Anthony Patterson is opening an Anytime Fitness franchise in town with his wife Tracy
A former law firm partner who lost six stone after swapping client meetings for time working out has quit his legal career and launched his own gym in the Newcastle's City Centre.
Anthony Patterson had been working as a partner at the North East's law firm Thompsons Solicitor for two decades when he decided to leave the business, having discovered a new found love for exercise.
Now he and his wife Tracy, who also worked as a legal executive, are opening a franchise of Anytime Fitness near Newcastle Central Station.
"I was a partner at a law firm for 20 years," said Mr Patterson.
"I went away and lost six stone in weight by eating healthier and not entertaining clients every nights.
"I wanted a change and looking at the Anytime Fitness model, I loved the brand and that it fitted with my new outlook on life."
The 24-hour gym will be the first Anytime Fitness franchise to open in Newcastle. The gym chain aims to target the higher ends of the fitness market.
Facilities will include cardio machines, a free weights area and a studio where members will e able to take part in free exercise classes.
Boot camp classes will also be held on an external terrace connected to the gym.
Mr and Mrs Patterson have launched the gym throguh their own business ABFIT, after receiving a six-figure funding package from HSBC.
Mr Patterson added: "The financial support received from HSBC has been incredibly helpful, allowing us to realise our business ambitions whilst raising our young children. Our unique offering is an untapped niche here in Newcastle and we're excited to be leading the way, establishing a high end product right in the heart of the city."
Mrs Patterson has also taken her new fitness lifestyle to the next level after becoming a bodybuilder and successfully qualifying for the UKBFF national finals in October.
The gym is currently being refurbished and is due to be opened in the coming weeks.
Unlike mnay budgets gyms, Anytime Fitness will limit the total number of members allowed to join so that the gym will never be overcrowded. Members are also able to use of Anytime Fitness' 4,000 gyms across the globe.
The opening of the Newcastle gym is also leading to the creation of five new jobs. initially the firm will hire two personal trainers, two sales staff, and a manager. As more members join, it will then expand its team by bringing in self-employed personal trainers.
David Slane, area director at HSBC for business banking in the North East and Cumbria, added: "We're seeing a boom in fitness franchising and the Anytime Fitness brand has already proven a global success.
"It's fantastic to see a family-run business realise this potential and we were thrilled to support ABFIT's growth ambitions as the team generates jobs for the North East, reinforcing the flourishing business landscape we have here."