New gym set to open in Ipswich

Changes to Suffolk Picture: KIRSTY TURNER

Fitness fanatics Kirsty Turner and Darren Hotten are about to take a ‘leap of faith’ and open their own business.

The gym, which will be located next to the Suffolk Food Hall, will be called CrossFit Orwell.

The facility is set to open its doors for the first time on September 23 for a showcasing day - this will give the public a chance to pop down watch demonstrations and see what the gym has to offer.

The gym will have three different classes, CrossFit, conditioning and weight lifting. The couple are both qualified weight lifting instructors so wanted to make sure their skill played a big part.

Miss Turner said: “It isn’t going to be your typical gym, there will be four rowing machines, four bike machines, four ski machines and a big range of weight lifting equipment. The key feature will be a 34ft rig where you can do pull ups and other exercises. There will also be an Ipswich physiotherapy room.”

The venue will be open seven days a week and the monthly membership will be £70 - this gives members unlimited access to classes and the facilities.

This is Kirsty’s first business but partner Darren is the owner of Essex Weightlifting Club.

The 26-year-old said: “As self employed personal trainers we felt we had developed enough skill and knowledge and had advanced enough to have our own business.

“We saw a gap in the market and in Ipswich so we went for it. It is a fantastic location, people will come to us and be surrounded by a nice environment so it will straight away be a positive experience.”

The duo are also planning to hold a CrossFit kids programme after the October half term for three to seventeen year olds. There will be a 30-60 minute sessions depending on the child’s age.

Kirsty added: “The classes are to promote kids getting into a healthy life style, getting them to understand fitness is fun and not a chore. They will learn different skills in a fun way with their peers.”