£1 million investment in state-of-the-art gym scoops top award

And with members saying it’s the best gym they've been to with great equipment it’s easy to see why the Ruskin Drive facility has taken top spot.

In April, we launched our Best of 2024 competition and we’ve given out 18 awards.

• Best for Hair - At Gems
• Best for Pies – Burchall’s
• Best for Nails - Nails by Mandy
• Best for Roast Dinner - The Moss Bank
• Best for Cocktails - Cinema Bar
• Best for Breakfast - Shakey J’s
• Best for Fish and Chips - The Nelson Chippery
• Best Beer Garden - Turks Head
• Best for Fitness – Ashley James Ward at Award Health and Fitness
• Best for Tattoos – White Rabbit Tattoo Studio
• Best Independent Shop or Business – Gavin’s Butchers
• Best for Dessert – The Brownie Shack
• Best for Kids – Jo Jingles Warrington, Wigan and St Helens
• Best for Pets – Leanne’s Doggy B&B
• Best for Beauty – Harriet Harmon Studios
• Best for Pizza – Dial-A-Pizza
• Best for Afternoon Tea – Nirvana Coffee Shop
• Best for Burgers – Shakey J’s

Voting for St Helens’ Best for Curry is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best Café or Coffee Shop.

Vote for St Helens’ Best for Curry 2024

Nominate your favourite for St Helens’ Best Café or Coffee Shop 2024

Six top gyms made St Helens’ shortlist in the latest Best of 2024 category and Ruskin Fitness Club came out on top.

Alex Kwasniewski is the general manager of Ruskin Fitness Club with James Woodyer and Stephen Palfrey, who are both born and raised in St Helens, as the owners.

Ruskin Fitness Club manager Alex Kwasniewski

The Ruskin Drive facility had a large refurbishment in 2020 and they reopened the new and improved fitness club with spa in 2022.

Alex, who is 46 and has a business background in five-star hotel and resort facilities, said: “We have top of the range five-star gym facilities with a boutique spa.

“We have onsite food and beverage outlets which can also provide great locations for events including parties, weddings, wakes and much more.

“We are situated in an ideal location for the football fields, cricket and bowls and home to the St Helens women’s and men’s football clubs and Pilkington Football Club.

Ruskin Fitness Club spa

“Ruskin Fitness club is the most advanced club in St Helens.

“We have invested more than £1 million in state-of-the-art facilities and our dedicated team work to make it a fitness destination rather than your regular gym.

“As a family-owned business, we have the ability to make changes for our members and visitors to ensure we are keeping them at the front of all our decisions, to make it an even better place to visit as we progress.

“We have the top of the range techno gym equipment, spa facilities onsite with a range of different treatments available and an onsite swimming pool for all our members.”

The club had a refurb in 2020 and reopened in 2022

What do customers think about Ruskin Fitness Club? Why did they want the gym to win our latest Best of 2024 award?

There are “amazing facilities and excellent staff” as well as “a good range of classes” at Ruskin Fitness Club.

The hard-working team at Ruskin Fitness Club

One review on their Facebook page said: “Best gym I've been to with great equipment.”

Alex said: “The best thing about my job is working in such a great environment and seeing our members enjoy what we do.

“The innovation and passion our owners have for the business is also contagious and a pleasure to be around as we look to progress on to our next projects.”

The team at Ruskin was excited and proud to be shortlisted for St Helens’ Best Gym 2024.

Alex said: “Being recognised as winners, we are delighted that everyone’s hardworking and committed ethics have been recognised.

“We would like to thank our customers and clients for their support as without them there wouldn’t be success.

“They are part of our team and Ruskin family.”

Members say it's the best gym they've been to with great equipment