MATT Brinkley is a firm believer that exercise is for everyone.

Far from being a pastime for the strong and super-fit, he says keeping active is for people of all ages, shapes and sizes, with different physical and mental capabilities.

In fact, he feels so passionately he has made it his vocation.

Mr Brinkley is an adaptive exercise trainer, helping and supporting people who need extra help to stay fit.

He provides one-to-one and group services, providing accessible fitness opportunities for the disabled, injured and elderly and working with charities like Headway Essex, Different Strokes and Caudwell Children.

Last year he took that commitment to a new level, opening the BPT Therapy Gym just outside Colchester.

And he says he is a firm believer in seeing a person's ability, rather than disability.

Mr Brinkley, who lives in Sible Hedingham, said: "I enjoyed daily exercise and activity throughout my childhood and played a variety of sports.

"I continued that passion and became a certified personal trainer when I was 19.

"That desire to help people extended beyond fitness and I was a support worker for individuals with learning disabilities.

"Now I have an opportunity to combine my passions by supporting individuals with their fitness, as well as their daily functional needs.

"I found a brilliant potential facility last summer and, since then, the plan has quickly turned to reality.

"The gym creates exercise opportunities for people who require adaptations or modifications to their fitness regimes.

"It gives them a unique exercise environment where they feel safe and comfortable and where they can get specialist guidance, alongside our team of qualified fitness professionals."

The BPT Therapy Gym is just off the A12 at Holton St Mary, between Colchester and Ipswich.

The two lockdowns that followed the soft launch of the business slowed progress but only in terms of actual participation.

Mr Brinkley, a director of the business, has still been working hard behind the scenes to develop the gym and spread the word.

"We're a service for those who may feel excluded from ‘normal’ gyms," said the 32-year-old.

"Instead, we offer a safe space to workout and have confidence that the staff are able to help when needed.

"We only have a limited capacity but that means members enjoy a fantastic experience with lots of guidance.

"Carers, family and friends are welcome to support members free of charge and our staff are all trained and have experience working with different groups, from the physically and cognitively disabled to the elderly, those with learning disabilities and those with behavioural needs.

"We offer adaptive equipment and wheelchair-accessible equipment for strength, cardio, balance and functional movement.

"We also offer more traditional gym equipment and provide exercise programmes where the ethos is based on seeing the ability and not disability."

A range of monthly and pay-as-you-train membership options are available.

For more information, or to arrange a free visit and assessment, head to brinkleyphysicaltherapy.org or email contact@brinkleyphysicaltherapy.org