community gyms

Fantastic experience: Cannot recommend Community Gym highly enough. Classes are instructor lead and much different to the normal gym experience, I feel as a bit of a gym amateur I actually get some benefit from the sessions rather than just wondering from machine to machine as I would have in a 'normal' gym.

Fantastic experience: I always went to the gym but since i got married, relocated and had a child gym was completely forgotten about! having relocated joining a gym that i liked was daunting and hard to find, i tried 3 gyms in canterbury some with very nice decor and facilities :). I just felt like I was paying and not achieving the results i wanted! I decided I would find a personal trainer this way I would have the motivation and I would hopefully achieve my goals. Here we are, 7months later, I have definitely achieved what I wanted, I am on the route I want to be. Thank you community gyms!!! this is not your traditional gym, it provides the support & motivation to make a lifestyle change not just attending a gym. Bad habits are so hard to change but the support and enthusiasm of everyone at the gym has made it easier! Whether you are using a PT or attending classes it’s so worth joining community gyms.

Fantastic experience: A great and safe place to get fit and/or lose weight. All classes supervised and constructed for you. Help is always there if you need it and Luke and his team really know their stuff

Fantastic experience: I was looking for an answer to breaking an unhealthy lifestyle and was sceptical that exercise would ever be the answer. The truth is, Community Gyms is much more than an exercise class or " gym". Community Gyms is a holistic life changer, it focuses on nutritional education, the power of support from like minded peers and exercise. The by product of embracing these key concepts results in weight loss and the ability to feel better about yourself. The benefits of which quickly become a way of life and a healthy lifestyle is achieved. Well done to everyone at Community Gyms I will be forever grateful for your help.

Fantastic experience: If you have the motivation and determination to improve your health, fitness and body, then Community Gyms is THE place to go. Community Gyms provides everything you need to make a significant positive change in your life and will then support you make you to maintain it. An experienced trainer organises and oversees every gym session, offering advice and encouragement, and supporting your ongoing development in a similar fashion to a personal trainer. As part of the 6-week challenge, nutritional and dietary advice is made available via regular easy-to-follow online videos. Your own diet and/or weight loss is then studied by Luke (the founder of Community Gyms) on a weekly basis who then provides feedback on how to make any improvements. Further support can even be accessed by text/messenger if necessary. Finally, Community Gyms has a fantastic atmosphere. Everyone is made to feel welcome and part of the ‘team’ no matter what size, age or condition. Everyone is so supportive and friendly. I have really enjoyed being part of Community Gyms and can’t recommend it highly enough. In addition, during the 6-week challenge I lost over a stone in weight and nearly 8 percent bodyweight and felt a lot healthier. Thank you Community Gyms!

Fantastic experience: Just completed the 6 week challenge and can honestly say its been a massively rewarding experience. I've always hated the thought of "gyms" - (think sweaty rooms of body builders) - but having heard great things, I gave Luke's Community Gyms a go and was not disappointed. Firstly, it's not a gym, more a supervised hour of exercise where you can push yourself as hard as you want with the guidance of some great trainers. Everyone knows that eating healthy is not rocket science and often no fun but Luke's advice and common sense approach to it somehow made it easier to follow. To get proper results in 6 weeks is amazing and a massive motivator to carry on. Could not recommend enough.

Fantastic experience: I’ve spent the last 12 years kidding myself that I’m as fit as l could be with a chronic joint condition - how wrong was I! We all kind of know what we should be eating and how much we should exercise, but if you’re anything like me then we often fail to achieve. What I needed was an accountability partner, some proper advice and some incentive. Let’s face it, not a day goes by in the media when we’re told what’s best for us but I think we all know that there isn’t one solution for all. Luke’s programme is flexible and works with you, no miracle cure, just solid, expert advice on diet and exercise. And the best bit? Genuine encouragement from the gym coaches and members; no chrome, no glitz, no TVs, no machines, no USB sticks, just a great bunch of people working as hard as they can to achieve their own goals without being judged – how good is that? And me, well I’ve achieved weight loss (2+ stone and counting), I’m fitter, stronger and leaner than I’ve been in decades and am managing my condition better than ever. Thanks Luke, Lewis, Poppy and Jackie, you’re awesome - couldn’t recommend Community Gyms highly enough.

