A SUCCESSFUL Chester fitness centre is getting in shape at a new Ellesmere Port base.

Warrior Training, which began life at a small base opposite the Tesco store on Sealand Road, has literally gone from strength to strength and, since relocating to a bigger base in Marley Way, Saltney, is now preparing to open a brand new facility in Burnell Road, Ellesmere Port, by the end of this month.

Liam Rudge, who owns Warrior Training with Simeon Haughton, explained how the fitness centre has developed and how Ellesmere Port appeared on their radar.

He said: "We were only at the Sealand Road base for six months and it really took off, there was a big demand for a strength and conditioning facility.

"The way we constructed it, it was fun, never too serious. We use farmers handles, chains and balls and hammers, a range of fun equipment.

"Every class that people turn up to is completely different; some classes at other places could be the same week after week, and that can be wearing, and can lead to fatigue. Each time with us you don't know what to expect.

"I know first hand training can be a chore; the last thing you want after work is something boring or you're dragging yourself to the gym. The main aim is that their hour here should be the best of their day, not the worst.

"We have had lots of messages to open up in different places and we put up a post of where people want to go to next. The biggest response was for Ellesmere Port.

"It will massively benefit them and others to have it on their doorstep. Ellesmere Port is a good location for North Wales and the Wirral, and we have had interest from people in Runcorn.

"It's just under 9,000 sq ft, of which 6,000 is the training area. It will give us more opportunity to advance on what we do already."

Liam added Warrior Training has benefited good causes along the way.

"We have done lots of charity events which people have done, including the Three Peaks Challenge, a ride to Belgium, and we have kayaked from Nantwich to Chester, always for local causes, such as the Hospice of the Good Shepherd and Great Ormond's Street Children's Hospital in aid of a little girl. We raised about £12,000.

"I believe in more of a community class, we work in pairs and all the equipment is in pairs. It's a chance for people to come alone but meet someone else. We have up to 70 people per class at Chester, at capacity, and with that brings a mega atmosphere. We have big speakers and music on loud, with disco lights.

"There have also been outdoor classes in Westminster Park, Chester, where we take the equipment and hold an outdoor event, keeping it fun."

Warrior Training will not be alone in the new Ellesmere Port base, as Team Sukata, a Brazilian jujitsu team, will also be present, the first in the town and run by BJJ instructor Tim Sharatt.

Warrior Training will be opening in Ellesmere Port on July 28. For more information on the new Ellesmere Port venue, or to see what the existing Chester facility has to offer, visit www.warriorextreme.co.uk or search 'warriorextremechester' on Facebook. For more details on Team Sukata, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TeamSukataHolywell.