Benchmark Gym

Fantastic experience: It’s been a month since I started at benchmark and it’s made a real difference to my life. I’m feeling more confident and I can see and feel the changes happening in my body. The team are incredibly supportive and encouraging and you feel like you really matter. There’s such a happy vibe in each class and everyone leaves smiling. Each class is 45 minutes, but the best thing is that the programme is done for you but you monitor your own progress on your app. You don’t have to wander around wondering what to do next which is wasting unnecessary time and the session flies by! I’ve been to lots of different gyms and this has been my favourite. I’m a woman (of a certain age) and the programmes are focused around strengthening and conditioning and this is exactly what I need.

Fantastic experience: I love this place so much! The most experienced friendly knowledgeable trainers.. brilliant easy booking system and such a lovely vibe..this is the best investment i have ever made in myself..thank you all xx

Fantastic experience: joined benchmark in April 2023 I was super apprehensive of joining because I was suffering from long covid and had poor lung function. During the intro called I voiced my concerns and immediately they were put to rest the team were so accommodating at getting me moving again with baby steps. I improved massively with my fitness in the first 6 months but sadly caught an infection again which worsened my long Covid and left me with ME/CFS. After having some time off to recover I was keen to get back in the gym and benchmark made so many accommodations for me to ensure I could come back safely and supported me during each session where I could go at my own pace again and slowly build up. At first it was frustrating having built up all my strength and fitness prior to falling ill again and not being able to do the same but all the trainers were so reassuring and adapted workouts for me and kept encouraging me that in time it would come back. Fast forward 7 months and they were right with the correct support and encouragement I am slowly getting back to the level of fitness I had previously had. It has really helped massively with my mental wellbeing to be able to consistently get back to 3 sessions a week, most of all it has really helped me learn how to manage ME and long covid a bit better because you can go at the sessions at your own pace there is less chance of having a fatigue crash. Because the sessions are strength based it helps with ME as there is less stress on your body in comparison to cardio based classes. on days where I am having a good day I know I can push further and the trainers will encourage me but equally on days when I am not doing so well and can generally be super fatigued and in a lot of pain but manage to make it to session, trainers remind me that even doing slower pace and less weights ect is still ok and the fact I have made it in is a big accomplishment in itself. The days I really don’t want to go in are the days where I leave feeling so much better and motivated by not only the trainers but also fellow members. For anyone with long term health conditions I cannot recommend benchmark and the team enough, I have tried generic gyms classes ect in the past and I have never felt as supported as I do at benchmark. They will listen to you and understand your condition and find ways to help you and feel the best version of yourself. You can have monthly check ins and set goals for yourself with the trainers which really helps with the focus. The other members are also so lovely everyone is so welcoming and helpful and since being a member most of the regular members in my sessions are aware of my condition and are always really kind with checking in with me and helping in anyway they can. If your on the fence about joining try the 30 day trail and I am pretty sure like all members you won’t look back ☺️

Fantastic experience: Love the structure and routine of the sessions. You're given a warm welcome every session and supported throughout. Very Neurodiverse friendly! After 10 weeks I've noticed a significant improvement in my running and my overall day to day energy has increased.

Fantastic experience: Felt really nervous as never been to a gym before. Made me feel really welcome and always making sure you’re ok. Great atmosphere, music and always on hand to help.

Fantastic experience: I have just completed the 30 day challenge and it's been amazing. I've genuinely enjoyed every second ! The trainers are so knowledgeable and super helpful and it's a really friendly atmosphere. The 45min sessions fly by!! Would highly recommend to anyone, especially if you are new to the idea of weight training.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been a member of Benchmark for 2 months now. I was a member previously at a different gym but my mojo had gone, I kept finding excuses not to go & lacked consistency. The appeal of Benchmark was booking in for 3 sessions a week which to me gives me more accountability. The trainers are honestly all great, they push you in a good way, not in your face or bootcamp style, but always checking your form, and there in a flash if you're struggling with something. They will show you adaptations of exercises if you have an injury or joint difficulties which I’ve needed for a bad knee. They also provide advice on nutrition if you want it and offer a variety of workshops, for example pelvic floor. Members are friendly and a real mix of ages/ shapes and sizes. Personally, I love the way i can just go and get on with the session without worrying what i look like or being surrounded by mirrors! It’s early days for me but I’m definitely noticing a difference in my strength and stamina. It’s a huge achievement for me completing the 3 sessions a week and i know there’s lots of encouragement for me to carry on trying to reach my goals and get fitter and healthier. The only downside so far is the wretched stairs!!!