Fantastic experience: I have been a member of the community gym for 3 years now and have never tired of it. I look forward to every class I attend. This is down to the unique way in which Luke and his team run the gym. It never gets boring as they are always coming up with fresh ideas, new challenges and programmes. Even during busy sessions the trainers find time to speak to everyone and ensure you are on track with your programme, giving you expert tuition and always finding ways of meeting and progressing your personal targets. The atmosphere is great and everyone is friendly looking out for and encouraging each other. The community gym is so much more than a place you go to train, it is a real community, a place that makes you feel good about yourself and massively improves your sense of well being. It is through the inspiration of Luke, his determination and passion to change his career in teaching 5 years ago to follow his dream of running a community gym, that I too have recently changed my career to train for something I have always wanted to do. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: Great Gym, great team. Highly recommended! Group sessions with the feel of a personal training session. I did their 6 week challenge and lost 21lbs and lots of inches. Feel fitter and stronger thanks to Luke and the team!

Fantastic experience: I never used to find the time for exercise, there was always an excuse but these days I'm a member of the 6am crew and I love it! The best thing about the gym is the feeling of community - I have never felt judged, to the contrary I am supported not only by the team but other members of the gym too. Try out the challenge and you'll be hooked!

Fantastic experience: Unlike any other gym I've been to.. it really is a 'community' with a great bunch of members and very enthusiastic, motivating and supportive trainers. Varied sessions and regular challenges to keep you on your toes! Madeline

Fantastic experience: I initially started at Community Gyms on the Boot Camp during with time i lost about a stone and many centimeters in all the right places. That was Three years ago and i am a regular three times a week. As others have said it isn't your standard Gym with mirrors and machines and people get in a routine. Community Gyms is a place to meet people of all ages from all walks of life and at different stages in their fitness journey. It offers group sessions where you challenge yourself with the support of your fellow members and instructors. Come and visit them, you wont regret it.

Fantastic experience: Community Gym is amazing. I have been coming to the gym here for over 5 years and I still love it. It is not a boring normal gym - it is fun, different, social and lively. Brilliant! Well done Luke and the gang.

Fantastic experience: Luke and his team are just amazing. It’s fun, energetic and above all you get results. Absolutely fantastic! Love this community gym

Fantastic experience: I started with a 6 week challenge and lost 15 cm round my middle in that time. The atmosphere and support at the gym is amazing. Exercising on your own is not joyful, this is and I am now a member and look forward to loosing more cm. I know I will because I am with others on a weight loss and fitness journey. Thanks Luke and Community Gym and all the trainers and members.

Fantastic experience: The only gym I’ve ever been a part of that feels more like a family, always encouraging you to become a better version of yourself. The focus on technique of strength and circuit training sessions as well as understanding how to eat healthier means I’m more confident in my workouts and enjoying a healthier and fitter lifestyle. I completed the 6 week challenge losing 27lb and 9% body fat, but am excited about continuing putting into practice all I’ve learnt and having a better relationship with the gym, my body and food. Luke and other trainers are amazing, but don’t take my word for it, get yourself down to Community Gyms to find out for yourself!!

