Unique Health Clubs

Gym goals! 💯😍
Become part of the Gym Unique family with memberships starting at just £19.99 per month. To find out more on the short and long term membership options available, please message our Facebook page.

There are three main types of contraction that you will commonly see in any gym workout: concentric, eccentric and isometric.
When performing a bench press for example, the concentric contraction occurs when the bar is pushed upwards and the target muscle shortens. This is followed by an eccentric contraction when the bar is lowered towards the chest and the target muscle lengthens. An isometric contraction occurs when a muscle is tensed but does not move, such as when perfor...ming a plank.
Many people focus only on the concentric phase of the lift, making sure the weight is lifted with control. The next time you're lifting a weight, try and focus just as much on a slow, controlled eccentric contraction (the lowering phase of a lift). The slower you can perform this phase, the more time the target muscle spends under tension, which leads to greater muscle fatigue and ultimately, stimulation.
This technique can be of great benefit to somebody looking to increase strength or stimulate muscle growth. Another huge benefit is that becasue muscles fatigue more quickly when using this method, the amount of weight you lift can be reduced, yet still reap the benefits of a heavy lift. This massively reduces the stress on joints, tendons and ligaments, which is much better for your body in the long run.
Ben Stirk
#GymUniqueKnowledgeBombs
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When should you eat carbs? 🍚🍞
Just remember though this is for complex carbohydrates and not for simple carbohydrates! 🧐😆 between that and the fact that it’s basically calories in vs calories out that will make you fat not just eating carbs! 😆
✅ The main difference in the two is how they are used in your body and how fast they need to be used before they turn in to fat stores!
... ✅ Basically when we consuming complex carbohydrates they are digested and broken down in to smaller particles called glucose which then goes in to our blood stream, this is pretty much one of our main energy sources in our body’s! But what glucose we don’t use as energy will then get stored in our muscles and in our liver in a form what is called glycogen! Once the immediate needs of energy are met the next phase starts! Basically to put it simply the glycogen then turns in to a fat store to be used as a later source of energy! This process is called De novo lipogenesis DNL for short!
✅ Then for simple carbohydrates which are Glucose, Fructose and Sucrose they need pretty much no digesting what so ever! They can enter the bloodstream strait away as opposed to been broken down and digested first! Which is the main difference! So they then need to be used a lot faster or they have a better chance of been converted to fat, Which is why eating them at night before you go to bed is a bad idea because it’s going to be 6-12 hours before you have a chance to work them off!
Ryan Stephenson
#GymUniqueKnowledgeBombs
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TAG A DOMINOS LOVER - YOUR CHEAT DAY JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT BETTER! 🍕😍
We've teamed up with Dominos to offer our Unique members a massive 45% discount on their cheat meals*.
This offer is available to those of you on the Unique Membership only, with your VIP card! If you don't have a VIP card please ask at the front desk for more info or if you would like to start receiving the benefits of the VIP card, upgrade your membership to a Unique pass today.
... To find out more, please message our Facebook page!
*T&C's: Only redeemable with the discount code and VIP card.
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🍔 How cheat meals can benefit us when dieting.
When we diet for a prolonged period of time our bodies will eventually go into a deficiency and the hormone we have in our bodies called LEPTIN will drop significantly.
LEPTIN is responsible for our fat burning process; this hormone may be commonly knowns as "obesity hormone".
... So therefore when we have a cheat meal or a re-feed day this helps our bodies to replenish LEPTIN levels and therefore helps to recharge our bodies to be in a more efficient fat burning state moving forwards when dieting.
As a flexible dieter myself don't be scared to treat yourself once in a while, and enjoy the process when either dieting,been in a caloric deficit, or bulking and been in a caloric surplus.
Dean
#GymUniqueKnowledgeBombs
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Congratulations to Claire Walker who was the winner of our 'It's Coming Home' competition, by correctly predicting England's 2-0 win over Sweden.
As a result, Claire has won a free 1 month membership at Gym Unique!
Please message our Facebook page to claim your prize Claire. Thanks to all who entered - our next competition isn't far away! 👀

Congratulations to Gym Unique Director James Tindale on his double page feature in Muscle & Fitness UK Magazine!
Having achieved an amazing transformation himself in the last few months, we caught up with him to film one of his typical shoulder workouts.
Give it a try on your next shoulder day... 💪🏼

