Lifestyle

FITFCK & Fitness First Announce Partnership, Bringing Fitness Dating Classes to London Gyms

Published

2 years ago

June 26, 2023

FITFCK, a dating brand for gym-enthusiasts, has announced a partnership with leading international gym firm, Fitness First. The partnership will bring in-real-life fitness dating classes to Fitness First’s extensive network of London gyms. Attendees can look forward to expert-led fitness classes and exhilarating workouts, designed to lead to dates.

This exciting collaboration builds upon the success of FITFCK’s previous in-person dating events and will further enhance the offerings available to Fitness First’s members. With many Fitness First gyms already involved, the two fitness brands are preparing to take IRL fitness dating experiences to the next level.

FITFCK, described as “The fitness brand to watch out for in 2023″ by Bodybuilding.com, has previously connected gym-goers through a series of extremely successful IRL fitness dating events across London – and more recently, Manchester. The first event, which took place in March at CrossFit Gym, Putney sold-out to hundreds within 12 minutes – showcasing a strong demand for combining fitness and dating in a social setting.

Pioneering the fitness dating scene, Jamie Wykes-Hobday, founder of the BBC featured company, is building an omni-channel brand for not just dating and relationships, but also backed by a seemingly very engaged fitness community.

As well as a strong track record for hosting in-person fitness dating events, FITFCK more recently diversified its product suite by releasing an IOS and android compatible FITFCK dating app. The app garnered significant attention and positive reviews from the media – as well as the app users themselves. The app currently boasts impressive user metrics – considerably higher than the reported rates from other growing, and established, dating industry players.

FITFCK’s in-person events and online dating app are already being promoted to the brand’s fast growing following of over 51,000 engaged Instagram users. And now, with support from Fitness First, the brand is set to reach an additional 70,000 London based gym goers through Fitness First’s gym floor advertising, as well as direct online promotion to their online database.

Despite the app being a huge success, it’s FITFCK’s approach to IRL fitness dating events that sets them apart from traditional dating platforms. Apps have certainly shaped a lot of dating experiences for people in the 2020’s – and that’s not just millennials and GenZers. But, the dating landscape is seeing a new trend emerge as people are becoming more and more interested in meeting new people and dating in real life, for example through meetups, speed dating and singles parties. The entire process seems to be becoming much more ‘intentional’. And after the Covid-19 pandemic, can you blame anyone?

As a result of these new trends, many dating apps are making efforts to incorporate real life events into their business models – think Bumble for example. The difficulty for mainstream giants is that their users encompass such a wide range of interests so it can be hard to connect a group of people who have anything in common. FITFCK’s partnership with Fitness First will absolutely break the mould for IRL dating success. Despite often being seen as a small ‘niche’, almost 15% of the UK population hold gym memberships. If just a quarter of these are single, that’s almost 3 million people the fitness brands can help.

Entrepreneur and FITFCK Founder, Jamie Wykes-Hobday, commented: “I am absolutely ecstatic to say that FITFCK will be collaborating with the incredible Fitness First to bring fitness dating classes to a number of gyms in London – and that’s just the starting point! Since the early conversations, we knew that FF would be a good collab for us. What stood out was their mission to connect people through fitness and workouts, combined with their appreciation for the strong fitness community… we just prefer to throw a few dates and number swaps into the mix ;)”.

“Getting gym goers together under one roof, with a workout and a DJ, is a fulfilling prospect for both of our brands. We’ve run hugely successful events throughout 2022-23 so we know exactly how powerful they can be – and how much our community loves them. Now, working with Fitness First, we’re able to massively increase the frequency of our events and connect a lot more people – we’re upping the weights and the reps, if you like.”

When asked about the ‘event attendance to subsequently organising a date’ success rate, Jamie answered: “We’ll have to find a better metric name to report on that! But in all seriousness, that’s the true beauty of what we’re trying to achieve here. Our goal is to bring together fitness lovers and gym enthusiasts who share a passion for their training and the industry. What’s the worst that can happen? If they don’t find a date at the event, they’ll walk away 100% satisfied after a first class workout and come along to the next event to try again – the only workouts we regret are the ones we don’t do, right?”