Fantastic experience: I started attending this gym 3 and a half weeks ago. In that time, I have had fun, met some fantastic people, changed my eating habits... Most impressively, I have lost over 5kg and lots of cm's!! The support and encouragement I have received from like minded people and trainers is amazing!! It really is a 'COMMUNITY' gym. I am so glad that I braved the '6 week challenge' because I am now here to stay

Fantastic experience: This is an amazing gym. Classes always varied so you never get bored, always challenging so you definitely get fit, tone up and change bad eating habits. It’s friendly, non judgemental, no frills and all about its members. It is a true community Gym

Fantastic experience: I became a member of this gym three years ago and have never looked back! After spending literally thousands of pounds on weight loss 'clubs' and gym memberships where I had to motivate myself, I had made little progress but discovering Community Gyms has been a revelation: supervised sessions with inspiring coaches at every session; varied workouts, so I am never bored; a genuinely kind, friendly and knowledgeable approach; fantastic nutrition advice and best of all, damned good fun! I could never, ever have imagined myself looking forward to a 5.45am circuits session, but I do and it sets me up for the day. The word community couldn't be better placed - we look out for one another and I don't think I am the only person who has grown in confidence as well as improved my health, strength, diet and overall appearance. Keep it up, Luke and your fab team!

Fantastic experience: This is not your average gym.. if you want a supportive group for group personal training then this is definitely for you. I haven't been near a gym for over 15 years as find it hard to stay motivated by myself. Luke and his team are encouraging and that teamed with a supportive group of like minded individuals is the perfect recipe. I'm really enjoying going 3 times a week and wish I could fit in more! 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic experience: Community Gym is unique, no other gym measures up to its approach to fitness and wellbeing. Most members stay members and train regularly. I’ve been a member for over 3 years and seen many transformed bodies! I’m fitter, stronger healthier and have more zest for life. Highly recommend this gym to anyone wanting a gym for life.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing gym - I've been to a few gyms in my time but nothing as personal and dedicated as this - the 3 trainers i have met know each and every member by name, seem to know their goals, achievements and limits - the friendliness and commitment shown by the trainers and the fellow clients is what makes this place seem so different to me. Keep up the great work guys.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been a member of community gym for a few years now and absolutely love it. Brilliant atmosphere, fantastic level of coaching, wonderful community spirit. All the coaches and other members are supportive and encouraging. Everyone is treated as an individual but we are still part of the community gym team. There’s a wide variety of sessions and the coaches always keep things interesting. They put in a lot of hard work and so do all the members. Absolutely recommend it to anyone at any level of fitness!

Fantastic experience: I joined the six week challenge to lose some weight and feel a bit better about myself as I was staring 50 in the face. What I got was life changing, great for my mental health and fun at the same time. Luke and the team know how to get results, whatever your starting point and all with a smile. Dont think about it, just do it, you won’t regret it for a minute.

Fantastic experience: Community gyms is a safe, supportive & friendly environment in which to achieve your health & fitness goals no matter how large or small. The staff are warm, committed and knowledgeable coaches, who are on hand with guidance and encouragement throughout the sessions (all of which are led by a coach). There is a real diverse group of members including all ages and levels of fitness & the coaches regular adapt exercise to enable everyone to achieve at their level. Its a brilliant place to train !

Fantastic experience: I’ve been a member of many gyms and I’ve had loads of ‘get fit quick’ bashes myself so when I joined the Community Gym's 6 week challenge, I was sure it would result in another 'I'll try again next year' moment. How wrong was I? In 6 weeks I lost over a stone, 6% body fat & 8cms off my waist, fitting into clothes I've not been able to wear for years and fitter than I was many years ago! Not bad for 6 weeks and an brilliant start to a fitter way of life. The difference this time? Luke & his team at the Community Gym! It is group 'personal' training with a huge sense of community about it but with continued online help & messages to help with your food / diet and individual encouragement for those all important and diet defeating 'off days'!. There's not a single person at The Community Gym that didn't lose a lot of weight & achieve goals they never thought possible. Everyone there is on the same journey and therefore they become your 'travelling partner. It's not an instant 'magic' place, you have to put the work in but as you do & when you see the results, you'll understand Luke & his team have got the balance of work, classes and support absolutely perfect. Well done Luke & team and thank you so much for allowing me to part of this epic personal journey.