Fantastic experience: I did the 30 day challenge at Benchmark which was a great price compared to other gyms and personal trainers in the area. It's a friendly environment where you can have 1-2-1's with trainers to manage your goals and track your weight and muscle using the Inbody machine. It's unlike anything i've tried before but I have been really enjoying going. It's so easy to book your sessions on the app with various times and you can see how many people are also booked on to that session. All of the trainers at Benchmark are friendly and welcoming, they are happy to explain everything as many times as needed and help you whilst doing the exercises. I was initially worried about doing it in a group setting, but everyone is so nice and are focused on themselves. No one is judging you and it doesn't at all feel intimidating which is what i was afraid of! The coaching from the trainers really helps, they push you to do things you never thought you could and the great music helps you through it! There is an app that tracks your progress each session and links to your apple watch and the trainers are also available on whatsapp if you ever have any questions. I've recommended it to all my friends and wish I lived in the area permanently to continue going :)

Fantastic experience: Love it here! The PT’s are fab, it’s very friendly, not pretentious and I’m seeing results.

Fantastic experience: LOVE coming to BENCHMARK - I am not a gym person but these sessions are brilliant Really really good.. ALL the instructors are great Dan Lucy Adam Mark and Ben Very personal but with other people Just do it

Fantastic experience: 5 gym. No showers no mirrors no egos. Absolutely awesome trainers with great programs. Commit to attending and the guys will do the rest for you to help you set and achieve personal goals. Watch out for the finishers!

Fantastic experience: Started at benchmark 5 weeks ago, after 2 weeks of the 30 day trial I already knew this was the place for me, the staff are all so welcoming, they are all very knowledgeable and are amazing to work with! They explain everything so well and just make you feel so comfortable. 20 workouts later I feel fitter, stronger and mentally alot better! Being some one who has ADHD the above was all super important to me! And I just feel in a much better place to deal with all this and even my family have noticed the difference. I can't recommend this place enough, if you want to find a gym that is all the above and more then BENCHMARK is the gym for you !!!!

Fantastic experience: A brilliant gym with extremely supportive staff who have helped me become more confident in myself. Could not recommend enough.

Fantastic experience: This is the only gym to enter if you want actual change in a welcoming comfortable and encouraging environment ( and I'm a 14 stone size 18 -mum of 3 heading for 50) with a laugh along the way, the trainer's are always positive about your progress and journey there is no feeling of competition in here or inferiority which has so often stopped me walking round a regular gym with a piece of paper and no motivation, the sessions here are structured for a fluent workout with 2 trainers always helping you also you book on when you want them so it's all personal to your needs they are absolutely amazing I have now done 3 months of 3 sessions a week and not missed one I love it and my kids are as proud of me I can now out do them at sit ups and leg raises Get down here you'll be hooked.

Fantastic experience: I’ve tried gyms before but they’ve never really stuck. But Benchmark really works for me. The trainers are excellent, the programme is varied and fun (!) and it’s such a friendly group of people - a proper community. I’ve definitely become stronger, less prone to injury and feel better in myself. And I’m still coming after 5 years, which pretty much says it all!

Fantastic experience: What a wonderful place! I’ve always been into fitness and have dipped in and out of gyms/PT’s/classes etc. After being recommended Benchmark by a family member i was slightly sceptical due my previous experiences with gyms. As soon as I entered, I felt welcome by the team. My induction with Nathan was thorough and reassuring. The team at Benchmark are fab, and I love the fact that each trainer offers a different energy/perspective. I would highly recommend Benchmark for not just beginners but anyone thats in a gym slump and needs that extra push!

Fantastic experience: Joining the Benchmark community has been the best thing I have ever done! Juggling work, kids and a lot of extra activities is hard work but the great thing is the amount of sessions available. The team have been so kind and helpful in supporting me so far on my fitness journey.

