Gym Gear were the best in terms of value for money and also in terms of their willingness to meet our demands for what we wanted from the space.
— Mr Steven Worthington, Head of School
A high-performing secondary school in Manchester set out to modernise its existing gym space into a future-ready fitness facility – one that moves beyond the traditional school gym. The vision was to create a versatile environment that supports PE, extracurricular activities, and community use, while introducing students to the latest fitness trends such as Hyrox. The result is a space designed to build confidence, encourage participation, and connect young people with the evolving culture of functional fitness.
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The Challenge
As part of a competitive tender, Deans Trust Ardwick was seeking a partner that could work closely with the school, deliver within tight timeframes, and provide long-term value. The key requirements were:
Defined zones for strength, cardio, and functional training
Equipment suited to trends such as Hyrox and CrossFit
A layout flexible enough for school and community use
A safe, inspiring space to help students build lasting activity habits
The Solution
We conducted a full site consultation and designed a gym that would deliver on both performance and aesthetics. Our in-house team produced detailed floor plans and 3D visuals to ensure full alignment before the fit-out began. Installation took place at the end of the summer holidays, with a focus on meeting the September deadline.
“The turnaround time was a lot quicker than other companies. Gym Gear were able to get it up and running in time for September, which was key for us.”
Equipment supplied
We installed a carefully selected mix of equipment to create a versatile, inclusive training environment:
Cardio zone: Upright bikes, and rowers for conditioning work
Strength zone: Squat racks, benches, dumbbells, Olympic barbells and plates
Functional zone: HIIT rig, sled track, slam balls, kettlebells and space for group training
Flooring: Rubber impact flooring for durability and safety
This layout aligns with the growing popularity of functional fitness, encouraging students to engage with gym-based movement in ways that feel relevant and enjoyable.
“We didn’t want just static machines—we wanted a rig, a sled push zone… something that reflects modern trends. Because if our pupils have already been exposed to this kind of equipment, they’re more likely to keep active once they leave school.”
A community resource
The gym is now in use throughout the school day for PE and staff wellbeing, and is available for community hire during evenings.
“It partly pays for itself. And when we need to replace equipment, we’ve got the income stream there to keep it as it is now.”
Sports teams from the local area also use the facility for strength and conditioning, giving the space additional reach and purpose.
The Result
The completed installation has transformed the school’s gym into a modern, inspiring fitness space that reflects today’s training trends. With functional training zones, performance-focused equipment, and a layout designed for versatility, students now have an environment where they can excel, feel motivated, and take pride in their physical development.
The upgraded facility has also become a valuable asset for the wider community, supporting extracurricular sessions, local fitness initiatives, and encouraging a shared passion for health and wellbeing.
