YMCA FitStart Open Day

The start of a new year is an excellent time to focus on health and fitness. YMCA East Surrey is making it easy by offering free gym sessions to allcomers on Thursday 15^th January 2025 through its inaugural FitStart Open Day, running from 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM.

This takes place at the charity’s newly refurbished Sports and Community Centre at Princes Road, Earlswood, Redhill, RH1 6JJ. 

As well as free use of the large gym, visitors can choose to have blood pressure checks and relax with complimentary healthy refreshments.

Surrey residents can also take part in a fun Spin Bike Challenge of 175 miles (282 KM) – the distance from Redhill to Paris – or part climb the height of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) on a PowerMill climbing machine to reach a height of 3,560 ft (1,085 M).

Gym challenges are open to local residents at YMCA East Surrey

Alternatively, an equivalent 72-mile row from Newhaven to Dieppe (116 KM) can be achieved on a rowing machine.

Challenges that raise funds for the community

The award-winning charity is inviting people of all ages and abilities to enter Challenge Events in 2026. These give an additional purpose to personal fitness while raising funds for the Surrey community.

In June 2026 there is a Three Peaks Trek, plus a Cycle Challenge to Paris. This is followed in July by another Cycle Challenge to Mount Ventoux, France. Each has a fundraising target and individuals are encouraged to seek sponsorship.

In all cases, participants are invited to train as a group from January, so the activity is socially beneficial as well as physical. 

Ian Burks, CEO of YMCA East Surrey said, “Fundraising through Challenge Events is fun and seriously improves the health and fitness of those involved. Its social benefits cannot be underestimated, making these activities ideal for people who wish to improve connections with other like-minded individuals, who are the beating heart of our community.”

Those wishing to discover more about the Challenge Events and be motivated by previous participants are invited to a free one-hour presentation at 7:00 PM running on the FitStart Open Day (Thursday 15^th January) at the Sports and Community Centre.