Pilates, Zumba, BodyPump — you’ve probably heard of all these dozens of times before but we’d dare say most people have never come across the world of ‘Stepper-Ton’: the fast-paced and exciting new dance-based exercise that’s quickly becoming one of the biggest crazes.
And it’s all happening right here in Manchester. Trendsetters, as usual.
To tell the truth, we’ve already lied to you; plenty of people will have come across Stepper-Ton already, they just might not have known the name. But if you’ve been on TikTok in the past few months, you’ve likely stumbled across videos of this bloke and his gym classes.
So energetic are his workout classes, several people assumed it was based in the USA and his followers were stunned to discover he teaches out of Manchester city centre.
The man we’re referring to is Julius Burphy, a personal trainer and online coach who specialises in his unique brand of fitness: a hip-hop and Afro-step class which combines fitness with irresistible classics and up-tempo tracks of the moment in what is undoubtedly one of the most fun workouts on the planet.
Building workouts based around using a single aerobic step and dance routines matched to the BPM of various dance-friendly tracks, Stepper-Ton isn’t just an enjoyable music-based way to exercise, it’s a real boot camp in both cardio and coordination.
Though we’re sure you’ve figured out plenty already, the unique class is described as an energetic ‘step aerobic’ workout like no other, with passion, fun and accessibility at its heart.
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Burphy insists his goal has always been to “break out of the box of classes every other gym has to offer and introduce you to a fun way to train”, assuring that “whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, our classes are designed to make you get up and take your steps towards your fitness goals.”
His workout style and overall demeanour are so upbeat and high-energy, as promised, that the positivity his videos spread online has become infectious, gaining hundreds of millions of views. It hasn’t just turned into a fitness craze, his channel is now at the point where it even has its own beloved cast of fan favourite characters. Big up Maria and ‘pink shirt girl’.
Speaking to The Manc, the master himself told us a little bit about how the whole thing got started and the ethos behind Stepper-Ton.
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“I’ve been a personal trainer and fitness Instructor for six years now. Working in the fitness industry for that long, I got bored of teaching the same types of classes you get in every other gym. None of them were a representation of me or how I’d want to teach my classes and that’s why I started Stepper-Ton two years ago during lockdown.
“After doing some research on classes that would best suit me, I was inspired by watching step aerobics videos that kept coming up on my feed from all over the world, and I noticed that it’s something we’ve lacked in Britain ever since the 80s and 90s.
“That’s when I realised that this was something I would love to bring back to the UK but with my own personal touch, so during lockdown I ordered a stepper and practised various routines at home. I then moved to JD Gyms where things really started taking off.”
Burphy’s increasingly popular workout movement is getting bigger and bigger by the day, with thousands following along with his routines online in their home workouts. The Stepper-Ton team has also collaborated with big brands like Gymshark and even appeared on This Morning back in August.
Clearly in love with what he does, Burphy went on to tell us, “One of the things I am most proud of is creating a beautiful community of people who love to step”, adding, “I really look forward to every class every week because we have the most fun together.”
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As for what sets it apart from other workouts and forms of exercise, he says: “What makes Stepper-Ton different to other classes is my love for creating fun routines, high energy, but also gets you sweating because I incorporate workouts making sure everyone gets the most out of the classes.
“Having fun whilst burning calories. My great music taste plays a huge factor too [he’s not wrong]. For newcomers, I teach basic step routines as these are easier to follow, but also ensure to keep my regular members engaged by coming up with more challenging ‘End of Month’ routines which are slightly more challenging but also lots of fun.”
As he puts it, “Everyone gets to take part” — and they really do. Countless people are now queuing up to take part in a Stepper-Ton class right here in the city centre and not only has Burphy’s brand gained a cult following on social media but this man is genuinely adored by colleagues and class members.
If you reckon you’ve got a bit of rhythm and fancy your chances at keeping up with these lot, or even if you don’t and just fancy trying your hand at some beginner routines, you can find out more on the website and get booked in for a class HERE.
Taking place over at JD Gym over in Bridgewater House on Whitworth Street — just on the corner of Oxford Road opposite the Kimpton Hotel — just head downstairs and to the studio at the back of the gym and you’ll find the Stepper-Ton faithful having a blast.
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Who knows, maybe you’ll even see us there one of these days…
Featured Image — Julius Burphy (via Instagram)/Stepper-Ton
Sport
Every bit of live entertainment coming to Haydock Park Racecourse this summer | The Jockey Club Live 2025
Danny Jones
With festival season officially underway and a music-filled summer approaching faster than Stone Folca down the final furlong, we’ll take any chance to sing and dance under the sun we can get, so it’s a good job that what’s on at Haydock Park Racecourse this year is great and there’s plenty of it.
That’s right, The Jockey Club Live experience at Haydock Park is back for 2025, and there’s another incredible lineup of acts joining the punters over the next few months.
Having already seen the likes of Craig David, Busted and the Sugababes, as well as rather fittingly named local band, Red Rum Club, most recently, we’ve had some ruddy good times soaking up The Jockey Club festivities and libations, and this year is already off to a storming start.
You can catch a glimpse of our latest visit to the races down below for a taster. In short, it was a blast.
As you can see, not only are the spirits high and free-flowing (if you catch our drift) at Haydock Park, but there’s more than just racing and betting slips when it comes to what’s on there during the summer.
In addition to plenty of food and drink, every year as part of their Music Night programme, The Jockey Club well and truly puts the Live in ‘live entertainment’ with a whole host of big names.
