Member Article

New boutique gym delivers new approach to fitness

A NEW concept in health and fitness is coming to Sheffield and the north with the launch of the city’s first boutique gym.

Developed by Dan Summerson – and partners behind South Yorkshire’s successful Be X Fitness and Be Fitness Group - and designed by the award winning team at city architectural practice Coda Studios, TRIB3 will introduce a fresh approach to group programming.

Sheffield Councillors have approved plans for the first TRIB3 venue in the former Walnut Club premises on fashionable Ecclesall Road.

And the developers are so confident of the concept’s success that there are already plans to open a second Sheffield site at the highly publicised Krynkl development in Shalesmoor, with the intention to see the new brand expand to ten clubs in Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester over the next three years.

“The way to think about this new venture is that we are a retail store not a gym,” said Dan.

“We will offer the customer an experience they will never forget on each and every visit because if we don’t, they will not return, just like they will not return to a restaurant that delivers bad service or food.

“We do not get a second chance so we have to be amazing from start to finish!

“There’s plenty of space for a new and better way to service the consumer in the £4bn UK fitness industry – and to overcome the fact that 50 to 60 per cent of UK gym goers cancel their membership each year.”

The boutique model, with no fixed-term contracts but a high end and luxurious approach to the business, has already proved hugely successful in London and Dan believe that the time is right for bringing that philosophy north.

“My challenge now is to bring the vibrancy of the big city to the people of Sheffield,” said Dan.

“When our business opens its doors for the first time it will offer high-intensity group exercise classes on a pay-per-visit basis, with no contract and no hidden fees.

“Our whole strategy is based around individual programmed experiences that will provide something far beyond anything you would find in other gyms.

“It’s not just about luxury – though there will be plenty of that – it’s also about the music, the atmosphere and some serious high intensity fitness.”

A similar high end and bespoke principle has already proved popular in the US, where Barry’s Bootcamp, SoulCycle and Orangetheory Fitness have enjoyed success.

“All three have taken steps to offer their classes to gym-goers in the UK and other countries, but let me stress that TRIB3 sets itself apart from all the competition,” said Dan.

“The target audience is anyone who wants to get truly fit in a personal group experience environment with over 1000 calories lost in the 45-minute workout.

“And you are using wearable technology through Myzone, which helps you monitor every session.

“Costing £7 to £12, according to the number of classes paid for in one go, this is the best and hardest workout in the city.

“Other gyms may offer an entire month’s membership for a similar price but you will not receive the same level of personal attention that you will find at TRIB3.”

TRIB3 is scheduled to open on Ecclesall Road in January 2016.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Highfield .