Manchester’s groundbreaking new gym concept GSquared Health Clubsis planning to “change the face of fitness” with a holistic approach for its members.
And along with the next-level gym facility, GSquared Manchester – which is set to open in January 2021 in the vaults of Royal Exchange Arcade, boasting 12,000sq ft of training space – will also come with its own dedicated tranquil space especially for power naps.
It will be known as the Sleep Pod.
GSquared clubs have always been a place to restore, re-energise and revive, but the Sleep Pod goes one step further by allowing members to escape the city for a moment of calm, and a study by NASA has even claimed that a simple 26-minute power nap can lead to an increase of productivity by 34%.
This undoubtedly makes the Sleep Pod the perfect solution for fatigued, Mancunian city workers.
The brainchild of GSquared’s CEO Andy McGlynn, this private sanctuary for rest is about fuelling the body with holistic therapies, especially for those that need a ‘work in’ rather than ‘work out’.
“For too long, gyms have been known for a 1D approach to health and fitness through the means of exercise.” Andy explained.
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“But what if your body isn’t ready for an intense workout but more of a ‘work in’?
“We want to be different and support our members in their overall health, wellbeing and performance in and out of the gym. It’s the missing link to really helping people invest back in themselves without the warped idea they have to throw themselves and their already stressed body into a workout before it’s ready to do so.”
This Sleep Pod is just one of the innovative spaces to launch at the new health club, but what else can Mancunians expect come January?
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GSquared Health Clubs
Well, within the 12,000sq ft of innovative training space, there’s also a studio offering holistic studio sessions, in addition to the usual high intensity classes, and there will also be dedicated treatment rooms for sports massage and sports rehabilitation therapies.
As you’d expect from a gym, there’s a sauna within each of the changing rooms, but in true GSquared style, this is an enhanced offering.
There will also be an Infra-Red Sauna, which is known for expelling more transdermal toxicity than standard saunas, resulting in clear and tighter skin, as well as assisting with deep relaxation, enhanced detoxification and a boost in immunity, and delayed onset muscle soreness.
GSquared’s front of house mirrors that of a five-star hotel too, with a serene foyer, an aquarium, waterfall and gentle classical music playing.
This is the holistic hub of GSquared, where the Sleep Pod and treatment rooms are located.
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GSquared Health Clubs
With a “multi-faceted approach to fitness and wellbeing”, it’s pretty fair to say that GSquared is a revolution in the gym scene here in Manchester.
GSquared prides itself on focusing on the conditioning and balancing of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual components of its members, and the journey starts with “the most advanced gym induction in the world”, which includes body composition analysis, spinal alignment, full health and wellbeing analysis and more.
Membership tiers available at GSquared Health Clubs include:
Executive – £95 per month
Platinum – £150 per month
Platinum Plus – £225 per month
GSquared Health Clubs’ membership application will be pre-arranged appointments with state-of-the-art VR technology tours included.
More information ahead of the opening of Manchester’s newest gym concept can be found via the GSquared Health Clubs website here.
Sport
Co-creator of Manchester-Blackpool bike ride hoping to reunite with fellow founders for special anniversary
Danny Jones
One of the co-creators of the much-loved Manchester to Blackpool charity bike ride is looking to reunite with some of his fellow founding members for a very special anniversary of the heartwarming event.
Way back when, Tony O’Dwyer was one of just six original riders who embarked on the bike ride from Manchester – Media City in Salford Quays, more precisely – to the Blackpool seafront, which has gone on to become a beloved and regularly frequented fundraiser.
Fast forward four decades later and not only is the annual cycling event approaching its 40th anniversary, but O’Dwyer himself is looking to take it on yet again, just four days before his 70th birthday.
Oh yeah, it’s worth mentioning he’s done it every year since the beginning – including solo during the pandemic. Simply incredible.
Go on, Tony, lad! (Credit: The Christie Charity)
To make things even more memorable, the Wigan-born bike-riding legend is calling on his fellow Manchester-Blackpool bike ride founders to join him in a momentous reunion that is both a personal celebration and one that champions the famous fundraising endurance challenge.