Fantastic experience: I ❤️ Community Gym! This is such a great gym that I can’t recommend it enough! I’ve always started at gyms and then dropped out after a couple of months but this place is different. The coaches are really fun, friendly and supportive. No pretentiousness and a lovely community feel. Having classes to attend has made the workouts I do ‘count’. All this has made a difference to the results I’ve achieved and helped me commit for the longer term!

Fantastic experience: I’ve tried a fair few gyms over the years with varying success. I’m not very good at exercise and a bit reluctant to push myself due to general clumsiness and fear of injury. I discovered Community gyms in September last year after seeing an advert on Facebook for the six week challenge and signing up on a whim. I liked the idea of smaller sessions and the 6am classes would fit in well with my working day. I decided to join as a member within the first three weeks, I felt I had found something I could commit to. I’m now six months in and although I’m still a bit wary and clumsy, I can see a massive improvement in my health and fitness ( I no longer get out of breath climbing hills or stairs). I’ve lost over a stone in weight and am continuing to lose at a gradual pace, which works well for me. I’ve still a way to go but feel confident that I will get there. The classes are small and different every time. The instructors know everyone by name and are genuine, they want you to succeed as do the other members. Already I’ve met some lovely people and feel like I’m part of something. I would wholeheartedly recommend this gym to anyone who is stuck in a bit of a rut. In the past I’ve looked at exercise as something I should be doing, now I actually look forward to it. Massive thanks to Luke and the team for the continued inspiration and enthusiasm, and helping me to actually enjoy exercise!

Fantastic experience: since joining the community gym, I have felt healthier, fitter, more energised, happier with myself and more enthusiastic about things than I have done for years. The community aspect of the training sessions is incredible. The fun, friendship, motivation, encouragement and support that I have experienced from everyone I have met has been amazing. It becomes a beautiful addiction to go somewhere where you always leave feeling good about yourself. Julian says “ I have just completed the 6 week challenge and love how I feel and now look. I have really shaped up and have so much more energy , stamina and strength than I has before. This gym environment is great. You are always made to feel welcome, we are developing some great friendships with lovely people, It is a great place to have fun whilst exercising and the whole programme is so well organised .. you simply turn up, work as hard as you want to challenge yourself, whilst being encouraged and supported by great trainers and others in the group. We are really happy that we have found this community ..... I now need to go and buy some new clothes that fit my healthier body shape!

Fantastic experience: I arrived from Australia 5 years ago with an injury and not knowing anyone in Kent. Luke and his team have created a wonderful environment in which to meet people and get fit at the same time. The individual attention from the trainers got me over my injury and I cannot rate the gym more highly. It is fun and there is a level to suit everyone. I am now the fittest I have been and have made wonderful friends for life.

Fantastic experience: I've joined numerous gyms and been on countless diets but this is the ONLY gym that has worked for me! The best things about Community Gyms are the people, the training sessions and the results! The trainers are the perfect blend of friendly and encouraging with the ability to push you without you feeling pushed. It doesn't matter what size or fitness level you're at, there is no judgement, simply a desire to help get you where you want to be. They know you and I find the level of accountability this offers massively helpful, if you don't turn up for a while you will receive a text asking where you are! The gym members are friendly and supportive - there is a sense that we're all on the same journey together, just at different points. There is a real camaraderie, we celebrate each others successes and share each others struggles - we've all been there at some point. Sometimes walking into a gym can be intimidating but here it's welcoming. The sessions are group personal training rather than exercise classes and the trainers give everyone attention - encouraging and correcting where needed. The sessions are varied and challenging but allow people to work at their own level. I have never exercised harder but at the same time I've never felt so good after exercising! I've been gently pushed out of my comfort zone many times but that's enabled me to achieve things I never imagined I could do. I constantly surprise myself at what I'm able to achieve! The results speak for themselves! I've lost 1 stone, 1 dress size and greatly improved my personal fitness in 5 weeks! The combination of nutritional advice, coping strategies and workouts is a winning combination. I still have a long way to go but with Community Gyms' help I feel (for the first time) that I'll actually get there!

