Management and members delight in continued growth at Oswestry Gym

Coach House Fitness took over the former Wynnstay Hotel gym in January 2023 and since then has successfully evolved the business and established a new identity in the town. Investment, innovation and expansion have resulted in sustained growth over the first ten months of operation and the management now have their sights set on further development plans.

Owner Rad Danailov said the key to Coach House Fitness’ success is their personal approach. “The biggest thing we offer is the personal touch. We are a relationship-based gym and have built a supportive community for our members.”

The importance of the club to the lives of its members is clear to see. Longstanding member Margretta Clark recalls the dismay she felt on hearing that the gym was likely to close at the end of 2022. “It seemed impractical to close such a great facility that not only benefited many members from the local community but also guests at the hotel.” She has noticed many changes under the new management and that the team have, “pooled their experience and enthusiasm, taking the gym to another level entirely!”

Additional equipment has been installed to increase the scope of training options, alongside the launching of free circuit classes for all members, and student and junior memberships have been introduced to widen access. Further innovations have been an intensive summer bootcamp run by an outside specialist and a supplement bar supporting pre and post workout nutritional needs. Keen member Adrian Bailey has been impressed that, “hardly a week goes by without some addition or improvement. It might be a new piece of equipment, a new competition or class, a new product or drink for sale, or a new member of staff.” He says this gives the impression, “of a gym that is going places and that seeks constantly to create the best experience for its members.”

Coach House Fitness has also welcomed two other businesses onto the site – Blush HQ Beauty Salon and Harry Evans Sports Therapy. This again has been part of Rad’s vision to create a centre for health and well-being rather than just fitness facilities. Rad works with some private clients 1-to-1 at the gym and instructor Luke Evans has also recently launched a bespoke personal training and online coaching service, incorporating nutritional and meal plan advice.

Changes and increased membership have also seen an expansion of the team. Rad is adamant that Coach House Fitness is a gym that supports young people and those looking to train in a fitness career and during the year has taken on two trainees, supporting them in undertaking their fitness instructor qualifications. Isabelle McGuinness and Liam Grasier, both previously gym members, learned by shadowing experienced staff members and completing academic and practical assessments. Both are now qualified fitness instructors and valued members of the team. “When Rad offered to support me in undertaking a Level 2 qualification I was so excited,” says Isabelle. “I was able to complete the course and work a few hours at the gym around my A Level studies and loved the experience. It’s a really fun environment to be in.”

Member Laura Jones, who acknowledges she has not always been comfortable in a gym environment, reflected that, “Here the staff always show interest and have new ideas to keep it fresh.” She added, “Although some members naturally left with the proposed closure, lots of new people have joined and there’s more of a buzz now. It feels fresher, different. I’ve never enjoyed going to the gym as much.”

Not resting on their success so far, the management are working on plans for future additions and expansion. “It’s still early days for us,” says Rad, “but we know where we want to take the club and now, we have a strong base we can’t wait to take the next steps.”

For more information visit www.coachhousefitness.net