Strong isn't a young person's word.
Second Wind is a strength gym for people over 50 in Chapel Allerton. Groups of six, a coach on every session, and a first session that costs nothing. Our youngest member is 51. Our oldest is 93 and does farmer's carries on Thursdays.
“I walked in at 68 thinking I was too old to start. I'm 71 now and I deadlift more than my son.”
Pat Hargreaves
Joined in 2023 on Steady. Now on Strong, three mornings a week.
Four levels, one per plate
Everyone starts with a free one-to-one. Your coach suggests a level, and you move up when you're ready, not before. The colour on the timetable tells you which is which.
Steady
Chair-supported strength and balance. Good for getting started, coming back from a knee or hip, or just wanting to stay steady on the stairs.
Build
Dumbbells, kettlebells and bands. Squats, presses and carries, learned properly and slowly.
Strong
Barbell basics. Deadlifts, squats and presses with a coach watching every rep.
Heavy
For members chasing numbers. Programmed strength blocks, and yes, some of them compete.
This week
- 8:00Buildwith Rubina2 of 6 spaces
- 10:00Steadywith Gail4 of 6 spaces
- 18:00Strongwith Dev1 of 6 spaces
Most of our members had never touched a barbell. Most of them have now.
Membership
Monthly, cancel with a month's notice. 20% off if you're on Pension Credit, no questions asked.
Twice a week
£59 a month
- Any two sessions a week
- A coach on every session
- Strength check every 12 weeks
Unlimited
£79 a month
- Every session on the timetable
- Your own written programme
- Open gym, 7am to 8pm
- Strength check every 12 weeks
Pay as you go
£14 a session
- No contract
- Book the day before
- Good for trying us properly
Your coaches
Rubina Shah
Head coach. Ex physio.
Twelve years as an NHS physiotherapist on the falls team at St James's. Opened Second Wind because she got tired of patients being told to take it easy.
Dev Patel
Strength coach
Runs the Strong and Heavy sessions. Coaches four members who compete in masters powerlifting, and celebrates every personal best like it's his own.
Gail Murray
Steady sessions
Started as a member at 64 after a hip replacement. Qualified as a coach at 68. Says she's the proof, and she's right.
In their words
“Two years ago I couldn't get up off the floor without holding the settee. Last week I picked my granddaughter up off it. Rubina cried more than I did.”
Maureen, 76
Member since 2024, Build sessions
“My GP asked what I'd changed. My bone density went up. At 69. He wrote the gym's name down.”
Barbara, 69
Strong sessions
“I came for my back. I stayed for the Thursday lot and the biscuits after.”
Clive, 82
Steady, then Build
Your first session is free
Forty minutes, one to one with Rubina. We'll talk about your joints, what you want to be able to do, and try a few movements. No kit needed, just shoes you can move in.
Find us
Unit 2, Regent Street WorksChapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 4PE
Ground floor, step-free, with a lift to the changing rooms. Free parking for six cars, and the 7 and 2 buses stop on Harrogate Road.
- Monday to Friday
- 7:00 to 8:00pm
- Saturday
- 8:00 to 1:00
- Sunday
- Closed