For instance, here’s who is coming up at Haydock this summer…
What’s on at Haydock Park Racecourse this summer?
Tom Jones – Friday, 4 July
Perhaps the biggest name on the bill this year is the legendary Welsh soul singer and pop veteran SIR Tom Jones; that’s right, you could be in the presence of a real knight this July.
The 85-year-old who has enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades on stage clearly couldn’t get enough the first time around, as Mr ‘Sex Bomb’ himself is coming back to the racecourse for a full headline slot as part of his ‘Defy Explanation’ tour.
Speaking ahead of another visit, he said: “Performing live is the centre of my life and I’m really pleased to be returning to Haydock Park Racecourse to play to such a welcoming audience. The Jockey Club Live shows are exciting dates in my calendar – the fans really enjoy the day, so [they] are always sensational.”
‘I can’t wait to spend a Summer’s evening with everyone this July.’ (Credit: Raph_PH via Flickr)
Becky Hill – Friday, 8 August
A month later, you can catch a contemporary pop queen and fellow British chart favourite, as solo star Becky Hill will be heading to Haydock for a headline performance of her own.
The Bewdley-born singer-songwriter and regular dance track feature artist already has 22 top 40 songs to her name and is pushing even further into the electronic music scene of late, with one of her newest hits, Swim’, becoming another big hit.
Jockey Club said of her date: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Becky and her phenomenal live show to Haydock Park. Tickets start from just £40, continuing our reputation for providing value-for-money entertainment destination for the region and beyond.”
‘With thousands of tickets for Red Rum Club sold in the presale alone, we’re urging fans to secure their spot for next summer soon to avoid disappointment.’ (Credit: Press shot supplied via Chuff Media)
Next up: Jamie Webster – 21 June
But before both of these big British names is a local Merseyside legend, as indie guitarist and Liverpool-fan anthem specialist Jamie Webster will be heading down the road for what is sure to be a very popular night on home turf.
The ‘Weekend In Paradise’ and ‘This Place’ singer may have got his break performing to supporters around Anfield, but his music journey since then has been nothing short of remarkable – a real Northern, working-class success story in action.
Our Audio North team spoke to Webster ahead of his Haydock Park show on Saturday, 21 June and let’s just say we’re now more invested than ever in hearing Jamie play his third studio album, 10 For The People, for… well – you get it.
Better still, the party doesn’t stop once the summer is over, as The Jockey Club Live will be holding a number of other events throughout the rest of the year, not to mention all the usual horse-racing action at Haydock Park.
You can find out more information on the above and everything else on at the racecourse, as well as grab tickets to any of the dates that take your fancy right HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Press shot (supplied)
Sport
‘Best signing of the summer’: Stockport County fans react to Dave Challinor’s new contract
Danny Jones
Stockport County fans are buzzing with their first and arguably ‘biggest’ signing of the summer, as manager Dave Challinor has penned a new contract at Edgeley Park.
The majority of match-goers in Stockport have fallen in love with Challinor over the past few years, with the former County centre-back having now spent nearly four years as the boss and overseeing one of the best periods in their history during that time.
With seven promotions across four different clubs, three of those coming at Edgeley Park, he’s been touted as one of the EFL‘s most underrated and quietly successful coaches in recent times.
All that being said, and with the 49-year-old now signing a new deal at the club, supporters like those behind the popular The Scarf Bergara Wore fan podcast have said, “Could be the best signing of our summer, that” – a similar sentiment has been echoed in pretty much everyone’s reaction.
Congratulations to Dave, a superb manager – would expect Stockport to play in the Championship in that time. Not many can say they’ve had success everywhere they’ve been, but he can
As you can see, while some jokingly said they were waiting to hear former Aston Villa loanee Louie Barry had been re-signed, the overwhelming consensus is that this is “superb news” for the thriving Greater Manchester side.
Having only just missed out on yet another promotion, which would have seen SCFC back in the Championship after more than two decades (having last spent time in the second division during the 2002/23 campaign, lasting just one season), keeping him tied down wasn’t a certainty.
The Chester-born ex-pro turned manager has attracted plenty of interest since his heroics at AFC Fylde and now at Stockport County, but owner and Vita Group founder, Mark Stott, as well as CEO Simon Wilson and the rest of the board were more than ready to reward his efforts with a new three-year deal.
If all goes to plan, this will see him remain at the club until at least 2028 if they make it into the Championship as planned, who knows how much longer after that.
Speaking on the new contract, Dave Challinor said via an official club statement, “I’m delighted to extend my stay at the Club beyond the end of the upcoming season. Last season gives me even more motivation to improve and aim to meet the shared objectives we have.
“I’m still highly ambitious, and feel that what we have built here over the last three-and-a-half years makes County somewhere that I want to continue to build, alongside my staff, players and everyone involved at the Club.”
‘Chally’ went on to add: “Last season gives me even more motivation to improve and aim to meet the shared objectives we have.
“I’m still highly ambitious, and feel that what we have built here over the last three-and-a-half years makes County somewhere that I want to continue to build, alongside my staff, players and everyone involved at the Club.
“A manager’s tenure at any football club is getting shorter and shorter, and I feel proud to have been at Edgeley Park for as long as I have. That comes from the trust placed in me by Mark and Simon to come in and have a positive impact, and I thank them both for that.”
Danny Jones -
15th September 2023 
