Trainers can read historic plaques while they exercise (Picture: SWNS)

A dad has turned a former church into an incredible new gym, though swearing in this previously holy site is strictly prohibited.

41-year-old Joe Newbold bought the church in Culmstock for £93,000 and dedicated three months to converting it into a gym.

The personal trainer is optimistic that the venue will attract locals and become a centre for the community. He then hopes to expand his business.

 Joe said: ‘I’ve been renting a space in the next village over for about five years, but it was only a small room and I had to bring equipment in and out to train clients.

‘I’ve always been looking for a permanent residence and when the church came up it was perfect.

‘It’s got all the space I ever wanted and there’s room for expansion in the future.

‘The church itself is so unique – I’ve Googled gym’s in old churches and it’s such a rarity throughout the world.

Joe spent months transforming the church to suit his purposes (Picture: SWNS)

Gyms located in former churches are rare around the world (Picture: SWNS)

‘I’ve been in the industry for 25 years and I’ve seen a lot of PT studio’s that can all look similar and almost boxy – but this is really something unique which is something I’ve always wanted.

‘We’ll keep the curse words to a minimum but there’ll still be plenty of blood, sweat and tears.’

So far, local residents seem happy with the new interior of the old church, and have praised the standard of renovation.

Joe says he hasn’t ‘heard a negative word’ from the locals, as they are simply ‘happy to see [the church] used again’.

‘The congregation took the actual crucifix with them, which was good as it certainly wasn’t anything I wanted myself.

‘I’m trying to keep as many of the original and unique elements in there though.

Locals have been allowed to look around the church on special open days (Picture: SWNS)

The church’s surrounding community are glad to see the old building back in use (Picture: SWNS)

‘The stained glass windows, the plaques on the wall and the original brickwork around the windows.

‘Of course people are used to grunting or cursing under their breath in the gym when their trainer makes them do some extra reps – but I guess we’ll have to try and keep that to a minimum now we’re in a church!

‘I’ve noticed people will stop and read the original plaques around the church as well in between sets.

‘I’ve had open days where all the locals came down to have a look.

‘Some of the people who used to come here for church service got to come down and see what it has been changed to.

There hasn’t been a negative word – most people are just happy to see it used again.’

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Trainers can read historic plaques while they exercise.