I just had what will probably be my last workout at Universal Fitness in Halesowen, a gym I can’t speak highly enough of - Stephen found it by accident and we started going, then I joined in when I got here. It is, quite simply, the best gym I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. The people are friendly, happy to work in, and make going to the gym a thoroughly pleasant experience.
Of particular note are Debbie, the woman behind the counter, a friendly lady with a good knack for telling a yarn and making friends with strangers; Bobby, a big man who always seems perpetually nervous; and Patrick, an even bigger bloke who’s been training for ten years, has arms bigger than most people’s thighs, and a thoughful approach to his training - and a great big smile for people who wander by.
So if there’s something about England I’ll really miss, it’s this place. It’s some of the most enjoyable training I’ve ever done - not just because I was getting good results (an average 50% increase in weights over three an a half months) - but because it’s the most pleasant and down to earth place I’ve ever trained. No bullshit, no sulky guys hogging the equipment, no show-offs, and no-one making fun of guys just starting out.
I wish I could pick it up and take it with me.
