“After a long time away from the gym, it dawned on me just how easy it was to lose my fitness, and how unhealthy my lifestyle had become. I needed change, some direction and to do things the RIGHT way. That’s when I started the Foundations Programme at Unity Gym.

I can’t speak highly enough about the quality of coaching from Leon, Keith and Laura. The technical detail was just what I was looking for to improve my core stability, breathing and exercise technique. My deadlift improved so much that I don’t think I’ve ever managed as much volume in one session before as I have here.

The biggest thing that Unity Gym has that other gyms don’t, is that amazing sense of community and feeling part of the team. Everyone is there to help each other get stronger, faster, better. I’ve been to a lot of gyms and group coaching classes and nothing compares. I’ve made new friends along the way and I know we’re all there to support each other through the tough workouts!

The first session was a wake up call, and the last session was where I finally found my discipline. I’m now ready to start the Groundwork Programme to continue my journey, and I cannot wait!”

Ahsan

“Although I had never been an absolute specimen of physicality, I used to see myself as fairly fit. I could get up and down the football pitch at weekends and always managed to pass my Army Reserve unit fitness tests.

However, finishing university and starting work steadily eroded away my fitness. Working shifts as an A+E doctor made eating right and finding time to exercise a real challenge, and over a few years the damage began to show.

When I failed my first Army Fitness test in 6 years I knew something needed to change. The next day a friend recommended I attend a taster session at Unity GYM.

Keith put me through my paces at my first session, encouraging me to work harder than I had in years. The sense of satisfaction from pushing myself beyond my comfort zone and the knowledge that I was taking back control of my fitness was a brilliant feeling.

The rest of the foundation program was just as good, physically demanding but also putting a lot of emphasis on getting the technique and movements right from the start, which was really important for me as I was a complete novice when it came to lifting weights. All happening in an environment full of support and encouragement from the training team and other gym members.

Previously I felt my A+E shift work clashing with sessions would be a barrier to joining a GYM. But both Leon and Keith have gone out of their way time and again to help me fit training in around my work commitments

Already after 4 weeks I can see the tide starting to turn, I feel stronger, have lost weight and have more energy than I’ve had in years. I’m always looking forward to the next session and can’t wait to see what I can achieve moving forwards.”

Robbie

“Since coming to uni I have struggled to find a way to get fitter which I enjoyed and would stick to. That was until a friend (who I am forever indebted to now) told me about Unity Gym. Never would I have ever thought that this would be my thing. But it is! I absolutely love it and the sessions are always the highlight of my day. I can feel myself slowly getting fitter and stronger and that’s down to this place and the amazing guys that run it. Keith and Leon have been pivotal to my journey. They make sure that you’re always pushing forwards even when you think you can’t. Except you can, and they know how to make you realise that. They make sure you’ve got a strong foundation to work on and the correct technique to build on. They really make this place special.

Everyone is so welcoming and there’s such an incredible community and family atmosphere at Unity Gym. That’s something that used to put me off joining a regular gym. Here everyone encourages you and champions you on. It’s smiles all around, even when you’re drenched in sweat and can barely catch your breath.”

Samaa Musa

“When I started my journey at the end of September 2018, I knew I wanted to be the very best I could be in many ways. One of them included being the best physically.

I reached a peak, as many people do, and I thought I was at the pinnacle of my physical fitness.

After walking into Unity Gym for the first session, I knew that I had created a myth.

So yes, it has been an arduous and painful journey but I am now on another level. This is all thanks to Keith, Leon and the Unity Gym atmosphere. Of course, as a person of faith, my greatest thanks comes to God Almighty above (without whom I would never have had the physical strength to do anything in the gym).

I urge every single one of you to come and to Unity Gym. This isn’t just your average gym. This is the playground of titans.

You don’t need to have amazing strength or a body of Tarzan. You just have to possess the grit to learn, the heart to continue and the faith in your talents.

So try it out now. I’m sure Seth Rollins would be praying to walk foot in there.”