It may have started out as little more than half a dozen blokes setting off from Albert Square in Manchester city centre on a pretty ambitious voyage, but it’s gone on to become a North West tradition and a powerful way to support vital causes, not least of all charities like The Christie Foundation.
This year, Tony will be riding once again to raise funds for The Christie in honour of his late father, Franco O’Dwyer, who was cared for by the specialist hospital and research centre after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Franco sadly died 10 years ago, and Tony has been a passionate supporter of the organisation ever since, taking various fundraising challenges even beyond his usual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary edition, Tony said: “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since we first did it. Back in 1985, it was just a group of mates, a few bikes, and the road to Blackpool – we didn’t have the gear, just grit and a bit of madness!
Credit: Supplied
“We passed through Leigh, Standish, Preston, and St Annes, stopping at pubs and windmills along the way, just enjoying the journey. I’d love to reconnect with the original group – Mike, Barry, Susan, John, Margaret and Christine – it would be brilliant to see where life has taken them.”
“The first time I did the bike ride, I was in fancy dress as a lion, and I’ve done it every year since. I even did it during COVID on my own when the event was postponed, and there were others on the way doing it themselves too, which was amazing to see!”
Crediting The Christie with prolonging his father’s life and giving his family that extra precious time, he’s now proud to fly the flag for the foundation, and they have just as much love for him.
Mass participation events officer Josh Hughff added: “Tony is an incredible ambassador for the Charity and for this event. His dedication over four decades is inspiring, and we’re honoured he continues to ride in support of The Christie Charity.
“His story is a reminder of the lasting power of community, memory, and giving back.”
For anyone who’d like to join Tony and be part of ‘Team Christie’ 2025 as they head towards the seaside town’s South Promenade, you can sign up HERE.
As for those pioneers who first took on the challenge all those years ago, if you were part of that original group or know someone who was, please contact Maggie Doyle at The Christie Charity on 07717 532195.
Fingers crossed we can get the gang back together.
Featured Images — The Chrisite (supplied)/Leo C. Owen (Pexels)
Sport
Jadon Sancho set for return to Manchester United after Chelsea pay to avoid permanent signing
Danny Jones
England winger Jadon Sancho looks like he’s coming back to Manchester United, at least for the time being, following his stint at Chelsea, with the Premier League club opting to pay a penalty in order to avoid signing him full-time.
Sancho was loaned out to the UEFA Conference League winners just over a year ago after falling out with the previous Man United head coach, Erik ten Hag, playing 42 games for the West Londoners.
The naturally gifted winger, who was considered one of the hottest prospects in Europe just a few short years ago, also pulled back on a Borussia Dortmund shirt for a six-month loan spell in January 2024, but his return was never made permanent either.
In the case of Chelsea, despite having an obligation to buy Sancho when they initially signed him last summer, the deal – worth a reported £25 million – included a £5m clause which would allow them to get out of said obligation: a clause that owner Todd Boehly’s club has seemingly to have activated.
BREAKING: Jadon Sancho will return to Manchester United after failing to agree to personal terms with Chelsea 🚨 pic.twitter.com/1F55sXWoT4
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 3, 2025
As per the likes of The Athletic, Sancho is set for a return to MUFC and Carrington as he waits to see what the INEOS administration and new manager Ruben Amorim (who is yet to have the 25-year-old among his options since arriving at Old Trafford) do with him.
It remains to be seen whether or not the former Man City youth star will make another appearance at the Theatre of Dreams itself, but with co-owner Jim Ratcliffe said to be strapped for cash and yet still looking to bring in new players, they’ll be hoping at least fetch a decent fee for the him.
Sancho registered five goals and 10 assists during his time at Stamford Bridge, and despite perhaps not lighting the world on fire, he proved to be a useful addition to the squad and contributed in some big moments – that recent European final being the standout this season.
Nevertheless, it is believed that Chelsea were unwilling to match the salary paid by his parent club, with the one-time national team starlet said to be on weekly wages of around £300,000, according to reports.
Born in the capital himself, Sancho grew to be favoured by a sizeable portion of the supporters, and while the Man United fan base is pretty divided when it comes to Sancho coming back, there are plenty of Blues that will miss him.
Meanwhile, regardless of his return to United, Sancho being moved on rather quickly looks the most likely outcome now that the summer transfer window is open.