A Carlisle gym is encouraging more women to take up fitness training.
Women like Jo Lloyd – who never went near a gym because she lacked the confidence – say that iCan, Carlisle’s women-only gym has transformed their lives
Jo, 49, admits she was scared to go to other gyms, but now loves going to iCan up to four times a week.
“I had never stepped in a gym in my life because I felt I was too large. Then I came to a class at iCan with a friend and they made us really welcome.
“I am probably the fittest I have ever been and going to the gym has helped with my mental health so I feel so positive about myself.
“When I first came I was terrified but within two weeks I was loving it. And then during the lockdown, I was in a really bad place and iCan did so much to reach out and help me,” she said.
“At the moment I am waiting for an operation on my knee, but I can’t stop going for the social side – it’s like a little family and so good for your health and mentality.”
Trainer Jenny MacKenna said one of key factors in its success was the support the members give each other.
“It is a really good community and so nice to be part of something that is bringing people back together. Everyone has their own personal target, but all the members motivate each other,” she said.
Freelance model Natasha Bloxham, 34, is another big fan of the iCan approach after being put off larger gyms.
“I joined because I felt intimidated by the usual gym set-up where you feel people are looking at you and judging you. In a women-only gym there is no form of intimidation.
“It’s a community and everybody supports each other. I go two to three times a week and feel so much better, my balance has improved, I have toned my body right up and I feel really good.”
The iCan gym has been steadily increasing its membership since lockdown measures increased and hopes to be back to its pre-pandemic peak of 240 sometime this year.
Director Lisa Bridgewater says everything about the gym was designed to make it easy for women of all ages and abilities to enjoy fitness.
She said: “We cater for women who are looking for friendship and community, but also looking to improve their health. We are not talking necessarily about gym bunnies or people who want a six-pack, but women who want to improve their health, lose a few stones, tone up and start their health and wellbeing journey.
“Most of our members here are ladies who have never exercised or not exercised for a very long time.”
