UK’s first UBX gym concept launches in MediaCity

Two Manchester based entrepreneurs are the first in the UK to bring Australian strength and boxing gym concept UBX (pronounced You-Box) to the UK when they launch the flagship gym and training hub in MediaCity later this month.

Business partners Ben Waldron and James Worrall are the first franchisees to bring the innovative gym brand to the UK market after closely monitoring its success in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore where it now has over 90 gyms since launching in 2012.

The opening of the 3,500 sq ft flagship space, more than double the size of standard UBX gyms, within the first floor of MediaCity’s multi storey, will mark the start of UBX’s ambitious plans for the franchise which aims to open 250 UBX’s nationwide over the next four years.

Ben, a former personal trainer and gym manager and James who previously ran his own leisure management business first became aware of the successful concept before the pandemic. With both their true passions lying in the health and fitness industry they approached UBX with the vision to bring UBX to the UK.

Ben, UBX co Founder and Director said: “Reaching out to UBX was timely in that it was already on their radar to expand to the UK market. Out of everywhere in the UK, we had already earmarked MediaCity as the place to launch such a unique concept, so it was a case of waiting until the time was right. We knew if this new way of training would be adopted anywhere it would be in MediaCity.

“There’s nothing like UBX in the UK. There’s no set timetable so its 100% flexible but totally results driven and you have the science and coaching behind you every step of the way to get the results you want.”

UBX workouts are created by a team of in-house sport scientists and head coaches, four-time world champion boxer Danny Green and former Wallabies Strength and Conditioning coach Brad Harrington. UBX MediaCity will be led by head coach Karolina Tarozaite who will individualise the workout for members, adapting the exercises and boxing skills to varying fitness levels. Members follow training phases designed by scientists and athletes in seven-week blocks.

Stephen Kirk, Head of Asset Management for MediaCity said: “UBX is a fantastic addition for MediaCity’s ever growing residential and business community which gives them a great health and wellbeing offer right on their doorstep. The fact UBX MediaCity will act as the springboard for this emerging brand in the UK is really exciting.”