We’re the friendliest!
OWNERS of the family-run Victoria Leisure club in Southport feel they have nothing to fear after the news of a new big-name gym opening in the area.
Victoria Leisure, situated in the Turkish Baths on the Southport Promenade, offers an air of friendliness and independence that other big-name gyms can’t compete with.
Offering a facility that copes with the demands of modern-day fitness regimes is not easy. Every week there seems to be a new fad diet or exercise technique introducing itself but Victoria Leisure club says it has more to offer the people of Southport than just a few weight machines.
With 28 years’ experience behind him, Wally Birch, who runs the leisure centre with the help of his son,, Peter Birch and his granddaughters, Jessica and Gemma, says that they continue to offer comfortable facilities for a range of different skill levels.
“We have facilities for families, young people, children, retirees.”
He told the Visiter that, unless a gym can cater to everyone, it won’t last. “The Victoria Leisure centre had been in my hands for 28 years now and our clientele has no age range or similar fitness ability.
“They are all different and we can provide something for each and every one of them. What Victoria Leisure has that big-name gyms don’t is a complete fitness facility.”
The club boasts three swimming pools, a steam room, a free weights gym and 63 fitness classes a week.
It also offers the only exclusively women’s gym in Southport.
“We have a lady here who offers holistic treatment in order to help relax members.’’
Mr Birch added: “This, as well as our fully-licensed coffee bar, makes for a great experience all round. It makes people want to spend time here. It’s not a chore to come here.”
Mr Birch and his family like to believe they provide a comfortable and fun environment to train and relax in and would even go as far to say that they are ‘the friendliest club in Southport.’
Located on the Southport Promenade, in the place of the Victorian Turkish Baths, which opened in 1871, the Victoria Leisure centre has tried to stay true to its original purpose.
Memberships begin at £22.75 per month; see www.victorialeisure.com