your First Visit to BIF
We know that visiting somewhere new can feel daunting, especially when you don’t know where to go or what will happen when you arrive. Here’s everything you need to know before your first visit.
FAQs
Address
40 Heaton Road, Heaton, NE6 1SD
On-street parking
Free on-street parking is available along Heaton Road and the surrounding streets. There is usually space on the road outside or nearby, although we recommend allowing a little extra time during busier periods.
Additional parking can often be found around Heaton Park View and Wandsworth Road.
East End Pool car park
You can also park at East End Pool, where parking is free for up to three hours. It is approximately a three-minute walk from the studio.
By Metro
The nearest Metro stop is Chillingham Road Station, approximately a 7–8 minute walk away. Exit the station, head down Chillingham Road and then turn right onto Heaton Road.
By bus
Several bus routes stop along Heaton Road or nearby, with regular services from Newcastle City Centre, Jesmond and Byker. Check Go North East or Arriva for the latest routes and times.
From Newcastle City Centre
Buses run frequently from Newcastle City Centre, with the journey usually taking approximately 10–15 minutes.
BIF doesn’t have a separate reception or waiting area. We’re a small, independent studio with a big focus on support, so when you come through the entrance, you’ll walk straight onto the gym floor.
There are some pink chairs just inside where you can sit and get settled. Your instructor will be expecting you and will welcome you when you arrive. Let them know it’s your first time and they’ll show you where to put your belongings and explain how everything works.
You won’t be expected to know where to stand, what equipment to collect or what to do—we’ll guide you through it.
For your first class, we recommend arriving around 5 minutes early. This gives you time to find us, get settled and meet your instructor without feeling rushed.
There’s no need to arrive much earlier than this, as another class may still be taking place. If you do arrive late, please still come in, we understand that traffic, public transport and life can be unpredictable.
Wear anything you feel comfortable moving in. You don’t need matching gym clothes, specialist equipment or a particular type of body to belong here.
We recommend:
- Comfortable clothing that allows you to move
- Trainers or other suitable footwear for strength-based classes
- A bottle of water
- Any medication or personal items you may need
Equipment is provided unless your booking information says otherwise. You’re also welcome to bring layers, as temperatures can feel different from person to person.
We have a private toilet which can also be used as a changing space.
You’re welcome to arrive already dressed for your class or change when you get here, whichever feels easiest for you.
The studio’s front entrance is approximately 84cm wide with a small step of approximately 4cm. The door to the toilet and changing space is approximately 75cm wide.
We appreciate that accessibility involves much more than door measurements. If you have any physical, sensory, communication or other access requirements, please contact us before your visit. We’ll answer your questions honestly and do everything reasonably possible to make your visit work for you.
You’re also welcome to ask about lighting, music, noise levels, seating, class layout or anything else that might help you decide whether the space will be suitable.
You are always allowed to pause, rest, get some water or choose a different version of an exercise. Your instructor can help you find an option that feels more suitable, but you never have to justify listening to your body.
You can also sit something out or leave the session early if you need to. We won’t draw attention to you or make you feel guilty.
Movement is not a punishment, and you don’t have to push through pain, discomfort or overwhelm to prove that you’re trying hard enough.
BIF is a weight-neutral fitness space. This means we focus on things such as strength, mobility, confidence, enjoyment, wellbeing and what your body can do, not weight loss or changing how your body looks.
We don’t weigh people, take before-and-after photographs or use body size as a measure of success. You won’t be encouraged to burn off food, earn meals or feel guilty about your body.
People of all sizes are welcome here. Your body is not a problem that needs to be fixed before you can enjoy movement.
Feeling nervous before visiting somewhere new is completely understandable. You are not being difficult, and there is no such thing as a silly question.
You can contact Kim before your visit at 07835 948185 / kim@bodyimagefitness.com. Let us know what you’re worried about or what might help, even if you aren’t quite sure how to explain it.
You can also tell us if you would prefer:
- A little extra guidance when you arrive
- More information about the class beforehand
We want your first visit to feel manageable. You don’t need to arrive feeling confident, you just need to arrive as you are.
Our standard 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Cancelling with less than 24 hours’ notice may result in the class being deducted from your pass.
Still have questions?
If there’s anything we haven’t covered, or something you’d like to know before deciding whether to visit—please get in touch. No question is too small, and you’re never being difficult by asking for more information or support.
You can:
Email: kim@bodyimagefitness.com
WhatsApp: 07835 948185
BIF is a small, independent studio with a big focus on making people feel welcome. You don’t need to arrive feeling confident, fit or completely ready. We’ll meet you where you are, help you find your feet and support you throughout.
You are welcome here, exactly as you are.