THOSE of us who remember when the Flamingo gym first opened its doors to the public may find it hard to believe that it was 22 years ago.
Having celebrated its milestone '21st' in 2008, the Flamingo has certainly come a long way since those early days.
One thing has remained constant, however - the Flamingo is for women only - a formula which has proven to be successful.
Many wo
men who were among the Flamingo's first clients are still members and are now attending with their daughters - and even their grand-daughters!
The gym has been constantly updated with state-of-the art equipment, all of which is specifically designed to help women get the very best out of their workout.
Many of us take this female friendly environment for granted these days but when Amanda Barr first thought about opening a gym exclusively for women, it was almost unheard of.
She recalls: "I had just had my second child, was feeling overweight and wanted to do something about it. There were Jane Fonda-type classes being held at the local leisure centre and I went along enthusiastically with a friend.
"The bad news was in order to get to the class and the female changing area we had to pass a queue of men who were waiting to do a karate class.
"It was all a bit intimidating, especially when I was feeling self-conscious and overweight. I remember saying to my friend 'wouldn't it be great if there was somewhere to go that was just for women?', and it all just began from there.
"My father-in-law had the empty premises, complete with leaky roof, and we decided to give it a go. Right from the beginning, I have asked myself if an idea would appeal to me as a woman and I have used that as my gauge."
In the early days the gym was open from 6pm to 10pm. Amanda said: "There wasn't as much of a demand then but the growth in membership is a sign of how society, and women's expectations, have changed."
"Our members are discerning. They know what they want. They want to be able to scrape their hair back and get on with their workout without worrying about who's watching them.
"They also want a choice of membership packages. Many women, especially those with families, don't necessarily want to be forking out huge amounts every month on gym fees.
"That's why we offer a range of options, from a 'pay as you go' facility per class or ultragym session right up to our Diamond membership which includes all classes, the gym, sauna and unlimited use of our Vibraxismachine.
"There's no admin fee or joining fee and all memberships come with a free welcome pack which includes beauty treatments, guest passes, t-shirt, water bottle, fitness programme with our personal trainer and sunbed sessions etc."
Personal trainer Bernie Doran's expertise is available at the Flamingo for some one-to-one motiviation, help and guidance.
Another sign of the times is the growth of the beauty salon within Flamingo. Over the years it has built up a reputation as one of the best in the business. Offers currently available include a 'Buy One Get One Free' on all Dermalogica facials - a great chance to really treat yourself and a friend (or just yourself!).
FORMAL OFFER
And if you know someone who's got a formal coming up, you'll be interested in the Flamingo's special Formal Package which includes a full body spray tan, mini manicure, toe nail file & polish with diamantes and evening make-up - all for just £55.
Opening the Flamingo may have seemed like a massive gamble all those years ago but time has proven that Amanda certainly got it right.
