I’m used to popping to an opening, it often involves cocktails or fizz, the chance to take snaps of a new venue and have a chat the owner/manager/chef about their vision for it.
I wasn’t expecting to head to one for C&C, but then the person behind this invite was my physio.
I’ve known Nas for over 3 years. He’s fixed both my knees, my back and released me from the tension hell I was in after both Preston and London Marathons.
So when he sent me a message inviting me to the opening of Gym 72, I couldn’t say no, and I stopped by to have a nosey, a chat, and a look around at the finished gym and equipment.
I do like a bit of gym geekery.
Gym 72 is located in the Fairbairn Building on Sackville Street and is the idea of Personal Trainer Ross Bewley (who has shouted at me me in a spinning class or two). Ross wanted to move away from the commercial style gym where PTs work in often crowded areas and noisy areas, competing with music from classes and other PTs for space.
He wanted a gym to work from where it would feel professional and would cater to the individual – the PTs working on site have the time and space to work with their clients in comfortable surroundings with excellent equipment and without the distractions experienced in the conventional gym venue.
And it wouldn’t be complete without a physio on site – which is where Nas comes in. He’s trusted by some of Manchester’s top athletes and was an official physio at both the London Olympic Games in 2012 and the World Athletics Championships in Moscow.
Now there’s something to brag about.
And as I’ve said, he’s also seen me through runners’ knee, one half marathon, two marathons and countless niggles and aches.
I have to admit, I’ve been impressed with the gym on previous visits, before it was finally complete. Now it is, it’s looking like a great space to work in (and in my case get shouted at or pummelled – or both).
I’m always going to be one to ogle a new set of weights or a pretty new treadmill and the whole space looks almost luxurious – if I can say that about a gym?
Either way, with Ross, Nas and trainer Andy on hand to help you meet your fitness goals, you’re in safe hands and in a room filled with new toys.
I can’t think of a better time to sign up.
