Jim’s Gym, founded by Stroud based personal trainer James Hilton, has proven to be making a million-pound difference to the UK economy.
After Jim’s Gym was recently awarded “Highly Commended” as a finalist in the Health & Wellbeing Business category at the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2025, James Hilton invested time in finding out the actual impact of his small business in the first year of trading.
Using UnLtd’s Impact Measurement Tool, which measures the positive impact on social ventures, James was staggered to be able to quantify the impact Jim’s Gym has had in its first year of trading.
It indicated that Jim’s Gym created just under a million pounds of ‘Estimated Social Value’.
“Jim’s Gym was set up to show people over 55 how fun and effective home exercise can be, helping them reap the benefits of being more active without the hassle of a conventional gym. I expected happy members who enjoy getting fit at their own pace, but the recent wellbeing survey blew me away,” James, who lives in the Stroud area, said.
Jim’s Gym is dedicated to helping people aged 55 and above remain active, mobile, and independent through an innovative online platform offering classes that members can enjoy from the convenience of their front room!
Cecile-Aure Ajavon, Senior Social Impact Analyst at UnLtd, commented on how they put a price tag on ‘social impact’.
“When we talk about social value, we mean estimating the wider value that positive changes can have on people and society—not just the direct benefits. For example, if someone becomes more physically active, it doesn’t just improve their health—it can also mean fewer visits to the doctor, better mental wellbeing, and even more confidence at work.”
“The tool uses trusted national research to give these kinds of changes a money value, based on how much they’re likely to help people and reduce costs in other parts of society.”
“Jim’s Gym is more than an online fitness club,” James Hilton continued. “I want it to be the first-place people over 55 turns to when they want to get fit but don’t fancy a traditional gym. We’re building a special community that’s fun and accessible and actually keeps people engaged with lots of options, daily live workouts, and nutrition support, plus Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, Dancercise, and more, all from home.”
For more information about James Hilton’s work in fitness and well-being or to join Jim’s Gym, please visit https://www.jimsgym.fitness/
Article from Scott Media