Fantastic experience: 100% the BEST gym I’ve ever joined. It’s the only place I’ve ever kept up with - I joined for a month, thinking “I’ll see how it goes”, and I’m still going after two and a half years. The trainers are all really friendly, helpful and encouraging to get the best out of you. Whether you need a spot with extra weights, or your technique isn’t quite right, they’re always there to help out. Classes are well thought out, and changed regularly so you don’t get bored. BIG positive for me is that there’s none of this jumping around (HIIT), which, at 61, would NOT be good for my joints. It’s all about strength and conditioning. You can gain muscle if you want, or you can tone up - both of which I’ve done. I’ve never felt better after joining Benchmark - only regret is that I didn’t do it years earlier!

Fantastic experience: I’m so happy to share my experience in Benchmark gym. I’m new member ( about 2 months) and I never had that experience before. I lost 5 kg so far, my sleeping is better, I have more energy to do my daily routine. The team are so friendly and helpful, they find the way to give you the exercises that you need. Everyone is so busy doing their work and no one judges you for what you are doing or how you are doing the exercises. I highly recommend everyone to be part of this team and you will see the true results. Thank you so much Benchmark that makes me likes gym.☺️

Fantastic experience: Since rejoining Benchmark 2+ years ago, I am the strongest, fittest and most consistent I’ve been in my life! The energy and atmosphere when you walk in is uplifting .. you are always greeted with friendly faces, and there are no egos allowed! The encouragement and support of the best trainers mean I am achieving goals I never thought possible, and without pressure I have made so many new good habits and seen so many positive changes in my body and mindset. Benchmark offer so much more than ‘normal’ gyms and it is definitely the best community with members being their priority. The group sessions can be adapted to suit any injury, ability or issue so no one is excluded, there are planned monthly events (educational and ‘fun’), and the 6 week programmes ensure nothing gets tired, you stay focussed and are pushed to your full potential. If you need to see it to believe, do the 30 day trial and I guarantee you’ll be signing up on day 31!!!

Fantastic experience: I have hated going to the gym, and never stuck at anything for very long but Benchmark has changed my perception of gyms. The support, and camaraderie is second to none. I have arthritis in my lower back and two dodgy knees but that does not phase the trainers because they adapt the training routine to suit my needs whilst still making me work hard and making sure I still establish a full body workout. Every time I Leave the gym after a session , I feel like I have accomplished something and worked hard and always look like I have actually worked out, unlike other gyms I have been to in the past. I only signed up for the 30 day trial and now I'm hooked.

Fantastic experience: A great supportive environment to train Suits all abilities Great trainers.

Fantastic experience: Benchmark isn’t like a normal gym, no queuing for equipment or trying to squeeze into classes it’s a warm and friendly atmosphere and leaves you feeling your best after every session! Wish i had joined sooner

Fantastic experience: I did the 30 day challenge with Benchmark and would highly recommended. In 30 days I feel motivated, healthier and generally stronger when I started I struggled with the stairs and couldn’t lift a barbell above my head, by the end I could get to the top without being out of breath and lifted the barbell high This gym is such a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The trainers are all so lovely and encouraging. There is a really mistier of people, ages, shapes and sizes who go. Yes, it feels like a big upfront cost however it’s actually very worth its money when you look at it per session.

Fantastic experience: Great gym with great trainers. Joined over a year ago and still going!

Fantastic experience: From the second I walked in felt extremely welcome. The trainers are so supportive, friendly & knowledgeable. The first gym I’ve felt comfortable in and genuinely look forward to going to. Only wish I’d found it sooner.

Fantastic experience: Since joining Benchmark, I have seen and felt so many differences, one of the biggest being dropping 2 dress sizes and now actually fitting in clothes from pre-pregnancy again. One of the things I wasn’t expecting was actually enjoying getting stronger, when I first started I thought I would never be able to lift anything and now I am starting to increase weights and get such satisfaction out of hitting new personal bests. Joining benchmark meant I was just making the move from doing nothing to doing something. I haven’t made a dramatic changes with my diet, other than making smarter choices. But one thing I have noticed is that just through going, my attitude towards what I want to put in my body has changed so I’m just making sure that I’m eating the things I know are going to fuel my body well and not hold it down and feel lethargic. Since joining, I’ve felt so many benefits from the physical side of losing weight, getting stronger and becoming less lethargic meaning I can keep up with my toddler much easier than before! But importantly it’s the mental side as well, it’s the 45 minutes in a day where I can switch off, I’m not in work mode, I’m not in mum mode, I just get to clear my head and do something for me which I think has meant I’m more resilient to deal with anything else.

