Articles
Gedling Leisure and Her Spirit team up to empower women through strength training
Date Posted: 10:20 AM on Fri, 21 March 2025
Gedling Leisure has announced a new partnership with Her Spirit - a community-driven sport and fitness app designed to help women access safe, inclusive sports and physical activities.
With this new partnership, Gedling Leisure have introduced weekly ‘Couch2Kilos’ strength training classes designed exclusively for women. The classes begin from 31 March at Calverton, Carlton Forum and Redhill Leisure Centres and aim to empower women by providing additional support, expert coaching and a welcoming environment, to build confidence in strength training, including teaching how to lift weights safely.
Research from UK Active shows that women often experience insecurities and anxiety about exercising. In response, the new strength training classes will offer structured guidance to help women develop their fitness skills and become more active with confidence.
Women can also sign up for a free 12-month premium membership to the Her Spirit app via the Gedling Leisure website. The app provides access to a supportive community, fitness advice, online workouts and challenges. By signing up to the Her Spirit app, women can also claim a special 2-week Gedling Leisure pass to try out the ‘Couch2Kilos’ classes for free, as well as other exercise classes, the gyms and swimming pools at Gedling Leisure Centres.
The new ‘Couch2Kilos’ strength training sessions will be available at Calverton, Carlton Forum and Redhill Leisure Centres. These instructor-led classes will cater to women and girls aged 16 and above, focusing on teaching the fundamentals of weightlifting, improving strength, and boosting overall confidence in a safe and inclusive setting. Additionally, they provide an opportunity for women to connect with like-minded people and make new friends.
Councillor Kathryn Fox, Portfolio Holder for Life Chances and Vulnerability said:
"We know that many women face barriers when it comes to exercise, whether it's due to a lack of confidence, time, or not knowing where to start with exercising. Too often, women feel that strength training isn’t for them, but we want to change that perception. It is especially beneficial for women going through menopause, as it helps to maintain bone density and it can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
The aim of these new strength training classes is to help break down those barriers providing a welcoming, supportive environment where women of all ages and abilities can feel empowered to build strength, improve their health, and gain confidence in their fitness journey.
This exciting partnership with Her Spirit is an important step towards making fitness more inclusive and accessible, helping more women to stay active, connect with others, and feel strong in both body and mind."
It is recommended by the NHS that adults try to do 2 sessions or more of muscle strengthening exercises a week. Strength training offers numerous health benefits, including increased muscle mass and enhanced balance, which can help reduce the risk of injuries and falls.
Women of all fitness levels who are looking for a new and supportive way to stay active are encouraged to join the classes at Gedling Leisure Centres and take advantage of the special offer to sign up to a free 12-month premium membership on the Her Spirit app.
More information about how to get the free Her Spirit app membership offer and when the new ‘Couch2Kilos’ classes take place can be found on the Gedling Leisure website.
Image (left to right): Councillor Kathryn Fox, Mel Berry (co-founder of Her Spirit), Jessica Lynn (fitness advisor) and Councillor Sandra Barnes in a fitness studio at Redhill Leisure Centre.