Gyms to Improve Student Focus and Reduce Stress Levels
Education can be high-pressure for both students and staff. Recognising the impact of fitness on mental wellbeing, Churcher’s College invested in upgrading its gym facilities in 2025.
Fit Hire, a trusted partner since 2017, was selected to modernise the space, ensuring students and staff had access to high-quality fitness solutions designed to improve focus, reduce stress, and boost overall morale.
The Story of Churcher’s College
Churcher’s College is a leading independent day school in Petersfield, educating over 1,300 students across its Junior and Senior Schools. With a strong emphasis on academic and athletic excellence, the school recognises that physical fitness plays a vital role in reducing stress and enhancing student engagement.
In 2017 Fithire installed the college’s first gym. Following the success of this project, Fit Hire was invited to lead a second, expansion project, in 2024. The goal? To create a fitness environment that could accommodate full classes, introduce more interactive training experiences, and provide a dedicated space for cardio workouts—all while maximising the mental health benefits of exercise.
The Challenge of Limited Gym Space Before Fit Hire
Before the upgrade, limited space and outdated equipment restricted how students and staff could engage in fitness activities. Without a dedicated cardio area and interactive training options, participation was inconsistent, and the full mental health benefits of exercise were not being realised.
Why Churcher’s College Chose Fit Hire
Churcher’s College selected Fit Hire not only for its expertise but also for its ability to deliver tailored solutions. The project included:
✔️ A dedicated Cardio Zone with Matrix equipment for interactive, app-connected workouts
✔️ A Strength Training Area designed to support full-class training sessions
✔️ Smart gym planning with 3D CAD modeling to maximise space efficiency
Fit Hire’s previous success with the school, combined with its local presence and ability to customise solutions, made it the clear choice.
How Churcher’s College Used Fit Hire’s Equipment
Fit Hire worked closely with the school and Matrix representatives to design and implement the gym upgrade. The project involved overcoming logistical challenges like low ceilings and tricky delivery routes, ensuring a smooth installation process. By February 2025, the new fitness space was fully operational, offering an engaging and stress-relieving workout environment for students and staff alike.
The Results
The upgraded fitness facilities have already made a tangible impact:
✔️ Increased student participation in exercise
✔️ Improved focus, engagement, and academic performance
✔️ Lower stress and anxiety levels among students and staff
✔️ Stronger appeal for prospective students seeking top-tier sports facilities
With the most advanced school gym in the region, Churcher’s College is setting a new standard for fitness and well-being in education.
Fit Hire is proud to support schools, colleges, and universities in creating fitness environments that promote both physical and mental well-being. Want to bring these benefits to your campus? Contact us today to explore your next gym upgrade!
