A unique new gym in Birtley is giving people the military boot camp experience as they work out with veterans.
Tactical Transformations is the only gym in the North East run by ex-soldiers who have a range of experience and qualifications in fitness.
They use the best military methods in a bid to achieve the best workouts possible in one hour, by giving the best body transformation physically possible.
Go here for more what's on updates, news and reviews from around the North East
Only employing veterans and open to the public, it welcomes men and women of all ages.
Director and head coach Ryan Hall, 26, an ex-British Army physical training instructor, said: “I started this company six months ago providing outdoor classes to the public using my military PT experience on a rugby field.
“In the space of six months we have grown to open our own gym, employ four fellow veterans and taken on over 120 members and continue to grow.”
The military-themed gym stands out. Ryan said: “We help people transform their physical and mental health and bodies using our six-week programme.
“We initially provide six-week body and fitness transformations utilising military-style training, given to the general public.”
The instructors use proven military training methods to help people to "transform their mental and physical wellbeing" and give them "a sense of purpose and belonging".
Coach Sam Abbott, 30, ex-British Army Royal Military Police, from Washington, said: “Working at TT has filled me with a sense of pride that continues to surpass what I felt when serving.
“We are a family, a brotherhood, and friends who continue to push each other's limits and knock down many barriers that we all face in life.
“Every day I see our clients' physical and mental health improve, they now set themselves harder challenges and bigger goals because they believe in themselves more now than ever.”
Head online coach Tom Waghorn, an ex-British Army Physical Training Instructor, said: “The best thing that brings it all together is the community that has been created - a military-like ethos.
“We see people from all walks of life and ability levels bonding together and helping each other whether that’s during a session or socially over a coffee in the gym restroom."
Matt Jackson, a member of TT, said: “It is nothing like your normal gym, in fact, there’s nothing normal about training at TT. From the infinite burpee to running with body armour and the military crawls. 100% recommended to anyone willing to give it a try. My physique has improved drastically but most importantly my mindset towards life is better than it's ever been.”
Fellow member, Jay Bennett added: “I dropped over 15 pounds in six weeks, and my attitude towards training and life has completely changed. TT is completely different, and I'm proud to support veterans changing lives in the North East.”
For Craig Pearson, TT is all about veterans and civilians working together. He said: “The coaches are all vets who’ve taken their many years of service and hard work to create an environment to be proud of. I’ve already signed up for the year.”
For more information, visit: https://www.tacticaltransformations.com/
