Carlisle's female only gym has pioneered it's roots to encourage more women to take up fitness. 

Whilst the iCan gym, Bridge Street, has been operating a radical wellbeing practice since 2017, the plaudits they have received of those training are in abundance.

Those who have joined the gym have come forward to say they lacked the confidence to attend public gyms, until the help of iCan. 

Jo Lloyd, 49, who goes to iCan four times a week, said it's the 'fittest' she's ever been, thanks to the iCan family. 

"I had never stepped in a gym in my life because I felt I was too large. Then I came to a class at iCan with a friend and they made us really welcome.

"I am probably the fittest I have ever been and going to the gym has helped with my mental health so I feel so positive about myself.

"When I first came I was terrified but within two weeks I was loving it. And then during the lockdown, I was in a really bad place and iCan did so much to reach out and help me. 

"At the moment I am waiting for an operation on my knee, but I can’t stop going for the social side - it’s like a little family and so good for your health and mentality," she said. 

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Trainer Jenny MacKenna said the key factor the wellbeing facility's success is down to the support they give. 

"It is a really good community and so nice to be part of something that is bringing people back together. Everyone has their own personal target, but all the members motivate each other," she
said.

News and Star: SUPPORT: Member have been motivating each other at iCan since 2017. SUPPORT: Member have been motivating each other at iCan since 2017.

Similarly, Freelance model Natasha Bloxham, 34, is raving about the gym due to it's lack of intimidation in comparison to Carlisle's larger gyms. 

"I joined because I felt intimidated by the usual gym set up where you feel people are looking at you and judging you. In a women only gym there is no form of intimidation.

"It’s a community and everybody supports each other. I go 2-3 times a week and feel so much better, my balance has improved, I have toned my body right up and I feel really good," she said. 

Director Lisa Bridgewater said everything about the gym is designed to make it easy for women and differs from franchise gyms by not being profit-led but more wellbeing and support-led. 

"We cater for women who are looking for friendship and community, but also looking to improve their health. We are not talking necessarily about gym bunnies or people who want a six pack, but women who want to improve their health, lose a few stone, tone up and start their health and wellbeing journey.

"Most of our members here are ladies who have never exercised or not exercised for a very long time," she said. 

The iCan gym opened with the help of lottery funding in 2017, and looks to increase upon their success and membership since returning from the pandemic. 

For more information you can look at their website www.icanfitnesscumbria.co.uk or give them a
call on 01228 819101.

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