To further support the partnership and spread the word about the upcoming Fitness First dating classes, the FITFCK team will be attending The Tru Athlete Expo, in London on 11-13th August 2023. The expo is a must-attend fitness festival which will undoubtedly increase footfall through Fitness First’s London gyms when the events take place in the very near future.

FITFCK and Fitness First, although just rolling out this partnership across the fitness centre’s London gym venues at present, are confident this is just the beginning. The collaboration is set to extend nationally in the coming months with the opportunity for international partnership also. That certainly would be a PB for the brand, which continues to take huge growth steps.

FITFCK will also be creating their first LGBTQ events next month, in partnership with Pride Month. We’re excited to see what’s next for Jamie, his team and their FIT as FCK community.

To learn more about FITFCK and Fitness First Gym’s upcoming fitness dating events visit www.instagram.com/fitfck

– ENDS –

About FITFCK

FITFCK is a fitness dating brand designed to connect like minded gym lovers through IRL fitness dating events and our soon to be released fitness dating app. Born out of heartbreak, after founder Jamie Wykes-Hobday was dumped weeks before competing in a bodybuilding show, FITFCK (Pron: “fit-eff-see-kay”) has quickly becoming the place for UK based fitness lovers who are looking to share their lifestyle choices with someone whether it be dating, relationships or casual.

Lifestyle

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri: Transforming Lives and Inspiring Global Change

Published

1 day ago

March 13, 2025

Michelle Langton

In an era where the world grapples with inequality, poverty, and environmental challenges, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has emerged as a transformative leader whose work is reshaping lives and communities. Known for his philanthropic heart, innovative vision, and spiritual guidance, Bushiri is not just a religious figure but a global changemaker. His initiatives are creating tangible improvements in education, urban development, and humanitarian aid, making him a beacon of hope for millions.

A Philanthropist with a Heart for the Vulnerable

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s humanitarian efforts have touched countless lives, particularly in his home country of Malawi. Over the years, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and suffering. From distributing food to famine-affected regions to providing essential supplies like blankets and medical equipment to hospitals and prisons, Bushiri’s actions have brought relief to those in dire need.

In 2023, his foundation launched a groundbreaking scholarship program worth billions, designed to support over 5,000 students across Malawi. This initiative has already opened doors to quality education for thousands of young people, offering them a chance to break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures. Bushiri’s commitment to education as a catalyst for societal change has earned him recognition from organizations like the African Youth Organisation, further solidifying his reputation as a leader who invests in the next generation.

Revolutionizing Urban Living with Goshen City

One of Bushiri’s most ambitious and celebrated projects is Goshen City, a state-of-the-art smart city currently under development in Malawi. This visionary initiative aims to create a sustainable, technologically advanced urban ecosystem that fosters innovation, community, and economic growth. Goshen City is not just a physical space; it’s a symbol of hope and progress for Malawi and a model for urban development across Africa.

In 2024, Bushiri’s groundbreaking work on Goshen City earned him the Global Visionary and Pioneer in Smart City Transformation Award at the prestigious Burj CEO Awards. This recognition highlights his ability to combine visionary thinking with practical solutions, setting a new standard for urban development in the region. By integrating technology, sustainability, and community-focused design, Bushiri is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Spiritual Leadership That Inspires Millions

As the founder and leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG), Prophet Bushiri has become a spiritual mentor to millions worldwide. His messages of hope, faith, and resilience resonate deeply with people from diverse backgrounds, inspiring them to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams. ECG’s events, such as the Night of Wealth Transfer, have drawn thousands of international visitors, significantly boosting Malawi’s economy through spiritual tourism.

Beyond his religious ministry, Bushiri’s global influence has positioned him as a bridge between cultures and nations. His ability to connect with people across continents has enabled him to advocate for Malawi on international platforms, attracting foreign investment and fostering diplomatic partnerships that benefit the nation.

A Visionary Leader Building a Legacy of Change

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s impact extends far beyond his immediate community. His ability to inspire action, coupled with his tangible contributions to education, healthcare, and urban development, has made him a transformative force for good. Whether through his philanthropic initiatives or his innovative projects, Bushiri continues to demonstrate that true leadership is about serving others and creating a legacy of positive change.

As Malawi and the world look to the future, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s work serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of challenges, hope and progress are possible. His life and mission are a testament to the enduring power of compassion, innovation, and faith in building a better world for all.