THE winner of the Traitors paid to a visit to a Colchester gym as part of a segment on a hit BBC show.
Bosses at CLCS Gym, in Crouch Street, said they were "blown away" after appearing on The One Show.
The offers a new concept by supplying free memberships for people in need, such as low-income individuals, refugees, asylum seekers and benefit claimants.
Following a report by the Gazette, producers of the popular BBC show wanted to feature the trailblazing fitness spot.
For David Simmons, 29, founder of CLCS Gym, this was an incredible honour and left his team proud.
He said: “The BBC picked it up after they saw it in the local press and contacted us.
“It went really well, we had Harry Clark from The Traitors come and present it and the team filmed a full day, speaking to beneficiaries of the gym.
“When they sent us the message, we couldn’t believe it, like, there was no chance that would actually happen. But when I read the email, I was blown away.”
Following the broadcast, membership numbers increased and further support and donations for the gym from local companies came in.
The feature was a good way to explain the gym’s concept and raised Colchester’s profile, Mr Simmons said.
“It showed to people what you can do when you have an idea, and what you can make with it.
“But also, it showed Colchester in a positive light.”
Now, the gym is counting more than 100 members and hitting 200 users visiting the gym weekly.
Mr Simmons said: “These numbers show how much the community in Colchester needs it. We are able to get people active from all different backgrounds and offer advice to anyone who needs it.”
The gym offers sessions with a personal trainer between Monday to Friday, nutritional advice and more on a free basis with an NHS referral.
For those who do not qualify for a free membership, memberships start at £8.99 with student memberships available at £6.99.
The project has been funded by Active Essex and the National Lottery, helping to keep the vital community service going.
CLCS is eager to spread the concept across the country and to see free gyms in every city one day.
For now, opening another gym is the main goal, which is anticipated in the next two months.
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