Morley’s x Gymbox: The Unlikely Collab We Need This January

Let’s be honest: exercise can be very boring. Often, it’s challenging to muster up the motivation to drag yourself out for a run – particularly during the winter, when it’s dark, cold and rainy outside. But what about if there was a delicious treat waiting for you at the end? That’s the thinking behind the latest Gymbox stunt, which will see the gym partnering with fried chicken institution Morley’s on a pop-up and challenge.

If you’re planning to enjoy some chicken wings over the next couple of weeks, keep your eyes peeled. Between 24 January and 31 February, a number of Wonka-style Gymbox day passes will be hidden inside boxes of Morley’s chicken. 

Then, on 1 February, the Brick Lane branch of Morley’s will transform into a gym-like space, where cyclists can pedal it out on an assault bike in the hopes of winning a year’s membership to Gymbox – spurred on by music from a live DJ. And if you don’t win, fear not: everyone who gives it a go will bag themselves some free wings.

If you’re an existing member of Gymbox, you can also claim some free wings at Morleys, using the code ‘bossmangymbox101’.

We hear you, fried chicken and health don’t tend to fall in the same category. But that’s the point: the partnership is all about promoting a balanced lifestyle. ‘From smashing wings to smashing the gym, we’re here to celebrate the balance in everyday life,’ said Gymbox’s Rory McEntee about the partnership.

Morley’s has developed cult status since opening in Sydenham back in 1985, helped by a string of famous fans, such as Stormzy. It seems to be on a roll with its collaborations at the moment: last year the chicken shop was part of a pop-up at The Standard hotel, which involved creating a sauce with Heinz. 

Gymbox, meanwhile, is known for injecting a bit of fun into its classes – one particularly bizarre one involved eating increasingly spicy portions of food while completing a HIIT workout.

Visit Morley’s Brick Lane, E1 6RF, between 6-8pm on 1 February 2024 to join the challenge. Find out more at gymbox.com