Northampton gym named finalist at National Fitness Awards

Empowerment Training Centre (ETC), based in the Nene Enterprise Centre, earned national recognition for its coaching-led model, outstanding member retention and commitment to improving physical and mental wellbeing across Northamptonshire as a finalist in the Regional Gym of the Year category.

A spokesperson said: "With around 240 active members and an industry-leading retention rate of 97–98% each month, the gym has built a reputation for exceptional support, inclusivity and long-term results, setting itself apart from commercial gyms with salaried coaches, capped membership and a supportive, no-ego culture where everyone from teenagers to members in their 70s trains together.

"The Northampton ETC community has achieved extraordinary results, from reversing pre-diabetes to improving bone density, reducing blood pressure and losing more than 3,000kg collectively. Standout stories, such as member Tor Skinner founding the Tor-Rox Foundation while living with stage 4 breast cancer – a journey that earned her a regional Pride of Britain Award – highlight the gym’s life-changing impact," the spokesperson added.

"Its community challenges have helped transform lives across the county too. A 24-hour Hyrox event raised more than £50,000 for the Tor-Rox Foundation, a DKMS donor drive resulted in confirmed life-saving matches and the recent 4x4x48 challenge inspired hundreds of Northamptonshire residents to join the bone marrow register," the spokesperson said.

Founder Tim Reid said: “We’re incredibly proud to represent Northampton on the national stage. Being named a finalist means a great deal to us because it reflects the heart of our gym – the people. ETC has always been about community, coaching and helping local residents feel healthier, stronger and more confident. This recognition belongs to every member, coach and supporter who has helped us build something truly special here.”

The achievement comes as ETC prepares for county-side expansion, with plans for second and third Northamptonshire sites in 2026 driven by strong demand and consistent results. The team is also developing an education centre to train the next generation of coaches, supporting both the fitness industry and the local community.

Tim added: “For ETC Fitness, becoming a finalist is a celebration of our Northampton roots and a growing community that continues to inspire change both inside and outside the gym.”