris I’ve reached a new understanding of fitness & nutrition. I feel the best I ever have!! Chris will get you to your goals in a positive & encouraging way. Highly recommended
Fantastic experience: Each session delivered by Chris provides everything it says on the box high intensity training at its finest . . . Chris pushes you to your limit and you leave feeling like you have given all you have week on week. It is without a doubt the hardest I ever work during a workout with the benefits of a great coach and a group of like minded people who also want the most from their sessions.
Fantastic experience: 5 star service ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I am 26, and as a youngster I did a lot of dancing which was my form of exercise which I absolutely loved. Being part of a dance school usually stops when you get to college age, so for years I haven’t done anything that I’ve enjoyed and seen results with. I literally dread going to gyms, even the classes I find it SO hard to get myself there. I have tried and tried. It got me down because I knew I wanted to exercise to keep healthy but I just didn’t enjoy anything and I felt so guilty! UNTIL I did my first at home session with Chris! I cannot tell you how different I feel in myself, just a few weeks in. I’m so much more toned, so much stronger, & I feel so proud of myself. I actually enjoy my sessions and I don’t clock watch (which I usually would do). I’ve now even gained the confidence to attend classes at the gym with Chris which usually has 6/7 of us participating, and really look forward to going. He always keeps a check on you when doing different exercises to ensure you’re doing it correctly, which you’d never get at a normal gym class. Everyone is lovely and it’s always a good laugh. If you have ever felt like me, try having Chris as your coach. You won’t regret it. He really does know his stuff, and pushes you to the greatest of your ability without being un realistic. He believes in you and makes you believe in yourself and that’s when you see results. May I add, a lovely, friendly, great person. Thanks Chris You’ve managed to make me enjoy exercise, which I didn’t think was possible
Fantastic experience: I have been training with Chris from the start of 2022 to help me with my sport of professional boxing. In this time chris has helped me build my strength and speed and given me lots of insight in to other areas of my training. Would recommend him to anyone from beginners to athletes as he is really passionate about what he does and very knowledgeable
Fantastic experience: I have trained for years lifting weights then doing Crossfit, and sustained a double rotator cuff injury about 4 years ago which literally stopped me in my tracks. The Alchemy was recommended by a family friend and I went to see Chris who devised a program to get me going again, I was very wary to train as I didn’t want to injure myself again but not only has Chris got me training he has built my confidence back up to me feeling able to start getting involved in the classes. The programme has been so successful that I have had no pain, or impingement at all since working with Chris. As a seasoned gym rat I now have a new perspective on training and can’t thank The Alchemy enough.
Fantastic experience: Chris is an amazing guy, amazing coach, helps push you to your MAX and further. He’s been so great with me coming back in summer and over Christmas in my off season. He helps me stay fit, strong and explosive and every session I feel like I have worked so hard with a lot of purpose behind each exercise helping me work on football specifics. Gym sessions go by so fast because we have a good laugh whilst working hard. Would highly recommend for any person, whatever age, whatever your goal. He has so much experience and will get you where you want to be. Chris made my sister enjoy going to the gym and I never thought that would happen in my life so there you go.
Fantastic experience: If you’re looking to unlock your full potential, this is where it’s at! I have been following a structured gym program for 2 years, and in the short time I’ve been training with Chris I’ve raised the bar massively for myself. Through group classes and 1-1 sessions I’ve seen significant positive changes in my mindset, strength and fitness. I have been supported in optimising my workouts and nutrition to achieve my goals. Perfectly put “group training that delivers personal results” whether you are experienced, or feel like a beginner - it’s a fun and motivating environment at The Alchemy. Massive thanks to you Chris!
Fantastic experience: If I could give 10 stars I would. Highly recommend The Alchemy, obviously physical/health improvement being the main factor, but also for your mindset. Chris is a brilliant motivator - even on those days where your just not feeling it! He pushes you outside of your comfort zone and you come away from classes feeling amazing. Outside of sessions Chris is always on hand to offer support and answer any questions you may have. Group sessions are high energy, and you find not just Chris encouraging you but also others taking part - great team spirit when your surrounded by others who are motivated. You will not be disappointed training here. Thanks Chris, for all of your hard work and for putting up with my moaning!
Fantastic experience: Highly recommended the Alchemy , Chris is a knowledgeable professional who ensures everyone in his classes are catered to. The progress I have seen within myself as well as people I train with is amazing I am stronger, healthier, fitter and leaner than I ever have been . Chris’ nutritional plans are the best, never in my life have I enjoyed dieting but the plan I was put on didn’t even feel like a diet just nutritional food catered to my lifestyle and the results where fantastic. Chris has even spent time to adapt the sessions to my pregnancy his knowledge is insane! I have felt safe and strong throughout!
Fantastic experience: Training at the alchemy has enhanced my training through the roof. Working alongside Chris has been professional and has been amazing. The sessions are tailored towards the athlete/client and I have seen huge improvements in my performance in the ring. Nutrition and wellbeing has been on point as well as the physical training in the gym. Highly recommend
Fantastic experience: Been training with Chris for a couple of months and I have noticed not only a difference in physique but in mindset. Chris tailors the sessions to suit your goals/needs and gives you the knowledge and confidence to be able to do the workout independently. He’s also supported me with nutrition and got me on the right track in terms of what’s best to eat and when, while still understanding that life happens and it’s okay to go out for food/drink occasionally. Fab trainer and recommend 1000000%!
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