FORM – a boutique gym and personal training facility – that will focus on exercise and nutrition has opened on the banks of the River Irwell in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Personal trainers Libby Smith and Ben Wood are behind the project, which will boast 14 pieces of equipment, battle ropes, kettlebells, a Jacobs Ladder and a Concept Rower among other kit in its 2,200 sq ft (204sq m) gym. There is also an outdoor astroturf training area.

The facility, in a complex called Riverside, will offer personalised nutrition and training programmes as well as one-to-one and group classes. Clients will also have access to online coaching via a private members’ section on its website.

Lunchtime sessions will include 30-minute HIIT classes, yoga and kettlebell training for nearby workers.

Didsbury-based healthy food restaurant Bosu Body Bar has been commissioned to provide a range of freshly-prepared, high-protein meals for clients.

Smith said: “At FORM we believe in breaking negative training habits and educating people on nutrition so that they better understand their own bodies, enabling them to reach their potential. To reinforce the quality of our online education and coaching it was critical for us to find the right physical space for our members.”

Smith and Wood, who have 20 years of fitness industry experience between them, had been looking for a city-centre venue for a number of years but struggled to find somewhere adequate enough. Riverside, which is also home to AO.com, MoneyPlus Group and Futureworks, is owned by property firm Bruntwood.

Peter Crowther, Bruntwood managing director, said: “The research is clear; active workers are happier, healthier and more productive. Employee wellbeing is, therefore, at the forefront of our minds when designing and fitting out all of our developments. We want to ensure everyone on our sites has the opportunity to commute by foot or by bicycle.

“The Riverside complex already offers great outdoor space for exercise, but we have been looking to bring in a suitable dedicated gym facility to complement the other amenities on site for some time now.”

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