Every member of A40Fitness knows they can rely on a friendly welcome from George – founder and owner of the Andoversford-based gym. But what motivates him to put in 80 hours a week – and keep on smiling?
After joining A40Fitness a few weeks ago, I had a chat with the man who puts his heart and soul into this up-and-coming gym. In our first interview, George shares why fitness is such a massive part of his life – and explains why he’s 100 per cent committed to helping members become fit for life.
Absolutely. I grew up on an activity centre that my dad owned. So I was always taking part in activities like canoeing, kayaking, climbing and orienteering. And at school, it was rugby and football. Fundamentally, all sports you can imagine!
A: My career in fitness started at Bannatynes gym in Cheltenham around 20 years ago. There were lots of development opportunities and training. I loved it. Working in that environment, with that group of people, was hands down the most fun time of my life. It was excellent to be hanging out with good people as well – it’s where I met my future wife, Hannah!
After that I worked at hotel gym spas and then solely in hotels. But I found my way back to the fitness industry, which I’m much more passionate about.
A: I’d been thinking about it for a long time. We'd lived in Andoversford for a fair few years and knew this industrial estate would be the perfect location. It’s so close to the A40, but we had to wait for the ideal unit or space. Just as we were coming out of lockdown, this site came up. With a great reception area, large parking zone and being really accessible, it just seemed like the perfect opportunity to give it a go.
A: Friendly. Supportive. Fitness. Everything we do is about helping our members improve their fitness and get exercising. Whether it be for strength, mobility or rehabilitation, we want to support our members in getting fit – fit for life.
A: About 80 hours a week, most weeks. I have a little respite here and there, but it's hands down the most I’ve worked on a weekly basis! Even though in hospitality you work a fair few hours, this is a totally different feeling. Being in an environment that you're comfortable in. Being surrounded by people that are nice and happy and enthusiastic, whether it be about training or just generally in life. So it’s pretty much, 80 hours of enjoyment!
A: Number 1, it’s because I’m here so much of the time! And number 2, it’s because we’re really fortunate with the people who’ve joined us. It really does feel like we’re a growing gym family. I've always been terrible with names, but actually it's now becoming much more natural to me. I feel so much happier that I can use our members’ names as they come in, because I know them. I like them. And I enjoy helping them.
A: Yes, Hannah my wife is into fitness. She's run a variety of triathlons and we ran the London Marathon together in 2010 just before we got married. She takes part in classes down here too, even bringing our four-month-old son, Finn, with her!
Having my family come down to the gym adds to the pleasure of being here. My older kids, Noah and Alice, love it. They feel happy. It’s their daddy’s place. Noah comes here with his mates and plays basketball or football in our outside space. It’s brilliant. Alice loves the Zumba classes on Saturdays. And she loves Lucy, the Zumba teacher too!
A: Yes, definitely. My family love being involved. Alice tells me off every now and again when I don't wake her up to come down and open the gym with me. She looks after the place and rules the roost!
I’m the person who puts in the hours here, but I couldn’t do it without my wife Hannah looking after the children and looking after the house and looking after me and everyone else! She also runs our
social media too.
A: It’s really, really important. When we were setting up the gym, we talked about barriers and how we could try and remove them. You've got a few logistical things like free parking very close, changing room facilities, and good equipment but actually having a welcoming environment is just as important. For those who have never been to a gym before or are uncomfortable in a gym environment, it’s especially important that they’re comfortable interacting with the people here. We are very fortunate with the good people we have here, from our instructors to our members. Everyone is really nice, which helps to create a welcoming atmosphere. To me, that’s 100 per cent really important.
A: Definitely meeting loads and loads of nice people. Being able to stay fit and healthy naturally – even teaching the classes keeps me on my toes. Having something that's your own, something you're responsible for. It’s nice to have something to feel proud of.
A: You want to provide lovely kit, a great space that everyone really enjoys, with a variety of instructors, but all that adds up. So balancing the books would be the only down side. 80 hours a week, I don’t mind that. That’s no drama!
A: I love it. I’m absolutely so proud of it.
A: Much the same way I described my gym – friendly, supportive and all about fitness. I’m really passionate about supporting people with their fitness goals. That’s why I’m here – to help everyone who wants to get fit, strong, healthy, mobile and rehabilitated, do exactly that and enjoy life.
A massive thanks to George for taking the time out from his busy day to chat. I, for one, can vouch that he remembers my name – and he’s helping me on my path to getting fit for life!
If you want a hand to reach your fitness goals,
get in touch with George today. He’d be more than happy to chat fitness!
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