Strength and conditioning workout at Snap Fitness Darlington

In the middle of a workday (universally agreed to be the worst time to go to a gym), I had my first-ever personal training session, with the indefatigable Meruert Rahimova. 

With training as a medic, years in public health and pharmaceutical companies, and nearly a decade of work as a personal trainer, Meruert knows her way around a kettlebell squat. She backs up her formal qualifications with a passion for fitness that Meruert has carried with her throughout her life, and a set of abs that could bring a grown man to tears. 

Reassuringly, before we kick off a circuit of kettlebell swings, battle rope, and lunges, Meruert turns to me and says "it is my job to make you sweat" - her philosophy seems to very much be one of tough love. 

Meruert has a wealth of experience and passion in her field. (Image: The Northern Echo)

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Perhaps hubristically, I thought I was plenty fit for circuit training. I have a fairly active life, and though I am not a gym bunny, I do hit my 10,000 steps every day. 

But being able to walk up a big hill on my way home from work and surviving one of Meruert's workouts are a different kettle of fish entirely. We start with a warm-up on the assault bike - seemingly named because of its tendency to make you feel like you are under assault. 

After making my way off of the bike (a little bit jelly-legged), we start with a round of weighted lunges. Embarrassingly, the only people who work out at midday on a Tuesday are professional rugby players from Mowden Park, who have physiques worlds apart from unfit journalists, but I make it through.

The assault bike warm up was a challenge. (Image: The Northern Echo)

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Spearheaded by club director Meruert, Snap Fitness Darlington has recently made moves to encourage clients who may not usually find themselves in the gym. 

A 'functional zone' has been introduced, and many of the 'DIY' machines - which tend to attract a more 'macho' clientele - have been substituted with the workout equipment frequented by women. 

Having never been much of a gym person myself, the difference between Meruert's gym and others I have visited is stark. The Snap Fitness team seems to have thought about everything and has managed to create a space where all kinds of people feel comfortable. 

Despite the gym floor being quite open, the 'functional zone' is behind a partition wall, giving me a little privacy as I am brutalised by some kettlebell swings. 

"Just eight more seconds!", Meruert cheers, trying to rally me. I feel like she's just asked me to jog up Mount Kilimanjaro. Still, in the face of her imperturbable belief in me, I manage a few more feeble reps. 

Meruert takes her role seriously and is a huge believer in the restorative powers of exercise. As I am pouring with sweat and regretting ever sending a job application to the Nothern Echo, I remember my workout is being broadcast live on Facebook, and that I really should be asking Meruert some questions. 

The newly created functional zone in the Yarm Road gym. (Image: Snap 24/7 Fitness)

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I ask about her methodology and motivation, and Meruert explains: "Gyms are in the healthcare field, rather than leisure." 

"It is like this: the gym is backstage, where we prepare ourselves for our lives, which are centre stage. This is the rehearsal room where we ensure we have the basic functions."

Meruert often takes new clients through the short circuit, in order to "flash out weaknesses", such as imbalances in muscle groups, which may be impacting function and quality of life. 

Halfway through one set of battle ropes, I am starting to think I am made up of only weaknesses. But in the indomitable, enthusiastic way that only personal trainers can muster when faced with someone sweaty and struggling, Meruert cheers me onto the end of the set. 

Meruert's knowledge, passion, and genuine belief that intensive training is the key to longevity are contagious. In the same way that sausages allegedly take half an hour off your life expectancy, I think a workout at Snap Fitness adds days on. 

As I wave goodbye to Meruert and my new nemesis, the assault bike, I am already starting to feel the endorphins set in. They carry me through my afternoon back at Northern Echo HQ, and I still feel light and limber on my evening commute home. 

It was hell - but I will be back. 

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