Latest news with #EvolutionFitness
BBC News
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Houghton-le-Spring gym 'penalised' by loading bay parking rules
A gym director says he is being penalised because of loading bay parking rules outside his business, as he does not own a Donkin, from Evolution Fitness in Newbottle Street, Houghton-le-Spring, has received multiple fines for parking his work car in a "goods vehicle only" bay outside his business to safely unload heavy gym work hours, only goods vehicles, which are designated as "constructed or adapted for the conveyance of goods or products", are allowed to use the City Council said restrictions were in the interests of all highways users, and claimed it was "not possible" to provide an exemption. The parking bay is one shop along from the gym and the road either side has double yellow line Donkin said the nearest car park was about 200m (656ft) away and up an incline, which he said posed a health and safety risk when carrying heavy said the situation was "frustrating" because he did not have a business need or budget for a van. Mr Donkin said: "I'm penalised for literally the type of car it is, which I feel is a bit unfair."He said the rules were a failure of common sense and that he should be able to use his business-owned and insured car for Donkin, who has been given five penalty charge notices of £30 each, said he always tries to park his car legally but sometimes it is not an option."By default I'm parking illegally and I accept that, however I've got a need to be able to load in and out of my business." Mr Donkin had previously asked the Labour-run local authority for an was rejected and he was advised to use the bay outside working hours when the goods vehicle restriction does not City Council said: "As many residents and visitors will be aware, parts of the street are narrow and restrictions have always been about improving road safety, reducing congestion in the interests of all highways users and supporting the wider community."It's is not possible to provide an exemption as restrictions apply to all road users."It added there was an appeals process for anyone who believed they had been issued a penalty charge notice incorrectly. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
South Wales Argus
01-08-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Ystrad Mynach gym collaborate police for get fit teen summer
The free Hyrox Race for Success programme, which is being run at the Evolution Fitness gym in Ystrad Mynach, aims to engage young people in health and fitness during the summer holidays. The scheme is open to teenagers aged 14 to 17 and will take place three times a week through the summer break on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11am to 1pm. (Image: Evolution Fitness) Teenagers who participate in the initiative will receive free access to the gym, in addition to structured coaching and fitness plans from personal trainers who are qualified to deliver Hyrox training – a global fitness phenomenon which has boomed worldwide since launching in 2017. Those who complete the six-week programme will also be offered a free membership to the gym for a further six weeks to recognise their commitment. The gym is collaborating on the initiative with Gwent Police, who have provided funding for the scheme as part of their wider Respect Rhymney Programme, which was launched last year to tackle high rates of crime in the area. (Image: Evolution Fitness) Greg Jones, general manager at Evolution Fitness, said: 'We wanted to use the funding pot to keep young people engaged. From day one, we've always tried to integrate with the community, so it ties in with our ethics. We want to keep kids engaged in the holidays, and to keep them distracted from things they shouldn't be doing. We hope that if we can keep the young people engaged in fitness for twelve weeks at no cost, and if the kids and their parents can see a benefit, then we can hopefully keep them engaged long-term too.' (Image: Evolution Fitness) PC Stuart Turley, who is part of Gwent Police's Caerphilly North Neighbourhood Team, also celebrated the scheme. He said: 'We're pleased to bring this initiative to teens in the area, giving them the chance to learn a bit more about the world of Hyrox racing and, in particular, making healthier decisions with nutrition and exercise.' Young people interested in taking part in the scheme can find out more information by contacting Evolution Fitness on 01443 315260.
South Wales Argus
25-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Ystrad Mynach gym in 24-hour relay for Ronald McDonald House
Runners from Evolution Gym in Ystrad Mynach took part in a 24-hour relay raising funds for Ronald McDonald House. The charity provides free home-away-from-home accommodation and support to families whilst their children are having treatment in hospital. The 22 members taking part divided themselves into teams of four, with each person running one mile before tagging in the next one. The event got underway at 10am on Saturday, with the final leg being run 24 hours later. Julie and Greg Turley organised the 24-hour relay at Evolution Fitness. (Image: Tom Moody) Organiser Julie Turley said: 'We've got a family member that's recently used the charity. 'We heard about their story and thought it was a great charity to support. 'The gym is very community based. We support a lot projects. 'A lot of people at the gym, especially through Covid, struggled with their mental health. 'This gym has been a lifesaver. 'It's almost like a safe space. Members of Evolution Fitness took part in the 24-hour relay. (Image: Tom Moody) 'We're all going to pull each other through and support each other. We're so blessed that we're raising all this money for charity and that's what's going to keep us going. 'We've got a mix of people of all abilities who intend on walking a mile right through to some people who are going to try and set a bit of a record.' Kezia Edwards and her son Floki came along to support the runners. Their family, from Machen, stayed at Ronald McDonald House for between a month and six weeks when Floki was kept in the ICU in Cardiff after he was born. Kezia Edwards and her son Floki came to support the runners. (Image: Tom Moody) 'That we were staying close was such a godsend,' Ms Edwards said. 'We were able to be right next to his incubator. 'It was like a home away from home. 'It's a massive stress relief that we didn't have to leave him. Even just the thought of going home every day without our baby. It was supposed to be the happiest time of our lives. 'Without those rooms being sponsored, we would have potentially had to go home to an empty house without our baby for six weeks.' The first runners set off on the opening leg of the 24-hour relay. (Image: Tom Moody) 'I know people who have used the charity so for me and for them it was an important thing to support,' said Jason Jones. 'We're always doing fun events like this. We make them fun too, and raise money for a good cause.' 'We try and do something every year,' said Paul Jessop. 'Believe it or not, we're doing a class afterwards on Sunday!' After completing their challenge, the group has raised more than £3,000. You can find out more, or donate if you are able to, at
