FITNESS guru Ken Heathcote’s new book is proving a surprise Christmas hit with readers all over the country — including celebrity chef Michel Roux Jnr.

The Father Of Fitness is an autobiography by the Bolton man who was a pioneer in the industry, launching Bolton Health Studio as a blueprint for gyms around the country.

The book, charting Mr Heathcote’s life and his determination to turn a hobby into an industry, is now selling by the hundred through Waterstones and on Amazon.

Mr Heathcote said: “I am being invited into health clubs to do book signing and workshops on making training work and getting motivated four or five times a day.

He said he was also getting “great feedback” since the book launched five weeks ago.

“Even celebrity chef Michel Roux Jnr is talking about the book on Twitter as he’s a marathon runner,” he said.

The Mawdsley Street gym was the first to embrace the multi-purpose concept of weight-training, squash, exercise to music, bodybuilding, sauna, spa, beauty salon and crèche.

Along the way, Mr Heathcote, now aged 78, picked up the title the Father of Fitness.

It’s a well-deserved nickname. He co-founded the Fitness Industry Association and was presented with a national training award by Prince Charles.

He was also the subject of a BBC TV programme about running from John O’Groats to Land’s End, and took part in 26 marathons. He even climbed in the Swiss Alps at the age of 75.

Mr Heathcote started his fitness journey near his Farnworth home when his father insisted the “weedy teenager” go along to weight-lifting classes at the local King’s Hall.

The young man took to the disciplined sport, and later opened his temporary gyms in various local venues including cellars.

A bricklayer by trade, he took a gamble and opened his first permanent gym behind Joe’s Lost Property Shop in Bank Street, Bolton town centre, always supported and helped by loyal wife Brenda.

His innovation even then meant he installed a Finnish sauna which caught the attention of Bolton Wanderers’ Nat Lofthouse, who had played in Finland.

The legendary player was intrigued and his interest brought 17 of the Wanderers’ youth players to train there, starting an association with the club that lasted 20 years.

When he moved to Mawdsley Street and opened Bolton Health Studio in a derelict annexe of Bolton County Grammar School, Mr Heathcote began a success story there that brought celebrity footballers and star athletes to his door and helped make him a national figure in the fitness world.

Mr Heathcote, father of celebrity chef Paul and businesswoman Karen, said: “After all the work and doubt when writing the book, it’s a great feeling that it’s selling well and the comments are so positive.

“There are so many people who have been kind enough to go out of their way to tell me how much they have enjoyed it. The enthusiasm has been quite overwhelming.”

  • The Father of Fitness is available in hardback at £14.99 and in paperback at £10.99. To find out more go to kenheathcote.co.uk