Darlington crowned winner of national January fitness challenge!

Bannatyne Health Club and Spa Darlington has been crowned the overall winner of a national January fitness challenge, finishing top of the leaderboard ahead of 66 clubs across the UK.

The club took first place in Bannatyne’s “Make Your MOVE’s” January Challenge, which ran from 19 to 30 January and encouraged members and staff to collectively rack up the highest number of Technogym MOVE’s, a universal measure of physical activity generated through cardio exercise.

Darlington finished ahead of Bannatyne Health Club Chafford Hundred in Essex, which placed second, and Bannatyne Health Club Worksop, which came third.

The challenge saw exceptional commitment from Darlington members, with many increasing their cardio training throughout January, outdoor runners choosing to train indoors on treadmills to ensure their activity counted towards the club total, and some members even visiting the club twice a day to help secure the win.

Staff from across the club also got involved, including spa therapists and front of house team members, underlining the whole-club effort behind Darlington’s success.

Lucy Readshaw, General Manager at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa Darlington, said: “This win is entirely down to the incredible effort shown by our members and our team. People really went above and beyond, whether that meant increasing their cardio sessions, swapping outdoor runs for the treadmill, or coming in twice a day to help push our total higher.

“What’s been especially brilliant is seeing colleagues from across the club get involved too, including our spa therapists and front of house team. It truly became a collective effort, and we couldn’t be prouder of the commitment, energy and

community spirit that helped Darlington take first place.”

The Make Your MOVE’s challenge was open to Bannatyne members and staff of all fitness levels and abilities, reinforcing the group’s inclusive approach to health and wellbeing. Participants logged into cardio equipment during workouts, with every MOVE earned contributing to their club’s overall total.

The initiative was delivered through the Bannatyne App, allowing participants to track their progress and see how their club compared nationally.