Rachel Maidment

So my testimonial is probably a bit different to your usual gym testimonial.

I joined E:motion about 1.5 years ago and for the first 12 months my view on the gym would still be amazingly positive but thats not unusual at E:motion. Its a special place and the most supportive environment, where you dont feel judged for not having a model body. Where people root for you and celebrate you smashing your own goals no matter what they are. However, in February of this year my life got thrown upside down with a cancer diagnosis. And i have seen the gym in a different light. 

The support from Jack, James and so many people at the gym has been amazing. Right from my diagnosis they have been there to chat, sending messages to keep me going. 

Just before my chemo started was one of the gyms main events - the HUB games. Despite the diagnosis I decided to compete and it was such a massive boost. The message i got from Jack that evening will stay with me. He and James understood what it all meant to me and despite how busy they were, they took the time to send me messages that gave me such a boost, right when i needed them. 

The gym has been an absolute lifeline in the most difficult times. I have managed to get in for a couple of workouts in between chemotherapy sessions and it was the best thing i did for my physical and mental health. People at the gym care in the most genuine way and even people i had barely spoken to have sent messages and looked out for me. Part way through treatment i decided to do the Race for Life to raise funds and give a little back. I popped a note on the gym page and within no time I had a team of people running with me. A couple of whom, again, I barely knew. They talked me through the run, encouraging me and helping me give it my all. Others sponsored me which helped to raise £1500 for cancer research. 

Another thing thats different at E:motion is that Jack and James have put me in touch with others at the gym going through a similar time. We have been able to support each other and share experiences.

So when people say E:motion is so much more than a gym they are honestly not wrong. Yes it is based around fitness, but more than that, its about wellbeing. They care and have developed a community where people  come first.