FUZED FITNESS, based in North Yorkshire, has won one of The National Community Fitness awards, run by the Community Fitness Network.

The company won the community team award for the North and Midlands. The Network was founded in 2015 to celebrate the work and inspiring stories of those who work in community fitness. The award is given to a group or business where instructors work together in order to develop communities working to support social, physical and mental health.

Winners were decided by a combination of the public vote and a national panel of industry experts.

FuZed Fitness, run by friends Alex Cornwell and Lou Wilkinson, won the award for its commitment to supporting rural communities through the use of community halls and local businesses. The judges were also impressed with the community support network that FuZed has developed, along with their work with local charities.

The judges saw how the fitness classes, the connections and support networks they have established have been so important to those who attend. This became even more evident when halls shut during Covid and the classes went online using Zoom. Participants told judges how the classes had become a lifeline, maintaining connections, routine, as well as physical fitness. This year the award ceremony was a virtual affair on Zoom.

“Both of us live in rural North Yorkshire,” said Alex, “and we are aware that in many of the villages and small towns there are no gyms or leisure centres close enough for people to attend. Our philosophy is to take fitness to the communities and support them, and to make exercise accessible to all ages, abilities and backgrounds. It’s not just about fitness but about reducing social isolation. Friendships are formed and support groups are created.”

Joan, who has been attending Zumba classes since 2011, said: ‘I started Zumba in February 2011 after having undergone major surgery for cancer as I wanted to get my fitness levels and confidence back. Although I was very nervous when attending my first class as I worried that I would not be able to do dance steps Alex and Lou made me feel very welcome and the atmosphere in the class was very relaxed and friendly. I now regard my Zumba classes as “my sanctuary” after stressful days at work as the dancing and happy atmosphere just makes you forget your worries and makes you feel really good about yourself. I have got to know and make many new friends from the classes and there are many attendees who have been coming to class like myself for many years.”

Contact FuZed Fitness at 07919 416359 or via alex_cornwall@hotmail.com