Knowing what exercises to do or who to turn to for help can be hard, which is why it’s great to find a gym in the community that genuinely cares.
Here, in our latest Business of the Week feature, Andy tells us about his gym and how he helps people in Warrington reach their fitness goals.
If you would like your business to feature as Business or Trader of the Week, email tabitha.wilson@newsquest.co.uk
What’s your full name?
Andrew Bretherton
What’s the name of the business?
Fighting Fit Gym
What’s the address?
Fighting Fit, 8 C Palatine Industrial Estate, Causeway Avenue, Warrington WA4 6QQ
Are you the owner/manager?
Yes, owner, Head Coach, PT
When did you open the business?
I opened Fighting Fit Gym way back in 2003.
Fighting Fit Gym (Image: Supplied)
I’m delighted that some of my original customers have been training with me all that time.
Has it always been in the same location?
Fighting Fit was originally based on another unit on Palatine Industrial Estate and been in this location for over 18 years.
Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?
I’m Warrington born and bred and proud to be so!
I grew up in Orford and Padgate and now live in Fairfield.
Tell me a bit about your business
I used to work in large commercial gyms – Club Lifestyle, Energy, Village, and DW Gym before I set up on my own.
I’ve been in the fitness industry for over 20 years.
Andy coaching Megan (Image: Supplied)
When I set up Fighting Fit Gym, I was one of the very first independent personal training gyms in Warrington, and I was one of the first UK kettlebell training instructors to be qualified in the Northwest.
I am constantly practicing, training, and developing my skills.
I’m also an ex Amateur Boxer: ABA Novice Finalist Runner Up.
What do you do? What services do you provide?
I offer sports-specific discipline, fitness conditioning, and my experience to maximise results.
Fighting Fit Gym provides 1-1 personal training, group-based personal training, and fitness classes.
New to our roster is a new class timetable focusing on functional fitness and strength with new equipment to support those classes.
The new classes are tailored to support and build up individuals wanting to try sports events and competitions like HYROX.
Our class sizes are generally smaller than those in larger gyms for a more personal touch and more personal tuition.
In our classes, you are not just another member and a number.
You become a part of the Fighting Fit community, and I know everyone’s name!
Group sessions at the gym (Image: Supplied)
Our priority is building cardio – fitness and functional strength, and fitness to apply to real life, not just for sports events and competitions.
We aren’t a bodybuilding gym, I like to think we provide practical fitness for life.
My customers, male and female, range in age from 16 to 80 years old.
You don’t have to be fit to join the Fighting Fit community, but just have a positive attitude, and we will get you Fighting Fit.
Why did you decide to open your own business?
I decided to open Fighting Fit gym because I saw a gap in the market for private fitness training.
There are lots of small gyms now, but I was one of the first in Warrington.
I love passing on my skills and experience, and seeing people improve both physically and mentally.
The mindset is underrated when it comes to health and fitness.
I am proud of all the members who step through Fighting Fit doors and give one hundred per cent – I get huge amounts of job satisfaction from my job.
Why this type of business?
I love what I do, and my members are a fantastic, friendly bunch.
Your health is your wealth; it is the greatest gift we are given.
What makes your business different?
Deep experience and expertise.
I’ve got 20+ years in the industry, which in truth is far more than most local gyms.
This depth of experience builds trust and gets results.
No two workouts at Fighting Fit are the same from sessions to classes, this keeps things fresh and interesting.
Why do loyal customers return to your business?
I have trained some clients for up to 20 years!
We get results and provide effective training while also having fun and bringing enjoyment into their workouts.
I like to focus on genuine wellbeing and promoting positive mental health.
I understand that fitness isn’t just about hitting numbers or aesthetics – it’s about overall well-being, confidence, and life improvement.
I like to think I bring that ethos to everything I do.
What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your business?
From a personal point of view, I will be doing my best to raise funds for the MS Society, which my wife Shelley was diagnosed with 8 years ago.
From a business point of view, we have new equipment, new classes, and will be announcing a charity event taking place at the gym soon.
Generally, I want to keep on focusing on making a positive impact in the community and on the lives of people.
I’m excited that the gym has launched its new 2026 timetable and that we’ll be offering more outside events such as Turf Games and beach fit camps, which have been a hit over the years.
I have a lot to keep me occupied!
