OVER the last fortnight our readers have been nominating the top six gyms in Stroud, and for the next week we’ll be profiling each of them so you can choose the Stroud News & Journal Best Gym 2021 winner.

The fourth fitness facility we’re featuring this week is the Fitness Mill in Thrupp, which James Darby and his family have run for 27 years.

Nestled in an old mill off London Road, the gym offers a free weights room, a functional room with atsro turf, studio, cardiovascular room and a TRX training area.

 “We’ve built up a real core of members over so many years who have been loyal to us through all the ups and downs we’ve had recently and we’re delighted that they enjoy training here – some people have been here longer than I have,” said James.

“We’re happy we’re in the final six and if we won the whole thing it would be a big thank you from us to our customers, we’d be delighted if they voted for us.”

He stressed the importance of keeping active as the country eases out of its third lockdown.

“If people keep up a level of fitness it helps us with any sort of illnesses that we may pick up.

 “It’s important everybody stays active”

Jordan Hulcoop, manager at the Fitness Mill, added that his customers had told him how their mental health had improved after being able to exercise and do so with other people.

“It’s just great to see people come back and say how much of an effect it’s had since we’ve been back open,” said Jordan.

“Not only does it affect their day to day life but going forward they understand how fitness actually helps develop mental strength.”

If you think the Fitness Mill deserve to be crowned the best gym in Stroud, you can vote for them using a coupon from this week’s newspaper (June 30) or last week’s (June 23).

Or you can take a look the other contestants we've profiled so far:

Simply send the coupon to the address listed in the paper or leave it with your gym of choice when you arrive for your next session.

Voting closes on July 11.