Alvin

“On 15th October 2018 I walked 599 steps up a slight bank from home to the top of the hill at Unity Gym’s location.It was more a slow uncomfy waddle, sweating and I was out of breath.

I joined Unity Gym’s Foundations programme and I have loved every session. Today I feel fitter, I have more energy and can see small changes in my body shape.

I am now looking forward to the next part of my journey on the Groundworks programme. I have to say the trainers are fantastic and give you 100% commitment in teaching you the correct techniques in breathing and the use of equipment and encourage you to keep going when you really want to stop.

Thanks to Keith who has been with me on my journey. Those 599 steps today on 7th November 2018 took and easy 4 minute brisk walk. The only downside Keith is you need to update your playlist .”

Lesley

“I recently completed a 6 week strength program and cannot praise the gym and its instructors enough. A long list of previous injuries meant I have been apprehensive about increasing the intensity of my training over the last few years and I found myself making very little to no progress.

I have used gyms on and off for the best part of 10 years I thought I had a relatively good standard of knowledge. However, the guys at Unity really focus on the details, from your breathing, to technique, offering an extremely welcoming and encouraging training environment.

Despite only training for 6 weeks, I completed the program feeling noticeably stronger with much more confidence in my body. I have started playing rugby again competitively for the first time in six years and cannot wait to see how I can progress in the coming months.

I would personally like to thank Keith for his efforts and encouraging me to sign onto the program, and the other instructors Leon and Wayne for their guidance and support throughout! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thanks again.”

Jordan Carey
Outside Half for Blaydon Rugby Club

“As a more mature person I was apprehensive walking into Unity gym- however what I found was a supportive encouraging environment. The coaches are knowledgeable ensuring good safe technique, well structured sessions tailored to individual needs, ensuring progression. I have loved every minute. As my strength and stamina has improved the impact on my general health and fitness has benefited my other day to day activities. I can’t recommend this gym or the coaches enough.”

Jane Johnston
Fisher(wo)man, keen walker and great cook!

“I joined these guys nearly three years ago to address a perpetual cycle of running injuries. I was your standard runner with non-existent core stability. Leon recognised this straight away and worked with me to address my ankle mobility and weak glutes. Subsequently Keith has provided advice when I didn’t learn and ended up with another running over-use injury before my last race. He tailored the training so I could still train and race.

In the beginning, being a runner I got a buzz from the cardio challenge of the workouts and the team workouts, I remember some 20 minute tyre carry exercise, it was great! But I have always been nervous of the barbell (it has taken me about 2 years to compute what each lift was!) and always tried to keep my lifts with in my comfort zone.

Never in a million years did I think I’d lift some of the weights I have done. They aren’t the heaviest, but I’m still progressing each time I step in the gym. I have much less barbell fear, with a small desire to lift heavier each time.

All the coaches have shown great patience with my lack of coordination! No-one wants you to miss a lift and the cheer when you have made it is second to none. Everyone who trains here has a great attitude and offers support. Whether its a tip on something they have struggled with. Or a smile, a face of sympathy and always encouragement mid-workout.

I honestly can’t recommend these guys enough, such a team. It’s definitely not your standard CrossFit gym, everyone is welcome no matter what your fitness or skills. These guys will work with you to become stronger and fitter whilst having a laugh and making some good mates along the way.”

Jess Illingworth
Accountant, hiker, runner, now weightlifter

“I cannot express what Unity Gym has done for me over the past 5 years. Currently I am starting my 6th and final year of university and am part of a high-level cheerleading team. I joined Unity Gym in 2014 when I came to study medicine at uni. Prior to moving to Newcastle, I had been a high-level athlete competing at National and international level. Unfortunately, due to this and personal circumstances, I came to university an eating disorder. Although I was a successful athlete, it was time to move on and I had decided I wanted to start new things at uni.

