Jodie Erica from MKFM was invited down to Fierce Gym in Milton Keynes for a tour, to experience a Personal Training session and see what life is like as a Fierce gym member.
You will find Fierce Gym located in Old Wolverton Milton Keynes, it’s very easy to find as you will see their Fierce logo as you drive in and there is plenty of free parking in the area.
Whether you are new to the gym life or know the ropes, Fierce Gym caters to everyone no matter where you are starting on your fitness journey. The team are dedicated to helping their members take their health and fitness to the next level.
Fierce Gym is the largest independent gym in Milton Keynes. Since 2019 Jess and Paul Tomlinson, the owners, have worked inspiringly hard to bring their vision of unique gym space and community to life! They did exactly that and more.
Venue
I had already taken such a liking to Fierce Gym from looking at their social sites and leaflets, but to see it personally and be there to experience a session was just awesome. I loved the aesthetic, everything is black with hints of purple, this includes all of the equipment too. Fierce Gym is very unique and definitely within its own lane as nowhere else looks anything alike.
As soon as I walked in I Instantly felt that this gym is the real deal - if you are looking to delve into a committed fitness relationship. They have everything you need ready for your time at Fierce Gym. There's lots of cold healthy packaged food on offer, a café area to relax and eat, and lots of cool merchandise for you to buy. For example, Fierce bottles, tops, and plenty of nutritional protein-packed snacks on hand and more.
I was shown the cleaning station which I think is fantastic and very important due to Covid. You are advised to take a cloth and a bottle of disinfectant spray with you to use when cleaning equipment after you have used it. I love this because most gyms I have been too since they have re-opened, don’t actually provide you with your own cloth and bottle. Fierce Gym has and maintains very high standards overall, they pride themselves on having a well-put-together set of gym rules and cleaning methods, which in turn keeps all members happy and safe.
Downstairs
I was given a tour by PT Jared, he showed me everything and gave me lots of information and this is something you will be provided with on your first day.
There is so much space, so much equipment to use and I was introduced to a lot of cool machines that I have never seen nor used before. I love the layout of the downstairs, I find it can be quite overwhelming for a beginner gym-goer but being able to navigate around nice and easily definitely makes you feel more comfortable.
If you love a strength challenge or you are a strongman or woman, then Fierce gym has lots of different kits to be used and not to forget, they have their very own car that can be deadlifted and it looks awesome! Or maybe you love powerlifting, Fierce has an Eleiko rack which consists of 635kg of calibrated competition plates ready and waiting.
Downstairs caters for most things, there are free weights that include different sets of dumbbells and grips with weights starting from 3kg that go up to 105kg! It's dumbbell galore! There is a variety of plate-loaded and free-weight equipment for legs and glutes, chest, shoulders, and arms, there is certainly something for everyone. Each machine has a QR code, Jared explained to me how to use these and it is as simple as scanning it with your camera. You will then be taken to YouTube where you are given a video explanation of what the machine is and how to use it. This is brilliant, especially for someone like me who is still learning about the gym and all the equipment that can be used and how.
You are always kept in the loop with what Fierce Gym has going on as they have TVs propped up on the walls in various places. Here you can check out the Personal Training information if you are looking for one, any promotions that they have on offer, and any classes that they have scheduled.
Upstairs
Jared gave me a tour of the upstairs, which is another big room with lots of different and interesting equipment such as a climbing wall, box master, climbing ladders and cardio machines. It is very cool to see things like a climbing wall as you don’t see these kinds of exercise machines anywhere else, so unique. Jared informed me that they always listen to their members’ needs and ideas, lots of the machines and equipment they get are from member requests as they are always open to improving and investing.
The upstairs area has more free space, you can do more open exercises, use the monkey bars, cardio machines, or the Tank which you push across the floor, and eventually add weights to make it more challenging, it’s also where classes are held. Fierce Gym provides other facilities upstairs such as seminar rooms - which are used for extra classes/lessons for members, strongmen seminars and they use it for their PT academy which is a course for anyone looking to become a professional personal trainer. Fierce Gym has invested in a FIT 3D scanner, they have on-site massage therapists and a sunbed.
It’s refreshing to see a gym that is very versatile and member-focused, after heading back downstairs I spoke to Fierce gym member Tom Banks, owner of Banks’ Martial Arts Academy & Boxing in Milton Keynes, said “Fierce Gym is amazing” he applauded and explained that he used to go to a gym that never had the variety of equipment he was looking for until he found Fierce, he also added, “The staff here are so friendly and welcoming, I definitely recommend Fierce Gym”.
My PT session experience
Personal training sessions are usually an hour and Jared mentioned that the sessions are very client-focused. It’s all about your goals and what you are wanting to achieve or learn or have assistance with. I personally chose to have a session focused mainly on glute and leg exercises as this is where I lack, especially when it comes to the big scary squat racks.
Jared demonstrated how to use the equipment and was very supportive throughout but also really pushed me which I think is important to have as a personal trainer. It felt good to finally get on the squat racks as I have always felt very nervous about them, but Jared introduced them in a way that was gradual and comfortable.
I definitely felt the burn and at one point I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish a set on the single leg press machine but Jared motivated me and kept pushing me through. It felt like a great achievement at the end and I now feel more confident in using certain equipment.
You can choose a personal trainer for yourself and every PT has different qualifications. For example, if you are looking for a PT who can advise you on nutrition and make a plan with you, you have to look for a specific PT that has the qualifications to do that. You can check the TVs at Fierce gym or ask anyone at reception, they can get you booked in with the perfect trainer for you, these sessions can also be as little or as much as you need.
Overall I had a fantastic experience during my time at Fierce Gym and I have taken away with me some great knowledge and more confidence for my next gym session. If you are looking for a seriously dedicated gym that has everything you need then honestly, look no further. The vibe is awesome and the staff are wonderful, not only is it a community at Fierce, but it's also a gym family.
Additional info
Fierce Gym open hours;
Monday to Friday 6am – 10pm
Saturday and Sunday 7am – 6pm.
If you would like to see for yourself how awesome Fierce Gym is without paying for a full membership initially, you can book a day pass.
To learn more and see the Fierce Gyms memberships please click here.
