As gyms prepare to reopen later this month, today we are taking another look back at one of Ipswich’s most popular gyms.
A previous nostalgia gallery featuring Gym & Trim brought back memories for readers.
It was one of the town’s first fitness clubs and also one of the best-known, first opening in Charles Street in 1978, and later moving to Lower Orwell Street.
Nick Hayward wrote: “I remember Gym & Trim very well, having been a full-time member from 1979 to 2011 without a break!
“It was initially started by Terry and Stephanie Gould and later taken on by Ted Race.
“Great atmosphere and good friends, particularly at Lower Orwell Street, where classes (aerobics and Step Reebok) were a regular feature.”
As well as founding Gym & Trim, coach Terry Gould was a founder of the highly successful club Ipswich JAFFA (Jogging and Fitness for All).
David Smith, who is past president of JAFFA and has been a member since almost its first month in 1977, wrote: “I helped Stephanie and Terry to set up their first gym in Charles Street and did a lot of the decoration. Terry at the time was the Chairman of JAFFA.”
MORE: Working out at Gym & Trim in Ipswich in the 1980sAfter the move to Lower Orwell Street, David recalled there was a separate ladies’ and men’s gym.
“During this period, I also helped them to set up similar gyms in Saffron Walden and Lowestoft.
“It was a very successful business and both Terry and Stephanie were very active in their gyms and also in JAFFA.”
After its time in Lower Orwell Street, Gym & Trim made another move, to Cardinal Park, where it was based until closing down in 2011.
Our photo gallery includes some memories of its days at Cardinal Park, with views of the staff in the foyer and the hi-tech exercise equipment.
MORE: Memories of Ipswich Sea Cadets’ regatta in 1982 As well as exercise for adults, the gym also hosted popular yoga sessions for babies, which were featured in the newspaper in 2007, and were clearly fun and relaxing sessions for babies and parents alike.
• What are your memories of gyms, fitness and exercise in Suffolk over the years? Send us an email. To order copies of photos, follow this link, or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.
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