Finding Unity Gym was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. From the start the atmosphere in the gym was like nothing I had experienced before. There were people of all ages, sizes and abilities training together and encouraging each other. There was an unspoken consensus that it didn’t matter what you looked like, how heavy you were lifting or how fast you were running; as long as you were working hard and giving your all that was all that mattered. Early on Leon made us aware how important good nutrition was for our progress and I realised very quickly how badly a session could go without eating enough. Without realising the community at Unity Gym has helped me tackle my ED so that now it hardly ever affects me, which 5 years ago, I would have thought was impossible.

The coaches at Unity are always encouraging, enthusiastic and want the absolute best out of you, even if that means 100 burpees for being late! They can adapt the sessions to meet all ability levels and are able to deal with my numerous injuries which is impressive. You are never shouted at for doing something badly or wrong. However, expect to hear Leon bellowing encouragement across the gym along with the rest of gym when you’re hitting a new PB. For me, Unity is somewhere I go, knowing I will come away feeling better and more positive. Since starting with this gym, Leon has been an incredible coach. As someone who is a complete perfectionist and highly competitive, I can be difficult to coach. However somehow Leon has managed it for 5 years.

Not only is he a technically excellent coach, he is able to tell what I can manage on a particular day, even when I have no idea. He is able to push me when I’m being lazy but will equally tell me to chill out when I push myself too hard. He is also very understanding when it comes to my cheerleading commitments and has always encouraged me and motivated me when it has been tough.

Without this gym and its community, I would have really struggled during my first year of university and still be tackling a severe ED. However, Unity has allowed me to flip my view on training and nutrition from what I looked like and whether I win or not to what my body can do and how I can better myself for myself. To me Unity gym is much more than a random group of people who train together, it is a family that builds each other up and always supports one and other. I have recommended Unity Gym to many of my uni friends and many have joined and really loved it. I could not recommend this gym more to anyone out there looking for a place to not only improve their physical health but also their mental health and well-being. Honestly this community will change your life.”

“Since having kids, I had found it hard to get back to a consistent training routine and had felt a bit demotivated. I started training at Unity and the difference has been really noticeable. The small class sizes, friendly and supportive atmosphere and great coaching help with the motivation and every session is both hard work and great fun. I feel pushed beyond my comfort zone, but completely safe too. The coaches carefully monitor what everyone is doing and provide detailed guidance on technique. This is the first time post-kids that I have felt like I’m really making progress and it’s a great feeling.

The location is really good and there are plenty of class times to choose from during the week, before and after work. This makes consistency easier to maintain and I find it less of an effort to fit training in around the kids and work. The atmosphere in the gym is another thing that makes going to Unity easy and enjoyable. There are some pretty impressive people training there, alongside every other level and complete beginners, but there are no egos. Everyone is treated the same – you are there to train, whoever you are. Yes, exercises can be scaled, depending on your ability, but whoever you are, you will be encouraged to push yourself. For me, this is what really makes the atmosphere great.”

“I have only been training at unity gym for one month and I have have improved substantially already. When I started I wasn’t able to do even one ring muscle, and today I have just done 20 ring muscle ups within 10 minutes.

The atmosphere is very inviting in the gym and the way the coaches explain things makes it very easy to learn fast. They break down more technical moves like the snatch in a way that makes it easy to pick up, my understanding of how to move properly with barbell movements has improved dramatically in one month

The coaches are very attentive and work with you thoroughly until you have met the criteria that they are looking for, whether that be form, work rate or general guidance.”

Jake

“I’d been wanting to get healthier and fitter for some time and had been complaining about not being motivated to a friend, they pointed me in the direction of Unity Gym and suggested to try a taster session so I went onto the website and I booked myself on.

I had quite literally no idea of what to expect, I cycled over after work for my session and I’m not going to lie, I was petrified. It looked pretty intimidating from a distance however, my friends’ partner spotted me and waved me over and thank god she did. I had my first session with Leon but quickly realised I did not have the fitness level I wanted.. nevertheless I quickly found out that everyone at the gym, trainers and goers alike, were truly supportive and you instantly gained a real sense of community.