Gym Unique Workout Of The Week - THE LUNCH TIME POWER CIRCUIT. 💪🏼
This intense workout uses heavy weights to target your fast twitch muscle fibres, giving definition and strength.
This circuit utilises intensity to boost muscle growth... and your metabolism. Do the first pair 1 and 2, three times. Rest 30 seconds after each pair, add a little more weight and then go again. Then move to 3 and 4 without any extra rest and repeat the format.
1. DIAGONAL LIFT AND PRESS REPS: 10 (5 each side) WORKS: Quads, shoulders, core.
A Hold a weight plate in front of your thighs. With your feet shoulder-width apart, squat slightly as you rotate your torso and the plate to your left.
B Stand and rotate to the right while lifting the plate up and across your chest, until it’s over your right shoulder and your arms are locked. Lower the weight and repeat.
2. GOBLET SQUAT REPS: 8-10 WORKS: Quads, calves, core.
A Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Grasp a dumbbell vertically with both hands, cupping the top. Holding it against your chest.
B Keeping your back naturally arched, push your hips back and bend your knees. Lower your body until the tops of your thighs are at least parallel to the floor. Pause, and then push yourself back up to the start. If that’s too hard opt for a body weight squat instead.
During the next 15 minutes you’ll burn fat and also work your quads, calves, hamstrings, and core and shoulder muscles.
3. DUMBBELL PUSH PRESS REPS: 8-10 WORKS: Quads, shoulders.
A Stand holding a pair of dumbbells, with your arms best and palms facing each other. Set your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
B Whilst keeping the dumbbells at your shoulders, bend your knees.
C Explosively push up with your legs as you press the weights over your shoulders. Lower the dumbbells to the start and repeat.
4. DUMBBELL DEADLIFT REPS: 8-10 WORKS: Glutes, hamstrings, core.
A Set 2 dumbbells on the floor and stand between them with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at your hips and knees. Grab the dumbbells with an overhand grip.
B Whilst holding the dumbbells, stand up – without allowing your lower back to curve. Then lower the dumbbells back to the floor.
GOOD LUCK! 💪🏼
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🏋🏻‍♂️ Why should you do compound lifts?
A compound lift incorporates various different muscles just for one lift e.g Deadlift and a Barbell Squat. Compounds can do the same as several isolation exercises all in one go. There are a wide variety of compound lifts, such as the Clean and Jerk, Overhead Squats, not just the conventional Deadlift or Squat.
Compound exercises should be put into your routine as they allow you to shift more weight, so it provides a better progressive... overload for your muscles. This will then help lead to more muscle mass.
Top tip for those trying to lean up or lose weight: As doing compounds helps to increase muscle mass, more muscle means more calories burned, leading to weight loss (only if you are in a caloric deficit).
Jesse
#GymUniqueKnowledgeBombs
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"DIET STARTS MONDAY!"
Sound familiar? 😂
Make this week the week you actually make it happen... 💪🏼

Commit to a 12 month membership at Gym Unique as save money every month on your membership fee!
To find out more on the membership options available to you or if you're an existing member looking to upgrade their membership to receive discount on your monthly payment, simply message our Facebook page.

Win a free 1 month membership at Gym Unique... ⚽️🏡
Could it actually happen? Could it really be coming home? 🏆
As World Cup fever sweeps the nation, we're giving you the chance to win a free 1 month membership at Gym Unique by guessing the correct score in this Saturdays quarter final between England and Sweden. Simply post your guess in the comments.
... GOOD LUCK! #ItsComingHome
NOTE: All guesses must be posted prior to kick off (3pm on Saturday).
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DEADLIFTS DO’S & DONT’S
Our Personal Trainer Phill showing you how to deadlift.
Next time you and your gym buddy are deadlifting, check each other’s form and feedback.
... Deadlifts are an amazing exercise that target lots of muscle groups and help you increase strength, build muscle and burn fat. Just make sure you do them correct.
If you are unsure how they deadlift and would like to try. Just ask one of the team and they will gladly help.
Team Unique
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Crave something sweet to satisfy those cravings, but don't want to indulge in a cheat meal?
Visit Zest Kitchen & Lounge located above Gym Unique on our mezzanine level for a range of delicious healthy snacks/meals without the guilt of a breaking your diet plan.
📸: Chocolate protein pancakes with berries, peanut butter and maple syrup. 😍😍😍

Each week we will be releasing our Gym Unique #WorkoutOfTheWeek starting at #01 this week - the #BarbellComplex
These great exercises modelled by our trainers themselves are perfect to implement into any training regime.
HOW IT'S DONE:
...Continue Reading

This is your last chance to use your Spring/Summer vouchers at Gym Unique! 💪🏼
Remember we're only open until 4pm on weekends so get down now and take advantage of your remaining offers...

