New Lease of Life for Town Centre Gym

Following a period of uncertainty, a popular gym located at the Wynnstay Hotel in Oswestry now faces an exciting year ahead. The future of the gym was in doubt just two months ago when the existing owners decided to close its doors, alongside the spa and beauty suite, due to rising energy costs. Not content with accepting the club’s fate, Rad Danailov, a long-term member of staff, stepped up to the challenge and accepted the owner’s invitation to take on the gym and run it independently.

Situated in the stunning converted stables of the Grade II listed coaching inn hotel, the gym opened to the public in 1995 and since then has for many, become central to Oswestry life. Enjoyed by all ages, the gym has a reputation for being a friendly environment and a community of members rather than just a place to complete a daily workout. When the closure was first announced, a large number of letters were received by the hotel’s management from members of the gym, expressing their disappointment and requesting its continuation.

Rad, employed at the gym since 2015 was approached and offered the opportunity to run the gym independently by Coaching Inn Group. Both parties were thrilled to be able to come to an agreement that resulted in the gym staying open.

“It’s a been a dream of mine for a long time,” said Rad. “Fitness and helping others achieve their personal goals has been my passion for many years, and now having the chance to take over such a fantastic facility, I’m ecstatic and fully ready to face the challenges ahead.”

Now trading as Coach House Fitness and under its new management since 1 January, the gym, with its superb Technogym equipment, has seen a great start to the year with many new members signing up alongside returning clients.

“The response to the takeover has been fantastic,” said Rad. “We’ve always been more of a club than just a gym, and the members have really come together to support the transition.”

Popular new additions have included a supplement bar offering members food and drinks to support their workout. The gym also offers a free training programme on sign-up for all new members as well as a renewed tailored programme every 6 weeks.

Following the closure of the pool, spa and beauty side of the business, the decision was taken to simplify the previous gym offering by charging a lower monthly membership fee, with a discount for those who take joint membership or choose to pay upfront for 12 months. Day passes are also available. Thanks to the excellent town centre location and ample parking, there are many plans for future offerings at the club.

“There is so much potential here,” asserted Rad. “Gym-going isn’t just about lifting weights or pounding treadmills anymore. We want to offer our members the sociability and motivation of a supportive environment, programmes tailored to their individual health and fitness needs, and skilled trainers on hand to assist newcomers and gym veterans alike. Coach House Fitness really is for everyone.”

The Covid-19 pandemic and rising living costs have seen a marked increase in numbers of people training at home or turning to online apps, but at Coach House Fitness they are confident they have the balance right. They believe an efficiently run club with affordable membership that offers the support and encouragement needed to maintain training long term can tackle the trend.

With a strong start established, Coach House Fitness is also looking to continue to grow its team by working with local independent personal trainers and offering apprenticeship opportunities in the coming months. Rad and staff member Luke Evans both entered the profession as apprentices at the gym under previous management and are now keen to share their experience and knowledge as they lead the gym into a new era.