Exercise has been proven not just to improve physical health, but also mental health and wellbeing too.

“Research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, clinical depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”

Going to the gym is now no longer just to lose weight, it’s also to futureproof our bodies and minds and to help maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. This is something which the team members and gym members at national award winning gym Club Zest know all about.

Owners Jennie and Holly take a holistic view to health and wellbeing, running various different exercise programmes and classes for their visitors but also creating plans which include nutrition advice and tips to create balanced and nutritious meals. The team often tailor plans to suit the needs of the client, and have members of all different fitness levels and abilities.

Their approach to creating a support network and community of women has also been recognised in many awards and by the club’s members. Jennie and Holly plan regular trips and activities for members to socialise together, as they recognise the importance of friendship and support within the gym environment. Some Club Zest members have experienced serious physical and mental challenges, and have credited the gym and its team for supporting them through incredibly difficult life experiences.

Joanne Atkinson said; “I’ve been a member of Club Zest for over ten years, five of those years since Jennie Moyse and Holly McBride Donaldson have ran the business. In that time, they introduced a programme called Bodyshred which I enrolled on and within months was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer. “The chemotherapy was gruelling and I couldn’t keep up with my exercise, however, the clean eating advice proved key, focusing more on what I was putting in to my body. This 100% helped me combat the terrible side effects and helped me feel healthier with all of the added nutrition I was fuelling my body with. I truly believe that this education and guidance on nutrition was what I needed to get through this episode of my life.

With more awareness, education and knowledge of various different mental health challenges becoming prevalent, as well as high pressure careers and heightened stress factors in every day life, many people are now taking solace in exercising and the gym.

The NHS states on its own website that; “Exercise is the miracle cure we’ve always had, but for too long we’ve neglected to take our recommended dose. Our health is now suffering as a consequence.

“This is no snake oil. Whatever your age, there’s strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier life. “People who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing many long-term (chronic) conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.

“Together with the support from Jennie and Holly and the invitations to just come to the club and join them for a chat and coffee was a huge factor in keeping my positive mental attitude. Once I was ready to return to exercise, they were aware of the limitations from the numerous surgeries and adapted everything for me, enabling me to gradually build my physical strength back up and in turn aided my recovery with my mental attitude, as often I’d feel like I’d never be the same again.

“Along with the programme and their continued support I felt like me again, something I would often doubt could ever happen. I’d recommend Club Zest and their Bodyshred programme to everyone. It’s a programme built to fit ALL.

“Thank you doesn’t seem to be enough.” Club Zest has a dedication to supporting the local community and the needs of its client base. Jennie has supported a variety of women over the years through her teaching. Member of Club Zest, Frances Smith said: “In 2017, I suffered a major stroke which despite months of rehabilitation has left me with some long-term disabilities. Joining Zest has made such a difference to my physical and mental wellbeing.

“I was unsure if I would be able to become a member because of my physical disabilities but the team at Zest took their time to get know me, and what my strengths and weaknesses were. Going to Zest gives me a purpose and something positive I can focus on to continue to help my recovery. Zest is more than just a gym to me, it is a community that is inclusive, caring and fun, which I am so grateful to be part of.”

Their dedication to members has resulted in recognition both locally and nationally. Club Zest was recently named as Ladies Only Gym of the Year at the National Fitness Awards 2021. The award was the latest in a string of wins for co-owners Holly McBrideDonaldson and Jennie Moyse following their acquisition of the business in November 2017. They have since won eight awards in the last five years, six local and two national awards.

For more information please visit www.clubzest.co.uk