From underweight to finding my strength

See how Ayesha moved from low energy to lifting with confidence at Fitness First.

7-day cooling period

Feeling underweight and low energy

For most of her life, Ayesha was told being underweight was a “good thing.” She grew up eating little, praised for being skinny, and carried that belief into her teens.

At 17, she joined the gym, sticking to cardio because that’s what she thought she should do. But despite the hours, the results never brought happiness.

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Discovering strength training

Then in 2022, everything changed. A friend introduced her to strength training, and for the first time, Ayesha enjoyed a workout. Lifting weights gave her something cardio never had: confidence, energy, and joy.

There was no going back.

I went to the gym with my friend and did his workout and I loved it… I was like, this is what I’m looking for. I could actually get stronger if I do this.

Real progress

Over the past 18 months at Fitness First Clapham, she’s focused on strength, balancing it with cardio, and in the process gained 5kg of healthy muscle. More importantly, she’s gained pride in how her body feels and what it can do.

From chasing “skinny” to chasing strength, Ayesha finally found her goal, to be strong. And for the first time ever, she really feels it.

What Ayesha found here:

Coaches who taught safe lifting & progressions, so the weights area felt welcoming.
A clear plan that balanced strength with cardio and built week-on-week confidence.
A community that celebrates strength, not “being skinny,” which kept her coming back.

At Fitness First, we believe progress isn't linear, results don't come from quick fixes, it's about showing up, again and again. It's not about perfection, it's about progress. Every rep, every class, every choice adds up to real change. Whether you're taking your first step or your next leap, progress is waiting. Because when you choose progress, you don't just change your body - you change what you believe is possible.

Frequently asked questions

How do I join Fitness First?

It’s great you are wanting to join us and put your Fitness First. The joining process is a simple digital journey. Please click here.

How old do I have to be to join?

Members must be at least 16 years old.

What memberships are available?

Our memberships our designed to provide everything you need to start your fitness journey, create a habit and get results. It includes multi-club access, advanced class booking and you begin your experience by unlocking your 4 complimentary welcome sessions providing personalised support and data-driven insights. These sessions are designed to help you make the most of your first 90 days bringing structure, motivation, and expertise to your routine.

Simply download and login to the Fitness First App to book your able session - Your Smart Fitness Journey

We have individual members, students and corporate memberships available.

Am I tied into a contract?

We offer a range of memberships to ensure we can meet the individual needs of our members. Our memberships are available for an initial minimum period of 1,3,6,9 or 12 months. These membership lengths may not be available in all our Clubs, please check here for more information.

We understand circumstances change and should you need to end your agreement earlier than planned, this can be done by paying a settlement fee here.

Where is my nearest gym?

Use our Club finder to find your nearest gym, simply type in your postcode or use the map functionality to search.

Can I refer a friend to Fitness First?

We want our members to enjoy their training. You can invite your friend to join us, check out our latest referral promotions on your Fitness First App.

How do I book my trainer-led session included in my membership when I joined?

Begin your experience by unlocking your 4 complimentary welcome sessions providing personalised support and data-driven insights. These sessions are designed to help you make the most of your first 90 days bringing structure, motivation, and expertise to your routine. Simply download and login to the Fitness First App to book your able session - Your Smart Fitness Journey

Do I get a gym membership card?

The Fitness First App (free in the App store or on Google Play) will give you easy, contactless entry into the club. You must swipe in using your unique barcode upon every visit.