A different kind of gym rat has given city exercise enthusiasts a shock.

The rodent was spotted at Pump Gyms, in Hall Road Retail Park in Tuckswood, crawling in between weights and exercise machines.

Videos of the rat running past the gym's fire exit and another of it hiding behind a balance board were sent to the business.

The rat was spotted running around Pump Gyms on Saturday afternoonThe rat was spotted running around Pump Gyms on Saturday afternoon (Image: Submitted)

The gym has apologised and said "appropriate action" has been taken to resolve the issue.

One gym-goer, who did not wish to be named, spotted the rat scuttling around but couldn't find a staff member to report it to on-site.

They said: "It happened on Saturday afternoon and everyone in the gym saw it.

"We had to contact them via their Instagram page to report it.

"Why are there rats running around the gym?

"It's disturbing, disgusting and unhygienic - everyone was shocked when they saw it.

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"The whole gym needs to be sanitised and closed, if needed, until the problem has been eradicated."

One gym goer said everyone was shocked when they saw the rodentOne gym goer said everyone was shocked when they saw the rodent (Image: Submitted)

A customer representative for the gym responded to the incident on Monday, saying: "Please accept our sincere apologies for this. 

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"We can assure you that the appropriate action has been taken and that this is no longer an issue.

Pump Gyms Norwich in Hall RoadPump Gyms Norwich in Hall Road (Image: Google Maps)

"We will be monitoring this moving forward, however, we believe that this is now sorted and shouldn't happen again."

When contacted by this newspaper, the gym added: "We were informed a rat entered from the rear of the building, where it also exited unharmed. 

"This is where the trucks are kept for the other businesses in the retail park, some of which are food retailers.  

"We've now sealed any potential gaps so this will not happen again."

It added that there has been no other issues with rats since opening the site.

Pump Gyms is a chain of 24-hour gyms with other sites around the UK including in Watford, Colchester and Northampton.

The Norwich branch opened in August 2022 and is currently offering a discounted joining fee -from £30 to £5 - and monthly payments - reduced to £20.99 per month.

Pump Gyms said it has taken appropriate action to resolve the issuePump Gyms said it has taken appropriate action to resolve the issue (Image: Submitted)