Spalding gym's refurbishment and outdoor gym plans
A Spalding gym has turned negativity into positivity by using lockdown to create some exciting changes for the future.
Smudge Fitness, formerly Definitions Gym, on Cradge Bank has undergone a complete rebranding and refurbishment during its lockdown closure.
Jack Smith, who runs the family business, is chomping at the bit to welcome gym goers of all ages, shapes and sizes after three months of closure - and thanks to the creation of an outdoor gym on he’ll be able to do just that on July 4.
He said: “I think everybody is ready for a bit of normality in their lives - it’s so much more than a gym, there’s also a big social aspect to it as well.
“We are building the outdoor gym right now so that it’ll be ready for July 4 and it’s going to have more of an old school functional style about it with kettlebells, dumbbells, pull up bars and so on.
“There will also be Air Runners out there, assault bikes and Air Rowers - we are getting as much out there as possible!”
The outside gym will be placed in the car park and safety procedures such as temperature checks prior to entry, a one way system along with cleaning of equipment and social distancing.
Members will be able to book one hour slots to attend. Smudge Barbers, within the gym, also opens on July 6.
Jack also has another exciting development to look forward to as the gym has also become the first in the area to become part of global franchise CrossFit.
He said: “It’s going to be so nice for people to have access to a CrossFit gym on their doorstep. This is a huge step and we are so pleased that we are bringing it to Spalding where we are often the last place to be considered.
“The great thing about CrossFit is it includes everyone and everyone is encouraged no matter how well they do. No one is here to judge - everyone is welcome and we have such a diverse membership.”
Jack says the idea to refurbish and rebrand the gym has been in the pipeline for around two years, but the unexpected long break due to the pandemic allowed the work to be carried out sooner than expected.
“It was so hard as I had to keep it a secret during lockdown but when I announced it at the weekend it went better than ever - our members are incredible.
“Lockdown has actually done us a favour as we probably won’t ever get such a long period free enough to do what we’ve done.
“The name ‘Smudge Fitness’ comes from my nickname during my time in the army - we decide that the name needed to come from the heart - something with a bit more meaning behind it for our family.
“Gyms can be intimidating places so I really wanted it to be a welcoming and cool facility for everyone.”
The rebrand includes meal preparation service Project 7, which is now known as Macro Monkey, where a cafe area has been introduced to create more opportunities for socialising.
Jack, who has also been running free classes on social media during lockdown, said: “The gym is the biggest part of my life and that’s the same for many others.
“It’s a place where people come for so many different reasons, be it for fitness, mental health or the social aspect and I really want to encourage that community feel. Someone once said ‘food is the best medicine and the gym is the best therapy’ and I totally believe that.”
