Challenge Training Studios is a family gym located in Belfast, offering training for all members of the family. They have been recognised for their excellence in the fitness industry, winning the Belfast Region – Women In Business Yes You Can Award in March 2020, and being finalists in the Firmus Energy/Local Women Awards for Best Gym in November 2022. They were also finalists in the Federation of Small Business Inclusion & Diversity Awards in March 2023.
Challenge Training Studios is a registered Boxercise and registered Active IQ Centre, ensuring that they provide high-quality training and classes. They offer a variety of sessions, including gym sessions, personal training, and group classes. To join, individuals can book their first class/session/induction for free, and there are no contracts or joining fees. Monthly and pay-as-you-go options are available, and interested individuals can speak to a member of the team to learn more about membership options.
However, Challenge Training Studios is more than just a gym. They are actively involved in the local community, working with community groups, schools, and young people to promote safe and effective gym usage. They also run menopause programmes and participate in charity events. In fact, Natalie, a member of the Challenge Training Studios team, volunteers, and works with organisations such as ROC North Belfast, ROC Ballysillan, and the McDonald Centre.
They have conducted fitness sessions, nutrition sessions, and acted as drop-off points for school uniform and winter coat projects. They also collaborate with Currie Primary, the Mountcollyer Youth Centre, and Reach Out NI Healthy Living Centre to provide fitness classes, nutrition sessions, and menopause sessions for parents and children.
Challenge Training Studios is particularly passionate about supporting women who are perimenopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal. They partnered with the McDonald Centre in January 2023 to offer a 9-week Don't Sweat It Programme funded by Training For Women Network (TWN) and the Tampax Fund. This programme provided fitness, nutrition, personal well-being, and personal development sessions, and attendees had the opportunity to receive an Active IQ certificate Level 1 in Fitness and Physical Activity. Some participants also progressed to the Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction and the Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training.
Challenge is looking forward to running another Don't Sweat It Programme with Reach Out NI Healthy Living Centre in January 2024, funded by CLEAR.
As part of their commitment to supporting local charities, Challenge Training Studios does not charge customers for water or tea/coffee. Instead, they have donation boxes where customers can contribute to their chosen charities. They also organise charity events to raise additional funds.
In addition to their regular training offerings, Challenge Training Studios offers mini medics, junior gyms, and Train the Trainer programmes for young people and kids. More information about these programmes will be available soon.
For individuals interested in furthering their fitness education, Challenge Training Studios provides various training courses with package deal options. All training takes place in-person in a fully equipped gym, with some home study required.
One of the qualifications they offer is the Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing, which is Ofqual accredited with the accreditation number 603/2692/X. This qualification aims to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a gym instructor.
Challenge Training Studios is dedicated to providing a holistic approach to fitness, focusing not only on physical wellness but also on community engagement, education, and supporting local charities. They strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of their gym.