Fantastic experience: The Benchmark team are amazing ! Encouraging, friendly and personal ! The sessions are great lots of support and fun too which helps with consistency and reaching your goals would recommend them to anyone wanting to improve their health I can’t believe the results in such a short space of time I’m fitter, stronger and I’ve got much more energy and confidence

Fantastic experience: Benchmark isn’t just a gym, it’s a lifestyle! If you enjoy a good workout, with enthusiastic trainers, great music in a sociable setting, then here is the place for you. Want advice or pushing to achieve goals and friendly faces, they have that here too. It’s a very welcoming and addictive gym, I thoroughly enjoy.

Fantastic experience: Loved doing my 30 day challenge!! Wish I could stay on but due to finances I can't. It's a brilliant gym and the physical trainers help you and push you. Whilst also having a laugh and creating a great atmosphere. If it was less expensive I would go but I did the 30 day challenge- 3 sessions a week for 4 weeks for 45 mins to prove to myself i could get back in to it. All the PTs there are excellent and will check on you individually throughout the sessions. I loved it. If you can afford it, This is the place to go. I loved it and it's made me want to continue working on myself !!! Thank you to all the staff there, you are great !!!

Fantastic experience: I have really enjoyed my journey so far. I joined after having surgery on my ACL. Within a few months I feel much stronger and painfree. The coaches are extremely welcoming and helpful. I've recommended Benchmark to my friends and I'm excited to continue to get fitter & stronger. So glad I decided to make the change. Don't hesitate x

Fantastic experience: I joined Benchmark around 6 months ago and I can honestly say it's one of the best things I've ever done. I am not one for gyms in general..i find them intimidating and unfriendly. Benchmark is the total opposite. The trainers are absolutely amazing..not only are they excellent trainers, they are also friendly, warm and funny! I can genuinely say I look forward to each session for many reasons; the time flies, you don't have to think at all about what to do as it's all planned out for you, the music is energising and motivating and the members are all very friendly and happy. The only negative is the never ending stairs to climb to arrive at the gym!

Fantastic experience: I joined Benchmark Gym about 6 months ago, after a long break from regular strength training I was looking for a gym where I could access classes to improve fitness and strength, as well as lose weight. Benchmark's group pt model really fits the bill.. the classes run at times that suit my lifestyle - I love that I can go at 6.15am! The trainers are friendly and knowledgeable, the equipment is plentiful (no waiting for stuff to become available) and the atmosphere is welcoming. I'm going twice a week on average and am building strength, increasing mobility. I love it. recommended

Fantastic experience: Best ‘gym’ experience by a mile. Friendly instructors that listen and are always on hand to help out and offer advice.

Fantastic experience: Superb gym! Fantastic, caring trainers and wonderful friendly members. I’m so pleased I found this place. I highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Excellent gym, community and team of trainers! Sessions are well structured and you have the convenience of your own training area to complete the workouts: No waiting around for machines to be available. This isn't like your usual open gym; you have a set workout arranged at each session that you follow along with the trainer and the workout is displayed on the screens. I like how the trainers ensure that everything is well co-ordinated and focused for the 1hr session... including the playlist! Of course with this, you are paying more than if you joined your local pure Gym etc, and that is to be expected if you wanted your own training space, equipment and set program. Highly reccomended - give their 30 day challenge a try and see if its right for you. There's enough parking in and around the gym for convenience too.

