Paul and Marcia Carter, of Didcot, are preparing to open 24/7 gym Anytime Fitness Didcot in the vacant Market Place unit which used to host Wilko.
Aiming for an opening in May after the refurbishment and refitting of the retail unit begins next week, the franchise gym will be taking over the entire ground floor of the building.
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Mr Carter said the fitness fanatic couple’s eight month old baby, Benjamin, was a key motivator to creating a space which promotes wellness and community.
The family-run gym is set to open in May (Image: Contributed)
He said: “Our longevity is really important to us, particularly having our kid, we just want to be here as long as we can, and we’ve always been into fitness so opening a gym just felt right.”
The Carters’ vision for the gym goes beyond the prevailing ‘show up and work out’ model, instead focusing on the ‘member journey’ with a dedicated team there to define and establish goals.
Mr Carter added: “The fundamental for us is we’re not just offering the gym and the kit, we’re support our members on their journeys.
“We’ve designed an eco-system where member interaction is key, including understanding their goals, assessing where they’re at, and turning it into a programme.
“It’s a continuous journey, and it’s all about programming for the whole individual – that’s what sets it apart.”
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A group exercise timetable will be ‘at the heart of the club’ and provide classes for all ability levels, plus opportunities to work with personal trainers.
The gym space is set to include dedicated zones for strength, cardio and functional training, with ‘next-level’ recovery facilities, like hydromassage beds and circulation boots, alongside a UK-first red light sauna.
With 8,000sq ft to play with, the new gym owners will be able to provide workout and recovery spaces, modern and comfortable changing rooms, and still have space to adapt to the needs and wants of their members.
Anytime Fitness Didcot will open at the site of the former Wilko in Market Place (Image: Contributed)
Mr Carter said: “We’ve got space, so we’ll listen and observe what’s required and if we think that’s the right thing and members want it, we can make that happen.
“We really encourage people to reach out to us and tell us what they want to see – we have some time now to really listen and respond, as we’re at a stage now where things can pivot and we can adapt.”
People can sign up to register their interest for early-bird ‘founder’ membership now, with links on the Anytime Fitness Didcot Instagram page.
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After an initial announcement, Mr and Mrs Carter have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the positive response to their plans, and said: “We’re really excited, and we already feel we’ve done the right thing.”
They intend to develop school and charity partnerships in the area, partner with other businesses and work on fundraising opportunities.
Mr Carter added: “We’re a local family investing in the community, and doing something that can only enhance the health of the people here. It’s a really positive thing.”