Partner Article
Gymophobics Belper celebrates official launch with mayoral opening
Gymophobics Belper celebrated the official launch of its ladies-only fitness centre on Saturday (29 June).
The event, held at their newly renovated facility on Bridge Street, was officiated by Belper Town Mayor Simon Mallett and Gymophobics Founder Donna Hubbard.
Mrs Hubbard, who cut the ribbon to declare the facility officially open alongside Coun Mallett and new Gymophobics Belper Owner Sara Stainsby, said: “It is a great feeling being able to declare this new facility officially open for the ladies in the area.
“Sara has worked tirelessly in her efforts to get this centre up and running, and we hope it will become an important service to the ladies in the town.
“Gymophobics has come a long way since the first centre in Lichfield in 2003 and we’re now in a position where we have 50 sites up and down the country.”
The event featured an exclusive exercise class and Q&A from Donna, and also raised £61 for the Alzheimer’s Society through a charity raffle.
Sara Stainsby, the new owner of Gymophobics Belper, restored and transformed the gas show room on Bridge Street, which had been vacant for 14 months.
Mrs Stainsby said: “I was originally a member of Gymophobics in Uttoxeter, and after 30 years of working in corporate sales I decided it was time for a change.
“I’d seen some amazing results with the ladies at Uttoxeter and decided that I was going to help women turn their lives around.
“I am really looking forward to meeting the ladies in Belper and helping them on their weight loss journeys.
“Gymophobics utilise unique air-powered machines to create a 30-minute circuit that takes the work out of the workout, and it’s the sense of community that our ladies particularly love.”
This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Thomas Hammersley .
Why investors are still backing the North East
Time to stop risking Britain’s family businesses
A year of growth, collaboration and impact
2000 reasons for North East business positivity
How to make your growth strategy deliver in 2026
Powering a new wave of regional screen indies
A new year and a new outlook for property scene
Zero per cent - but maximum brand exposure
We don’t talk about money stress enough
A year of resilience, growth and collaboration
Apprenticeships: Lower standards risk safety
Keeping it reel: Creating video in an authenticity era