A striking gym in Swansea which attracts fitness fanatics from all across the city and is busy every day with people working out by themselves, with friends, or in organised group and training sessions has been named one of the UK's 'most Instagrammable'. Warehouse Gym in Cwmdu launched in May, 2021 - it had been ready since that January but management had to wait for lockdown to lift - and has taken the city by storm with its dynamic nightclub-inspired atmosphere.
To compete with the "big commercial gyms," business-owner Chris Ware, 40, decided he wanted to offer something different - something inspired by "quirky boutique hotels" and bars and clubs in Ibiza, London and New York. As well as enough space for more than 100 people to get involved in large-scale fitness classes, two boxing rings, an MMA cage, and a variety of top-range fitness equipment, Warehouse Gym (often stylised as WARE-HOUSE) has lights, décor and artworks that offer a nod to clubland - with the gym able to turn into a nightclub for parties and special events at night-time.
Explaining the unique concept, Chris, from Mount Pleasant, said: "Our vision was always to create something which was inspired by quirky boutique hotels with lots of subtle touches, using inspiration from Ibiza, the nightclubs and hotels on the Island. Places like Ibiza, London and New York which I have visited all vibrate on a different level. This is something that gets mentioned time and time again by people visiting: 'There was something different as I walked through the door!' or 'I could feel it as I walked in,'" he said. You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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The gym was open to all and members were from all walks of life including professional fighters, bodybuilders and models, to people who "just want to lose weight," Chris said. "There are obvious features throughout the gym which catch people's attention, but as you look closer you will see the little tips of the hat to what has inspired and motivated us along the way!" he added. Chris also took further inspiration from the size and extravagance of "big American College gyms."
"We tried to bring a little bit of that [American College gym vibe] to South Wales: 14 squats racks, huge functional area, two boxing rings, MMA cage, luxury showers, saunas, enough machines for each body part to satisfy even the most dedicated body builders!" he explained.
"The large space we have lends itself to functions and parties. Our gym can transform from health club to nightclub then back to health club again by 6am the next morning!" a proud Chris added. "We have held boxing shows, MMA nights, huge dance events hosted by international dance music brand Sankeys and even the world's biggest sports star Tyson Fury has been for a night to speak to the people of Swansea!
"With bookings for engagement parties, fashion shows and body building competitions the multifunctional face of our gym is only going to attract more people, more photos and more social media posts!"
With this in mind, it's unsurprising that Ware-House has earnt its billing as "one of the UK's most Instagrammable gyms". Analysis by VersaClimber, the firm behind a popular climbing machine found at many gyms, found there had been more than 5,000 posts on Instagram from members of Ware-House Gym, placing it in 17th position in the UK.
Chris, who has been coaching fitness since he was 16 years old, credits social media with helping to build his business, particularly post-Covid when people seemed unsure of who was still operating. "The Instagram and social media craze has 100% played a huge part in the success of the gym, everywhere you look there are amazing back drops for photos and posts to show people what you are doing in the gym!" Chris said.
"The lighting plays a huge part and our fitness studio, 'The Fitness Zoo', has got as good as any lighting system in any nightclub in the country - it still takes my breath away when the class is on, the music is pumping and there are over 100 people training in that room with the lights going!"
But he added: "Despite all the touches and Instagrammable places in the gym, we feel we have maintained a serious environment for people who want to train. The equipment not only looks sexy and aesthetically pleasing but it is also the best about! We translate that over into everything at the Ware-House Gym.
"We handpicked all our staff and instructors who not only look the part, but can back up what they preach - while at the same time are really nice, down to earth friendly people who are genuinely passionate about fitness!" he added. "This gym has been built through passion and the amount of tags and mentions we get is a reflection of all the time, thought and effort we have put into this gym."
Warehouse Gym is located at Units 41 to 43, Cwmdu Industrial Estate, Swansea, SA5 8JF. It's open Monday to Friday 5am till 10pm and Saturdays and Sundays 6am to 6pm.
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