Meal prep goals! 😍💯
A great shot of our PT Dean Cousins' meal prep, by Zest Kitchen & Lounge (located on our upstairs mezanine level in Gym Unique).
Everything you need to get in the shape of your life under one roof here at Gym Unique.
... 📲 If you're interested in our meal prep service, please message the Zest Facebook page for prices and menu details.
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⚠️ After this Saturday, you'll no longer be able to use our Gym Unique vouchers!
Take advantage of some amazing offers and discounts before it's too late. To find out more, message our Facebook page or pop in and speak to one of our team on reception...

☀️☀️ Beat the heat! Stay hydrated ☀️☀️
Need something to quench your thirst during the heatwave?? 🔥 Introducing our Hydration Bar 💦
... Find us at Gym Unique reception tomorrow from 3pm! Your chance to get creative and make your own ice cold smoothies or choose one from our menu.
All purchases will also receive a 50% off smoothie voucher 💚
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My favourite place at the moment, everyone is welcoming and friendly and focussed on one thing....the clients. They have amazing equipment and facilities ( they all looked like instruments of torture at first ) A massive shout out to my PT Dean Hutchinson, from being awkward and embarrassed to actually looking forward to our sessions is a massive thing for me, I’d recommend this place to everyone!

My favourite ever gym! Wouldn't go anywhere else 😊

Love this gym, everyone is so friendly. Classes always push you to your limits i have learnt a lot about training since starting here off all the PT's. Gym is always spotless including changing rooms and always smells nice! Would highly recommend this gym to everyone!

Love going 💪🏻 And pt sessions with dean 💪🏻

Just Brilliant Kate is amazing!! Staff are so friendly would highly recommend!!

Great place to train.everything you want in one place.

Great gym, great faculities and excellent PT’s that really put you through your paces

Great facilities and amazing trainers. The food in the healthy cafe is good too. Called in for lunch the other day.

Fantastic spin with Sian. She even gave up her bike for me but still made us work.

Love it xxx

Fantastic Gym, friendly and supportive. Facilities are brilliant & the Classes are fab! the Trainers are very helpful & encouraging! You can see the dedication and hard work that has gone into this! A*

Fabulous new gym with everything you could ask for and more ! Lots of attention to detail which makes this place a very special place to get fit !

Fabulous gym fabulous classes n fabulous trainers! Wot mite could you ask for!!! 😊😊

Fabulous gym everything you need for a good session and very motivated knowledgeable instructors

Clean gym, clean cafe with great healthy food.

Well equipped gym and great staff

Brilliant and dedicated people who all care about health and happiness - with a good sense of humour too!

Bootcamps have been great! Challenging but definitely worth the pain! Amazing trainers who are motivating and encouraging. Can't wait for the full gym to be open!! Only 4 weeks to wait.

Absolutely fab facility! Best gym around the north east for sure! It's clear that attention to every little detail has gone into this.

My favourite place at the moment, everyone is welcoming and friendly and focussed on one thing....the clients. They have amazing equipment and facilities ( they all looked like instruments of torture at first ) A massive shout out to my PT Dean Hutchinson, from being awkward and embarrassed to actually looking forward to our sessions is a massive thing for me, I’d recommend this place to everyone!

My favourite ever gym! Wouldn't go anywhere else 😊

Love this gym, everyone is so friendly. Classes always push you to your limits i have learnt a lot about training since starting here off all the PT's. Gym is always spotless including changing rooms and always smells nice! Would highly recommend this gym to everyone!

Love going 💪🏻 And pt sessions with dean 💪🏻

Just Brilliant Kate is amazing!! Staff are so friendly would highly recommend!!

Great place to train.everything you want in one place.

Great gym, great faculities and excellent PT’s that really put you through your paces

Great facilities and amazing trainers. The food in the healthy cafe is good too. Called in for lunch the other day.

Fantastic spin with Sian. She even gave up her bike for me but still made us work.

Love it xxx

Fantastic Gym, friendly and supportive. Facilities are brilliant & the Classes are fab! the Trainers are very helpful & encouraging! You can see the dedication and hard work that has gone into this! A*

Fabulous new gym with everything you could ask for and more ! Lots of attention to detail which makes this place a very special place to get fit !

Fabulous gym fabulous classes n fabulous trainers! Wot mite could you ask for!!! 😊😊

Fabulous gym everything you need for a good session and very motivated knowledgeable instructors

Clean gym, clean cafe with great healthy food.

Well equipped gym and great staff

Brilliant and dedicated people who all care about health and happiness - with a good sense of humour too!

Bootcamps have been great! Challenging but definitely worth the pain! Amazing trainers who are motivating and encouraging. Can't wait for the full gym to be open!! Only 4 weeks to wait.

Absolutely fab facility! Best gym around the north east for sure! It's clear that attention to every little detail has gone into this.