Gym punches well above its weight in first 12 months
A CARMARTHENSHIRE gym has gone from strength to strength in its first year despite the challenges faced by the coronavirus pandemic.
Soulfit Gym in Llandybie has continued to punch above its weight in the face of uncertainty as the pandemic continues.
The business opened at the start of 2020 in January and has built itself up despite having to end the year closed due to lockdown being imposed for a third time.
The current lockdown will be reviewed in the coming weeks by the Welsh Government.
With hindsight there would not be many that would have chosen to start a new business in 2020.
Lowri Thomas opened Soulfit Gym on the Cilyrychen Industrial Estate, Llandybie, on January 2, just weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic was declared in March.
She set out to create a positive and eco-friendly gym that offers something for everyone, from competitive bodybuilders to those who have only just started their fitness journey.
Accounting firm Ashmole & Co has gone the extra mile to support Lowri this year, she says.
Lowri said: “I wanted to create a gym that was warm, friendly and welcoming as I know it can be daunting when you first start coming to a new gym or fitness class.
“We opened in January and then had to close in March, resulting in me losing almost 70% of the members I had gained in the first two months.
“Since reopening we’ve also had to restrict the numbers in classes. It’s been difficult but I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve had.”
Laura Craddock, a partner at Ashmole & Co, not only provides new business advice and support to Soulfit Gym, but she also attends circuits classes there before heading into the office.
She said: “The first year of setting up a new business always comes with a bit of trepidation, but Lowri’s positive attitude has got her through this exceptionally difficult year for many business owners.”
Before setting up the Soulfit Gym, Lowri, who lives within walking distance of her gym, managed a gym in Carmarthen and worked on fitness retreats in Greece.
She has also worked as a physiotherapy technician at Swansea’s Morriston Hospital.
She took advantage of the time during the first lockdown to develop her skills even further with numerous online courses.
Soulfit’s 7,000 sq ft is filled with the latest resistance and cardio training equipment.
It also has a dedicated studio for yoga, meditation and other classes.