Hadleigh: New personal training gym opens it's doors

Dad-of-four Matthew Bray, who now trains with former boxer Nigel Benn at his new Hadleigh gym P1, has had 27 operations since the motorbike crash on London Road, Leigh.

The 40-year-old from Leigh was told he would never train again, and now meditates and practices yoga every morning instead of taking his medication, after his body couldn’t cope with the strength of the drugs.

The new technology used at the gym on London Road is the first in the UK.
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It has running machines, in a circuit, which tailor themselves to each member of the gym.

Upon arrival, each member is given a watch, which connects to an app, and the machine will pick up where the gym-goer left off.

Mr Bray said: “It’s all about rehabilitation, to help people who were in my situation.

“It’s not all about losing weight or gaining muscle. It’s about getting people back on their feet.

“Members aren’t just treated as numbers, they’re people to us. That’s the most important thing. These kind of machines would have really helped me in my recovery.”

The personal training gym opened on Monday, and has attracted sportsmen and celebrities since.

Regulars include racing driver Gus Burton and Towie star Charlie King.

Despite not being able to train for years, Matthew competed in the bodybuilding World championships six years ago and came first.

He was able to train comfortably after a successful operation.

Surgery has included work on his groin and arms to allow him to train.

He added: “I gave up competing after [the World championships] in Sicily, I chose to concentrate on raising my children while I figured out what I wanted to do, going forward.

“I’m really looking forward to what the future holds.”

To find out more, visit www.p1personaltraining.co.uk