The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fife mixed martial arts star kickstarts new city gym opening
Dundee fight fans have been treated to some expert moves from mixed martial artist Stevie Ray, writes Ian Roache.
The Kirkcaldy-born UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) star crossed the Tay yesterday to literally kickstart the opening of the state-of-the-art Xercise4Less gym in the city’s Wellgate Centre.
Staff and customers were treated to an action-packed demonstration from Ray, who sparred with willing volunteer Ben Terry.
The Fife fighter’s last audience was at a packed O2 Arena in London in March at the UFC Fight Night 127, when the bill was topped by Alexander Volkov’s thrilling victory over Fabrizio Werdum.
Xercise4Less Dundee offers members more than 400 pieces of gym equipment, including running and sled pull tracks, and a dedicated combat zone complete with boxing ring and MMA cage.
The club also includes a self-contained women-only gym, large main studio and spin studio that will offer over 40 free classes every month, such as Les Mills RPM, Combat and Pump.
Ray was happy to lend his support to the new venture, saying: “This is all about health – both physical and mental.
“It is good for you to exercise, both for you physically and mentally.
“A workout is one of the best medicines, I believe.
“In the past when I have been feeling down or anxious I have found that exercise helps a lot.
“You go in the gym and it’s amazing how good you can feel afterwards.”
General manager Ben Smith added: “The town has been crying out for a low-cost, high-quality facility for all to enjoy.
“We would like everyone to come down and see what we have to offer as we have members who have never used a gym before as well as experienced gym users.”