Matty and Ben (back row, second and third left) with some members of the gym.
Two men who had a dream to own and operate their own gym has come true in Crook with the opening of Frankey Fitness on Watergate Estate.
The night we went along, it was the strongman group of men, women and a female teenager who were mostly working towards entering competitions – national and international. 14-year-old Lucy was there with her dad, Andrew, and he is helping her training for the U16 18” ‘World Dead-Lift’ competition to be held in October this year. Lucy is also taking part in ‘Truck-Pulling’ training every Tuesday and Thursday, coached by Ben and Matty. She has been part of the six-weeks Junior Club held over the Summer holidays too and told the Gazette that she really enjoys every session.
Lucy doing some training.
There were others present too, including John who is aiming for the u80kg silver dollar world record. And more ladies, including Gabby who will be going to Cyprus with Ben to compete in the Strongman/ Strongwoman competition being held there. Chelsea, another member likes lifting ‘the log’ and Claire came third in the UK Truck-Pulling championships this year!
Frankey Fitness is owned and run by Matty and Ben. Matty is a national and international strongman who gave up his job to take it on while Ben, a former serviceman works at Bishop Auckland College teaching ‘Public Services’. It is open 24/7, seven days a week and as Matty says, “If someone wants to be here, we will open it no matter what time it is.”
Matty previously sold car parts but he is absolutely absorbed in his business now and nothing is too much bother for him and Ben.
“We have a sponsored athlete, Rachel Greener, who is the 7th strongest woman in Britain and we give her free use of the gym. We really are passionate about what a gym can do to help people, not only physically but mentally too and we are here for everyone who wants to give it a go.”
The building was a gym before the two men bought it in June this year and they offer training every day/night of the week. It is a coaching-led gym, specialising in 1-1 personal training, small group training, online coaching, strength and conditioning, and sport-specific performance. They aim to help people build confidence, become stronger, and train with purpose. It has been refurbished with new equipment and facilities for everyone.
For more information or to contact Frankey Fitness, go to the Facebook or Instagram page or call 0745988971
Lucy and her dad, Andrew, train together.
