UK Enterprise 2020

171 | UK Enterprise Awards 2020 Fitness is a key part of people’s lifestyles, and the team behind Little Box Gym have been busy putting forward a new way of attending the gym that encourages everyone to live a little more healthily. Setting up a space where people don’t feel anxious or intimidated has been no small feat, but one which has paid dividends. We profile this training centre to see what it has to offer to those looking for a new way to keep fit. Best Fitness Training Centre - Manchester When the idea behind Little Box Gym was first conceived, it was with the aim of setting up a space for people to be able to come and train without feeling anxious or intimidated. This approach is what had made the gym one that offers the best value in Manchester and the team have proudly continued that philosophy since 2013. Instead of going big, Little Box Gym has gone small. With an area that is split over four rooms, the team have created a space that has a different feel to other gyms. It is more private and intimate, taking away the pressures that come with working out alongside many other people. A booking system limits the amount who can come in, helping clients to feel more comfortable. These clients range from ages 12-86, showing how effective a strategy it has been. One of the most successful parts of Little Box Gym has been the decision to offer specialist sessions to specific groups. The team offer a ladies only session in the morning. Mums are allowed to bring their children to sessions, with those children over the age of 12 allowed to use the facilities under supervision when they finish school. The gym is equipped with facilities to assist in rehabilitation training too. Prior to COVID-19, the team found that classes were more popular with clients than attending the gym, but since the pandemic hit, home workouts and Zoom training have become extremely popular. People are enjoying the chance to undertake sessions at home, at a time that suits them. Since the height of the pandemic, the gym has slowly reopened. This has been done with distancing still in place. The team procured two large event tents and have been running outdoor classes such as Circuits, Box Fit and Legs Bums Tums. All of these require no equipment, making them easily COVID-19 safe. This has allowed clients to regain some vital social interaction after a period where they might have had very little. In addition to this, the team have set aside two days for their outdoor spin sessions, in which they allow an hour between classes to thoroughly clean the equipment. Thanks to the booking system already in place, very little will have to change in terms of systems for Little Box Gym. Like other facilities, the appropriate PPE has had to be sourced so that they can reopen. New forms, including a COVID screening questionnaire, have also been made that all members need to complete. It sounds a lot of work to reopen, but it is important work that is necessary for Little Box Gym to continue. When the team first started their journey back in 2013, they weren’t sure how they would compete with larger and established companies. What their approach has encouraged, however, is a strong sense of community that keeps people coming back. This loyalty has been proven throughout the pandemic, and the success of the venture now seems assured. Looking ahead, the team want to consider how Little Box Gym can grow in the future. It’s hard in Jul20120 this current climate to know when and where but the desire is to expand. This is a model that meets the growing need of people who wish to attend a gym but don’t necessarily have the confidence for some of the larger establishments, and therefore are missing out on being able to manage their own well-being. Attending the gym is not easy for some. It can be incredibly intimidating. Little Box Gym takes the strain out of the process, creating a strong community that anyone can join and all are welcomed into. Company: Little Box Gym Ltd Name: Sarah Morrison Web Address: www.littleboxgym.com