I booked myself on to the foundations course and thought I’d give myself a real go at this. The foundations course is brilliant, the trainers correct your posture and show you the fundamentals to the box… yes you learn a phrase or two along the way as well. But who knew that changing little things about your technique could make so much difference to your performance.

I’d never really done weight training before and did not know what I was missing out on.. There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of getting a Personal Best. The strength and power you get from the workouts is addictive.

Yes, there are workouts which involve everyone’s favourite exercise.. the dreaded burpee BUT once you have completed the foundations you’re doing the same workout (tailored to your abilities) as everyone else and with classes no bigger than 12 and since you are all doing the workout together, it feels like a real team effort where everyone in that room is routing for you to do well and vice versa.

After every workout you feel a real sense of achievement. The workouts are all varied which keeps it fresh and fun. Some of my favourites are doing rope climbs (sitting to standing at the moment, one day I may be able to climb properly), back squats, rowing and pull up development.

I can’t emphasise enough how the trainers motivate you, challenge you and support you on your fitness journey and help you get to where you want to be.

Funnily enough when I started going to unity gym I didn’t even know what CrossFit was let alone that I was doing it.. now I’m all about the WOD (Workout Of the Day) and I honestly haven’t felt this good in years and I have the whole Unity Gym family to thank for that.”

Tabby

“Her advice to the new guys and gals training with us is “Commit to the programme (or at least be realistic at the outset about what you can commit to) then train consistently”

And the 3 things (well, 4) that she’s learned about herself since training with us are

1.The biggest barrier to lifting is my negativity.

2.I like a challenge – I hate not being able to do something but I’ll keep trying until I get it.

3.I perform the best when I train with other people. (4 – I like chalk) She’s not a negative person at all just suffers self-doubt like most of us when attempting new loads, despite having already done the work to prepare us for the new personal bests.”

Lou

“So you think you can’t do something, well Unity Gym soon makes you realise you can do it and more! Unity Gym makes you a stronger human being both physically and mentally 💚

The facilities are great, the coaches are extremely knowledgeable and the members are friendly. I’ve trained with them for several years and would never look elsewhere.”

Anne

“I’d definitely recommend Unity gym for anyone wanting to challenge themselves! The coaches are very knowledgeable and push you to improve your form and to lift heavier! It’s not a chore going to a session, and everyone is super friendly! Seeing the improvements in myself since starting in January have been far greater than when I was going to regular gym classes”

Lizzy

“I’d definitely recommend Unity gym for anyone wanting to challenge themselves and change their views on fitness. The coaches are amazing and supportive and push you just the right amount. There is no such thing as an unachievable goal at unity. I started in April I cant not believe what I have achieve so far, I’m looking forward to seeing what you can teach me next.

Every session is full of a warm welcome and great atmosphere.”

Nikki

“I would highly recommend Unity Gym to anyone starting off their fitness journey. As a rugby player I had been around gyms and strength and conditioning before, however, I lacked consistency and form.

Keith, Leon and Wayne were all really helpful in ensuring that the sessions were varied, challenging, competitive and fun. The attention to detail regarding form and building strength week on week has massively benefitted my off-season training and I thoroughly enjoyed every session had with the Unity guys. New exercises were explained in detail, and guidance was constantly given throughout the training sessions and program.

Keep up the good work guys!”

“I took part in a foundations / sport relative course as part of my pre-season training for my local rugby club.

The sessions were selective and specific to the requirements I needed in order to gain strength and fitness. As I have never been a regular gym go-er, my knowledge and technique for constructive gains have never been where they should be. Under the instruction of the experienced and knowledgeable coaching staff at Unity, I was able to successfully lift big weight in a safe and controlled manner, far exceeding my expectation of what I thought I could do. The results are showing now on the rugby pitch.

Class sizes were small making the experience highly tailored to the individual and worthwhile.

Alex Clark
Blaydon Rugby Club – Centre