Fantastic experience: When I walked into the gym, after catching my breath back after the stairs! I was super nervous anxious and felt awkward. Lucy came over to introduce herself and I began to tell her where I had got to in life. Totally lost, unfit, the heaviest I have been and the told her the experience I had walking into another similar gym the month before, that made me never return. I cried and she took me into the office and told me her story and how Benchmark works. I started to come at the daft time of 6.15am three times a week, and still do to this day, it will be 2 years in September this year and I can’t see myself stopping. I have found my happy place for being active that I can maintain and it sets me up for the day. It’s weirdly true how nice the trainers and members are, the music is loud and decent and I feel like I have another chance at being me again. Thank you for changing my stuck miserable existence in not moving or looking after myself to who I am now. Thank you Sarah

Fantastic experience: I have been a member at benchmark for almost 2 years now after signing up for the initial 30 day trial, and can honestly say I’m so glad I did! I love it! There are no egos, it’s very welcoming and the trainers are fab. Love how the strength training programs change every 6 weeks so theres no chance of getting bored. I started here to get back into the gym after injury, and the support from trainers and other members has been amazing. Everything is tailored to your specific needs and if you need (or want) pushing, then that’s what happens! It is more than a gym, it’s a really great community with out of gym activities each month that you can join in too.

Fantastic experience: I have completed my first 30 days at Benchmark, 3 sessions each week and can honestly say my only regret is not starting here sooner! To commit to this routine both financially and time wise was a big thing for me as I needed to change my lifestyle and wanted to just feel better about myself. I also wanted to see if I could actually manage the early starts and to see if I had the strength and determination to continue with it - I have and will continue to do so because the set up, structure and the positivity of all the trainers make you feel you can do it and continuously encourage and guide you. The other members are also genuinely lovely people who are just there to keep fit and healthy. A great place to be and I am now at a stage of actually looking forward to getting up at 5.30am three times a week just so I can train here - speaks volumes!

Fantastic experience: Benchmark is not a gym—it's a place with great music, supportive coaches and laughter that makes training fun. Stepping inside, you'll find yourself amongst the friendliest bunch of coaches and members, all committed to helping you navigate the equipment and simple exercises until you feel completely at ease. Here, there are no mirrors, no selfies, and definitely no gym-bros! All you need to bring is a smile and a promise to yourself to give it your all. The coaches at Benchmark are incredibly supportive and understanding, catering to all sorts of injuries, fitness levels, and even life circumstances! They create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and encouraged to push to their own personal goals. My only regret is not discovering this gem sooner—it's a game-changer!

Fantastic experience: My wife and I have been going to Benchmark for the last two years and enjoy it as much now as we did at the start. We've never been so consistent, or seen such good results. Great trainers, great members, great value for money. We'd both highly recommend Benchmark to anyone who's considering it.

Fantastic experience: Lovely gym - classes are a lot of fun

Fantastic experience: Great gym highly recommended

Fantastic experience: Brilliant place, especially for people like me who aren’t totally comfortable in a regular gym. Read all about them online and in the socials. Read people’s testimonies. Then you’ll get it

Fantastic experience: Everything stated in these posts is true. A helpful, friendly place. Trainers who show you how to do things correctly and help you to get better week by week.

Fantastic experience: Fabulous set up. Really friendly. Loads of support and help for a complete beginner like me who was scared of all things ‘gym’ because I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Look forward to going and feel great when I’ve been.

Fantastic experience: Excellent gym. The atmosphere is electric and the instructors are amazing. Loving each session and the exercises are highly effective, giving each muscle group a work out. Highly recommend this gym

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym! The trainers are all really friendly and make you feel at ease, you can take everything at your own pace , there is no pressure if you are having an off day or want to take it slow! Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Friendliest gym I've ever been to, both trainers and other members make it feel like a proper local community. I'm fitter and stronger than I've been for years. And The individual attention to technique and progression plus all the extras (yoga, organised walks advice on nutrition and lots more) makes this gym stand out. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym with superb instructors making everyone feel so comfortable. Completely changed my thoughts on gyms and what exercise should look like. Just wish I worked closer so I could come back!

Fantastic experience: Bit annoying there are only 5 stars allowed on reviews as Benchmark deserve more! Quite simply life changing joining this gym. Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable trainers at every session and they create a fun and supportive atmosphere. I joined almost 5 years ago and I'm not only physically fitter and stronger, but it has massively helped my mental health (especially through all those lock downs, even if the sessions were virtual!). Great community of members provide another layer of support and I've made lots of friends. Literally sets the benchmark for how a gym should be.

