A FAMILY-RUN gym and health club has celebrated its 15th birthday.

PF2 Health Clubs is the longest-operating health and fitness company in Worcestershire.

Richard and Rachel Noble opened the first PF2 club at Malvern Shopping Park in November 2003 and, following their success there, they opened their second gym at the regenerated Diglis Basin in November 2008.

PF2's team try to attract people who would not normally join a gym, and more than 50 per cent of members have never belonged to a health or fitness club before.

Richard, managing director, said: “Despite the need to exercise, only 14 per cent of the population currently belongs to a club. Statistically, these are most commonly young, healthy and attractive people. Far from being inspirational for those with less than ideal physiques, they serve to remind lesser mortals just how unfit, overweight and old they are. Which, paradoxically, builds up resistance to do anything about it.

“Recent research has shown that half the women and two thirds of the men in the UK are overweight or obese and that half the population is now over 40. We want to offer opportunities to everyone to take exercise, control weight, get fit and stay well, so they can enjoy life again and, for people with low self-esteem, to make them feel better about themselves.”

Over the last 15 years, PF2 Health Clubs have provided work experience, employment and qualification opportunities through numerous apprenticeships, training programs and job roles. Being a family run business, this has also included Richard and Rachel's son Sam and daughter Mia, who have grown up with PF2 and now both work there as personal trainers, fitness class instructors and in management.

Richard added: “All this would never have been achieved without our fantastic staff and members over the past 15 years. We would like to give a huge thank you to all our staff, members and friends who have been such an integral part of our family and the success of PF2 Health Clubs.”

If you would like to join PF2, pop in to one of their clubs at any time for a free tour and day pass. For more information and class timetables, see pf2.co.uk