The countdown to the Leader Gym of the Year 2026 has begun, with Meritor Fitness Club in Llay, Wrexham, securing a spot as one of the finalists. Following thousands of nominations from fitness enthusiasts across Wrexham and Flintshire, the ten top gyms have been identified. Voting for the winner will be open from January 19 to February 4, 2026, allowing community members to support their favorite establishment.
Mike Irwin, owner of Meritor Fitness Club, is entering 2026 with the gym now in its 11th year. He expanded his business by opening a second gym in Saltney approximately one year ago. Irwin has a long-standing passion for fitness, having been involved in the gym community for over 25 years. He initially trained to become a personal trainer but decided to purchase his first gym in October 2015, shortly after the birth of his son.
Meritor Fitness Club has grown significantly since its inception, evolving from a small space to a gym equipped with world-class facilities. Irwin emphasizes the importance of personal relationships within the gym environment. “We have the very best equipment that you can find in the world,” he said. “The difference for us is the passion of that kind of reinvesting, and being there 70 hours a week.”
The gym’s welcoming atmosphere has attracted a diverse group of members, including individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Irwin highlights the importance of creating a space where everyone feels comfortable, stating, “We invite people to come and look for themselves, whether you’re a beginner or a fitness enthusiast.”
Word-of-mouth referrals play a pivotal role in the club’s success. Irwin has noticed a significant increase in female members, particularly those interested in strength training. He proudly mentions how both young girls and senior women feel at ease using the facilities. “One of the most pleasing things of our approach is 17-year-old girls and 75-year-old women are comfortable to come here on their own. And they know the staff, know they can speak to them,” he explained.
The recognition as a finalist holds special significance for Irwin, who values the impact the gym has on its community. “It’s nice to be recognized, but I’m more proud of the people we have helped,” he remarked. Meritor Fitness Club aims to be more than just a workout space; it strives to foster a sense of community encompassing all ages.
In addition to promoting fitness, Meritor Fitness Club is committed to giving back. The club recently delivered two vanloads of gifts to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, showcasing the generosity of its members. Irwin also shared the excitement of their newly formed under-fives football team, which recently won its first trophy, further enriching the sense of family at the gym.
The other finalists in the running for the Leader Gym of the Year 2026 include:
– Fervid Fitness Flint – Flintshire Retail Park, Flint
– Focused Fitness Training Centre – 1 Rhosnesni Lane, Wrexham
– Inspire Performance Centre – Trading Estate, Mold Road, Gwersyllt, Wrexham
– WilLBfit Gym – 2LR, Hall Ln, Rhos, Wrexham
– North Wales Fight Academy – Unit 6 on Deeside Industrial Estate Zone 1, on Drome Road
– Spartan Training Centre – Unit 19 Vauxhall Industrial Estate, Ruabon, Wrexham
– The Engine Works – Unit A2, Wrexham Industrial Estate, Wrexham
– Trident Martial Arts – 6B Elm House, Pandy Business Park, Pandy, Gresford, Wrexham
– VicFit – Unit 1 The Old Filling Station, Borras Park Road, Wrexham
With the voting period approaching, the local community is encouraged to support their favorite gym and celebrate the dedication of fitness establishments like Meritor Fitness Club.