Fantastic experience: Benchmark is great because the trainers are superb and the classes are a good format - combination of weights and cardio in a 45min session is perfect. The trainers know everybody by name and there is a real sense of community. The gym setting is ace - spaced out and a specific 'pod' per every two people helps with getting your workout done efficiently. I like that the trainers adapt your workout if you have a problem too - they will flex it to suit you without compromising on individual performance.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been at benchmark gym for almost two years. I’ve managed to consistently attend classes throughout my time here because it’s easy to book on through the app, but more importantly there is great support from all the trainers and members. I’ve lost weight, got stronger, sleep better but most importantly feel great. Benchmark is a big part of my life now and can’t imagine not being here.

Fantastic experience: I have really loved my first 4 weeks. Love the set up of the sessions and all of trainers are really encouraging, gentle suggestions to increase the weight etc. have been pushing me. The gym atmosphere makes me feel very comfortable, would not go near weights in my old gym, felt so conscious. Everyone has been friendly. Thanks very much, I am enjoying exercise again!

Fantastic experience: Great Team.. Had my First session and loved it. Very encouraging and Supportive Team.

Fantastic experience: I have really enjoyed my first month with benchmark. All the staff have been very helpful with my training and have a great positive attitude about others training with encouraging advise plus handy tips for positioning correctly during each exercise. I find working out in a class very motivating with the music blasting out whilst still being instructed what to do and how to do (not sure of Adams little mix tunes lol). I have taken photos from before i have started and even now after just 6 week there is a massive difference in my shape and also I fit into my cloths so much better. i have found myself doing mini training sessions while going about my everyday life, like running up the stairs in building rather than taking the lift , even picking things up in a manner that targets specific muscles rather than randomly picking something up. All in all a great experience which i intend to keep up. thank you Lynden

Fantastic experience: All the trainers are great and make it really easy to push yourself. It's made me realise how much I enjoy and need exercise again and its made it really easy to get back into it after a couple of years of not using a gym. All you have to do is turn up and put the effort in.

Fantastic experience: I was scared and a bit apprensive when I joined the FIT programme however now in my third week have been made to feel very welcome from Day 1 I would highly recommend it all my worries seem a long way away

Fantastic experience: I’ve just completed my first month with Benchmark gym. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner..as in many years sooner. The facilities are great, the trainers are all very knowledgable and keep you motivated. Everyone is incredibly welcoming, so you don’t feel like a complete newbie..I’ve already recommend this gym to several of my friends and family

Fantastic experience: Great atmosphere, great trainers, a gym you go to to enjoy your sessions, but still get great results.

Fantastic experience: I clicked on the Benchmark trial link on Facebook after having 1 two many gins on a Saturday night and immediately forgot all about it; so I must admit I had a little  panic when Mark rang me a couple of days later to discuss joining the programme. I think I have tried every gym going and I am always the same, I sign up with great enthusiasm and gusto and then two weeks later give up. Gyms are always great at first - they give me a fab induction, set me a programme but then they leave me to my own devices, not a good move for me as I struggle to motivate myself. So I quit.  I remember Mark saying “at Benchmark we are different” and I thought “yup, they all say that” and then he said “you join a community, we help and support each other” and I thought “hum….., they don’t all say that” and so I decided to give it a go.  What can I say - he was right. 7 months on I am still doing 3 sessions a week and somehow they even managed to motivate me enough to keep doing the zooms in lockdown!  All the PT’s are brilliant, so professional and knowledgeable but not in a scary way, and they give you individual advice to help you improve you.  I always hated the fact that gyms are usually full of stick thin beautiful people or really muscly bodies and there was no-one like me there - a fat 50 something woman. Benchmark is a community because it has every type of person there, all working towards their own goals, and all supporting each other to do it. It’s not an instant fix, you have to work hard at it, and put the effort in, but they help you with the motivation to do it. I remember at the end of my first week Mark said “are you enjoying it” and I said “Are you mad? This is really hard work! Who enjoys doing this?” he just smiled and told me I was doing great and to see how I felt at the end of the trial. I didn’t need to wait that long, by the end of the second month I was hooked, and already signed up. I was getting out of bed at 6:30 in the morning to go to the gym and was looking forward to it (and I love my bed and my sleep)… what had happened to me? I asked Ben this question one morning and he said “that’s what we do at Benchmark - we change people”. And they have. They have changed me. Not just physically - although the weight is slowly coming off, but mentally too, I am mentally stronger and more resilient, I am sleeping better, and I have made new friends. I know this is going to sound like a cliche but don’t feel like I have joined a gym, I feel like I have joined a family. If you are like me, and wavering, be brave and give it a go - you never know, you might actually enjoy it!

