No Limits Gym, a Hexham health club, has been named as the Courant's trader of the week.
Lisa Thompson took over the gym when she was just 20, and she has helped foster a sense of community amongst members in her 18 years running the business.
No Limits welcomes everyone and has a number of classes to suit all ages and abilities, with a gym space that provides an array of activities, from aerobics to Zumba.
Despite the obstacles faced due to the coronavirus pandemic and the cost of living crisis, Lisa is optimistic about the gym's future and is hoping to attract new members thanks to her and her staff's welcoming and friendly nature.
She said: "I've had the gym since 2006. I wanted a very active job. I love working with people. A lot of people are struggling with their mental health, it's not just about fitness, but letting off endorphins and training can make them feel better.
"We're a small family-orientated gym, so we are all really close, it's a lovely atmosphere in here. Nobody looks down on anyone. We have all abilities and we adapt to help every individual. We spend a lot of time with our members. If someone walks through our door, we look after them."
Following the pandemic, which obviously forced the gym to close and sadly saw some members never return, Lisa was forced to adapt, and suggests that there is now more of a focus on weights rather than cardio.
She is also keen to put her effort into a new wellness group, which will further help those who arrive at the gym with any mental health problems.
She said: "We've just taken on a new member of staff that is absolutely wonderful with people. She's doing a wellness group which focuses on weight loss and nutrition but is more of a support group. It's really lovely to have if we can get if off the ground. It would be a fantastic service. We want to help people a lot more and that's where a lot of people need the help."
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