Fantastic experience: This is a fantastic gym! The trainers are supportive, knowledgeable and really passionate in helping people achieve their goals. There is an awesome atmosphere when training with heaps of encouragement from other members. A real community spirit! Keep up the great work Luke and the team!

Fantastic experience: People have asked me what I get from CG that I wouldn't get elsewhere... well It is hard to say in words but just the pure fact that the place is full before 6am most mornings is a testimony in itself. Started as part of the 2019 6 week challenge group and I've lost nearly two stone, loads of cms off everywhere (even my shoes feel more comfortable!) I've gained friends, and seen motivation I haven't had before. I love it and the way it makes me feel after I've been to a session. Luke, Lewis, Poppy and Jackie are all great, enthusiastic, patient and understanding people and I do not think Luke ever sleeps as he's always answering questions! Everyone who goes is always so encouraging, supportive and welcoming too. I'm gaining lots of strength and noticing it in my everyday life. Its hard work but in a good way! Definitely would recommend it to anyone!

Fantastic experience: I feel fitter and stronger than 20 years ago! Proof of this was on a cross country ski expedition when I was powering up a slope (herringbone legs, arms using poles) and overtook a furious 30-something who'd fallen over. She said "to think I've been beaten by a 50 year old" I said, " I'm over 50 actually!"

Fantastic experience: Really supportive from day 1. Not just Luke, Poppy & Co but a real camaraderie amongst others on the 6-week challenge plus those who've been attending for much longer. In 6 short weeks, its hard to remember what trying to get fit without Community Gyms felt like! Really pleased with new friends!, weight loss, improved upper body & core strength (which were my target areas!) & over 2 minutes (YES - 2 minutes!) off previous 5km parkrun PB! Recommend without hesitation :0)

Fantastic experience: Brilliant. That sums up Community Gyms. Luke’s programme, ethos, support and expertise are quite exceptional. Since joining the gym I’ve lost weight, gained strength and confidence and met a fantastic bunch of people. Everyone is working to their own goals and no matter what your level of fitness or ability, the fantastic coaches find a way for you to work to your full potential and improve at every session. Meeting Luke and starting at the gym means I’m now fitter and slimmer than I’ve been in decades! Can’t recommend Luke and his team highly enough.

Fantastic experience: In the past 4 years I have improved my fitness level more than I could have expected. I started in the 18 months before I retired and training here has been a great ‘transition activity’. It is now part of our daily programme‍♀️‍♂️. What I really like about the community gym is the support and encouragement to: 1. Compete against yourself 2. Friendly training with others regularly 3. Coaches who work with you Well the whole package really!

Fantastic experience: I did the 6 weeks challenge and because I was so happy and comfortable st this gym have signed up as a member. There is unlimited support and encouragement from both the instructors and all the other gym members. Never been to such a friendly gym! I had no motivation whatsoever in attending mainstream gyms but this is so much different! I got results fast and I’m continuing my journey. Thanks to Luke, Poppy, Lewis and Jackie.

Fantastic experience: I have just completed my ‘6 Week Challenge’ with Luke and Community Gyms and I can say it’s been a hugely transformational experience. I have completely changed my nutrition, my lifestyle and my approach to exercise. In the 6 weeks I have lost 19lbs and lots of centimetres round the tummy. More important it’s been achieved in a supportive environment with the gym ‘community’ and that word is right. There is a great community spirit at the gym where you can always find a supporting colleague who has either already been through or is going through the same transformation that you are attempting. There are a good mix of classes addressing all the different types of exercise you are likely to need, with knowledgeable trainers. I am now a fully fledged member of this community and look forward to hitting all my health and fitness goals with their support. I would highly recommend that anyone looking for a new type of gym experience and serious results should try out Community Gyms