Fantastic experience: Started with next to no experience of gym equipment/terminology. Age 48 it felt daunting coming along. The place isn’t pretentious or full of mirrors. The people attending are so nice. Everyone works to their own ability. Lucy our assigned coach was extremely understanding and informative. At times when I felt like I wasn’t getting something the trainers were on hand to explain / demonstrate. You are never made to do anything you find too difficult but at the same time you are encouraged to step it up when the coaches can see you are able to do so. Mark, Adam and Lucy adapt exercises to suit individuals needs/health issues etc. I have already seen an improvement in my body shape, strength and weight. The aches are ongoing as you are able to do more, but not as hard as the first week! It’s definitely worth getting through the first couple of weeks aches as it gets easier! Over the months trial course, I’ve started getting more familiar with the trainers terminology. Personally attending three times a week, completely 10,000 steps each has motivated me to eat better and keep more focussed/disciplined with my diet and keeping more active away from the gym. I am starting to enjoy my new outlook and already feel more confident in my own skin. Fitting into clothes which were too small is a great motivator as well as feeling healthier. I am very grateful to my friend who originally convinced me to join up to do this trial. Thanks Benchmark!

Fantastic experience: Love it!

Fantastic experience: Me and husband go together. It’s a totally different gym experience. They’ve become a second family and a treasured group of friends. Every session is a pleasure

Fantastic experience: Great place to not only train but meet like minded people who want to better there overall health and fitness no matter what age Just a number in this place I've been a member for over 2 years and still love to train The trainers are all not only knowledgable but helpful and there to lift you when your having one of (those) sessions All the members are really friendly and theres a good vibe around the gym

Fantastic experience: I attended this gym early 2019 as I was just finishing off my PhD. I was seriously unhealthy and unfit after spending months as a thesis writing hermit. I joined this gym with my husband on a whim and it really took my by surprise how fantastic and attentive all the staff were. They genuinely cared about progress and never made me feel bad for being slower at tasks or pushed me to the point I felt sick. For someone who absolutely detest exercise, they made going to the gym actually fun. Madness. It costs more than PureGym yes, but you get so much for your money and you wont give up 3 sessions in like you would at a 'normal' boring gym. Unfortunately I had to leave this gym as I got a job in the USA but I've never found a gym as good as Benchmark.

Fantastic experience: Brilliant gym. Great trainers, setup and atmosphere. Takes the hassle out of getting fit - all you need to do is show up and put the effort in. Trainers will tailor sessions to individual needs so it's suitable for everyone. Top class.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been attending this gym for a year and it has changed my life. Dropped three dress sizes but more importantly I am stronger, healthier and happier. I recommend it to anyone. The trainees are skilled and supportive, Mark and Ben are passionate about what they do but the real bonus is all the other people who go and the community spirit - they celebrate your successes with you and keep you in track when you are struggling.

Fantastic experience: What can I say about Benchmark... A gym like no other. I joined Benchmark a little over 2 years ago after doing their 30 day trial. Friendly, warm and knowledgeable trainers. Small group pt sessions which are planned out for you and can be personalised to suit you're needs and ability. The sense of community feel from the other members is amazing and the support and encouragement from like minded people.

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym! Such a fun and friendly environment to train. All the trainers are a top bunch. Lots of varied equipment. Every session is thought through meticulously, meaning workouts never become stale and boring. 5*

Fantastic experience: Never enjoyed going gym so much!

Fantastic experience: Well equipped, great staff, great vibe.

Fantastic experience: Best gym I have ever been to. Fantastic community spirit, wonderful trainers. Not an ego in sight! X

Fantastic experience: The best gym we’ve ever been to! Great high energy classes, great motivation from trainers and other members. 1st time I’ve ever really seen results from going to the gym (never worked out this hard before, they really push you) and met some lovely people whilst being a member!