Leigh gym owned by Olympic trainer sees 300 members join

Rom Gym welcomed fitness fanatics back to its complex on London Road, Leigh, when coronavirus restrictions were eased last Monday.

With the gym not operating with members signed up to a contract, Rom Gym flung its doors open for the first time this year not knowing how many of its previous clients would return.

Edward Hyde, who owns Rom Gym, is pleased to have seen south Essex’s gym-goers getting back on the treadmill as they look to meet their fitness goals.

He said: “We only opened in 2019, so we hadn’t even been open for a year when coronavirus hit.

“The pandemic nearly broke us and it was incredibly difficult, but we are still here.

Lifting weights - Edward Hyde has seen 300 members join Rom Gym since reopening its doors last week

“We have had a big influx of members, old and new, since reopening last week.

“It’s nice to see them coming through the doors again and, although we don’t tie people down to contracts, we now have 300 active members since last Monday.

“We’re really happy with that because, for a business like us, it’s like starting again from scratch.”

Edward, a strength and conditioning coach, has been involved in the health and fitness industry for nine years.

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He has worked with some big sporting names locally, including mixed martial arts star Walter Gahadza, and is now hoping to help a talented cyclist become an Olympian.

Edward, of Westcliff, added: “I train professional athletes and it’s really enjoyable.

“I am currently working with Alex Dowsett, who is an Olympic hopeful.

“He is looking to compete in the Olympic Games and also has his eyes on breaking another record.”

Edward, 38, has also teamed up with Juice HQ since reopening.

Juice HQ is offering the gym-goers a free immunity shot and they are pleased to have built a partnership with Rom Gym.

Happy - a Rom Gym member poses with a Juice HQ immunity shot

Katie Thomas, Juice HQ’s founder, said: “Given our similar core values with regards to looking after the health and wellness of our local community, partnering with the amazing team over at Rom Gym was an obvious choice for us.

“Rom Gym and Juice HQ, both small local businesses, hold the health and wellness of its local community close to their hearts, educating on the health benefits of exercise and nutrition in the most natural way.

“The juices we offer are vital in supporting our immune system, which is more important than ever due to the pandemic.”