Fantastic experience: After meeting Luke and seeing his enthusiasm about lifestyle changes, weight loss and exercise, we knew he could help us. We needed some form of routine that we could stick too. I do Zumba but Jim’s exercise routine was zero. We started the 6 week challenge and have seen great results. Not only weight loss but managing the circuits and seeing our strength improve. Everyone is so welcoming, the other members encourage you and that spurs you on to work harder. We have signed as new members so we can continue on this journey, we will be fitter and healthier and hopefully at the weight we should be before long. Anyone thinking about doing this, do it...... it’s the best thing we have done. We should have done it years ago. Better late than never as they say. Thank you Luke and the team, keep up the good work. Jim & Sharon

Fantastic experience: I joined the Community gym at Bridge 6 months ago to help me achieve personal goals. I love the classes and meeting new and old friends along the way. I get great support from the instructors and other members in the classes. A great place for anyone who has set themselves fitness or transformation targets. I continue to achieve new goals each month.

Fantastic experience: Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! This is an outstanding, wonderful gym. Luke and his team of coaches are extremely knowledgeable, encouraging and supportive. The group sessions are interesting, varied, fun and motivational. The atmosphere in the gym is really special. There is a great sense of community amongst the gym members and they are friendly and positive towards each other. An exceptionally good place to train.

Fantastic experience: Community Gyms is an brilliant place to train. I never enjoyed going to the gym (or exercise particularly) until I joined this gym 3 years ago. I now train 3 times a week and really enjoy all of the classes. My outlook on exercise and being active has completely changed. Luke and his team make classes varied and fun, they are highly trained and take the time to get to know you and give advice. I am able to train for particular goals and all of the members are friendly. Thanks everyone at Community Gyms!

Fantastic experience: I have been coming to this gym since it opened. I have a regular exercise session with encouragement, friendship, strength training and a workout. I go once a week. Others do more. There is choice and a huge variety of led sessions. Luke is passionate and highly skilled. A great gym.

Fantastic experience: Such a friendly, positive & inspiring place to train, with people of all shapes and sizes and at all stages of fitness. If you are at the beginning of your fitness journey, or feeling intimidated by the thought of going to a gym, community gym is the place for you. I walked into this gym middle aged, over weight, unfit and very apprehensive. My worries and nerves quickly disappeared and I found Luke and his team so encouraging, offering advice on nutrition & well being, tailoring exercises to individuals & recognising that we are all different in the way we move. I am still middle aged (!) but my fitness has improved, I have lost weight and found a place where I look forward to working out.

Fantastic experience: Delighted to have found this gym . Extremely friendly. Boot camp is great ! Instructor very passionate ,encouraging and professional. Very varied sessions and an hours work out goes so quickly. Other gym members are an inspiration! Rachel

Fantastic experience: You will have to travel a long way before you find such a great place to train and get fit. Lead by the most passionate, gifted and enthusiastic trainer I have ever met. ( I have met a lot) I highly recommend Luke Bicknell and his team.

Fantastic experience: Best gym ever without a doubt. The focus here is small group coaching, which means that you not only benefit from the coaches' expertise, but also from the encouragement and camaraderie of the other members. I have tried to work out at gyms in the past, but have never managed to stay with the routine beyond a few months. The coaches here will tell you how to reach your goals, and they have actually managed to make it immensely enjoyable too. There is a variety of sessions to choose from, so always something to keep you interested, and new skills to learn. The other members are genuinely friendly people, and also a large reason why I keep going back for more. I actively look forward to my gym sessions, and have been going regularly for almost 3 years. At the age of 45 I am probably fitter than I have ever been, which is really quite amazing.

Fantastic experience: The brilliant coaches and the imaginative sessions they provide have quite simply changed my life by giving me a way to change my lifestyle.The sessions are fun, informative and very effective. I am getting my body back into the shape I want, but best of all, I am happy and motivated doing it. I go between 4 and 6 times a week and love it!!