A new Salford gym has opened with the aim of creating a place for the LGBTQ+ members and women to comfortably achieve their fitness goals.
The new facility opened by Rush242 is a pioneering gym on Chapel Street, and will aim to encourage people to work out in a place without worries.
The gym is owned by Nikko Shillabeer and Julia Ruffles, who hope to promote a positive exercise space hosting small groups of personal training classes.
Open for everyone, Nikko shared the inspiration and origin behind Rush242, as he said: “The name itself comes from my self and my business partners surnames.
“Then 242, I am originally from the Bahamas and that is our area code there. So I thought I would try and bring a bit of an oasis to Manchester”
The gym is the only LGBTQ and women owned gym in Greater Manchester, as Nikko explained the benefit of opening the gym: “I myself am a transman and I wanted to have a space where people felt confident coming in and doing fitness.”
The fitness space opened two years ago, but has since grown supporting many members with personal trainer style classes.
The classes are open for all, as they aim to reach fitness fanatic’s of all levels, and the gym makes sure people feel reassured offering a guide to the different equipment and a coaches for support at any point.
Rush242 focuses on confidence and self-improvement, as Nikko added: “Even though we are in 2024 we are still not as advanced as people would like to think when it comes to LGBT people within gym spaces in general.
“A lot of cross fit gyms are still very gendered.
“Whether people say pick up a male bar or a female bar, we try to use inclusive language this has helped a lot of people feel better about coming here.”
The gym prides itself on it’s LGBTQ+ origins, as Nikko continued: “I feel really accomplished, I feel really proud, and really happy that what I wanted to do going into this is actually like coming to life.
“No matter what gender, or level of training people are at, anyone can join and is welcome.”
The gym shares its inclusive nature, brandishing flags behind the reception desk, as Nikko said: “As soon as you walk through the door you know this place is for everyone and if you don’t like that you can turn around and walk out.”
The gym is open to all, and is open 7 days a week, however, times do differentiate across the weeks. To become a member at Rush242, click this link
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