Ladies-only gym in Sunderland reopens after £12,000 refurbishment

Club Zest Ladies Leisure, in Fulwell, is now under the ownership of Holly Donaldson and Jennie Moyse, who both previously worked at the club as instructors.

The pair took over the reins and briefly closed the gym for the extensive refurbishment.

The site, which city fitness instructor and former Apprentice contestant Katie Bulmer-Cooke was at the opening of, now includes new studio facilities and the latest equipment.

Mum-of-two Holly, who lives in Fulwell, said: “I started working here 15 years ago as a Saturday girl, just for some extra pocket money whilst studying business at college.

“Never in a million years did I think I’d own Club Zest.

“From my first day I decided I wanted to go into the health and fitness industry.

“I qualified as a fitness instructor two years later and have never looked back.”

Holly went on to gain further experience and qualifications, then worked her way through the ranks to the position of full-time manager, before going part time to look after her young family.

She added;: “I came back full-time when we took over.

“We’ve refurbished the gym pretty much ourselves.

“We have worked around the clock to make sure it was ready and thankfully our hard work paid off.

“We’ve had some brilliant feedback and we’ve welcomed a record number of new members in the last month.

“I think what’s different about us is we’re really passionate just about making women feel good about themselves.

“Our ambition is to help women smash their own goals. Whether that is to get fit, lose weight, tone up – you name it, we can do it.”

Jennie, from South Shields, is an experienced fitness instructor, personal trainer and sports massage therapist.

She first joined the team in 2014.

She said: “We knew the gym was a little tired and needed a shake-up.

“We’ve fully refurbished it and invested in new studios and equipment, as well as putting together a brand new timetable to cater for members of all ages and abilities.”

Katie said: “Club Zest has undergone an amazing transformation since the girls took over.”

For more information call 516 9898 or go to www.clubzest.co.uk.