Forge Fitness gym in Darlington makes Echo’s top ten
Forge Fitness, based on Borough Road Industrial Estate has been open for the past six years, offering a range of classes, training and one-to-one support.
In that time, it’s gone from strength to strength and has even amassed nearly 8,000 followers on social media.
Now, they are in the running to win The Northern Echo’s best Gym competition for 2026, news they say is “great”.
Behind the operation is David Thwaites – who before working in personal training was fitting kitchens.
He told The Northern Echo: “We’ve officially been open for six years now, just gone, and we offer everything from memberships to personal training and classes.
“Our classes are slightly different to traditional body pump ones. We do Hyrox, which is the latest craze, strong man circuits and boot camps.
“We are really big on community and our membership has grown quite a bit over the years. But, everyone still speaks to and knows each other.
“It’s a nice place to work and nice place to train.”
Alongside David, 38, is an experienced team of coaches, some of whom have years of experience working in the fitness industry.
And it’s this experience and acceptance, that they believe makes them special.
David said: “We have been around the block before and we can adapt to anything. We can do personal training to help with injuries and even after cancer treatment.
“I think the good thing about us that we don’t just have traditional 20 year olds who come to the gym, we cater for all ages.
“It’s great to see, and when someone works with us it is really rewarding. It’s great to see so any different kinds of people from all walks of life coming together for one purpose.
He added: “We must be doing something right. It’s great to be nominated. Our members share the same vision and enjoy coming, we love having them.
“We are one big kind of community family – they are the backbone of this place. Hopefully we have a chance to win. Fingers crossed.”
The full list of nominees to be crowned best gym can be found here.
To vote for your favourite gym, simply complete the form in The Northern Echo this week and return it to: The Northern Echo Best Gym 2026, Local IQ House, 1 Dalston Road, Carlisle, CA2 5NP, before February 4. Votes will be counted shortly after voting closes.