Alicia, Paul and Arron at Scholes Gym

Inside Scholes Gym

The gym was designed by award-winning designer Mark Mason. Reds and England great Paul claimed that the idea for the gym came about during a lockdown when his family, who are all fitness enthusiasts, began exercising in their Oldham backyard. They decided to locate a gym that would offer a range of state-of-the-art equipment and exercise regimens to suit the needs of people who want to push their fitness boundaries as well as those who are just starting out.

The gym is being run by the Scholes siblings – 22-year-old Arron, a Level 3 qualified personal trainer, and 20-year-old sister Alicia, a part-time professional athlete playing netball for London Pulse and Level 3 qualified personal trainer. It is being billed as a “gym like no other”, with stylish interiors combined with vast windows and soft lighting providing a warm and inviting feel as well as a coffee shop area at the front of the building.

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Bright neons and slogans aim to inspire gym-goers with messages like “Gains O’Clock” and “Stronger than Yesterday” inside the fitness studios. The gym features cardio, strength and conditioning machines, a wall of weights and a dedicated studio space spread over two floors.

The family took over and completely gutted the former tool hire warehouse on Lees Road to become the new state-of-the-art gym. Speaking on the importance of investing in the local community, Man United great Paul said: “Oldham is where I grew up and got a first taste of sport

“To open Scholes Gym here is really important to me. It’s the sort of venue I dreamed of having access to back then and, along with Arron and Alicia, I’m pleased to be able to create it for others.”

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Members also have access to a Batak reaction machine, a piece of kit rarely found outside of professional sports studios and applauded by elite sportspeople including Paul for improving reaction, hand eye coordination and stamina. Upstairs, an open decked area sees a range of cardio equipment with treadmills, assault bikes, rowers and ski ergs overlooking the floor.

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On the floor of Paul Scholes gym

Batak machine

Arron and Alicia will be leading private training sessions at the gym, alongside a qualified team of experts. Speaking on the launch, Arron said: ”After six months hard work it’s amazing to open the doors and welcome guests to Scholes Gym. It’s something Alicia and I have long talked of, and so to make it a reality is fantastic.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming guests and, along with our brilliant team, sharing our sports expertise. To have the opportunity to play a part in our members’ fitness journey and improving their mental and physical health is a privilege.”