ONE Hampshire gym goer couldn't find a private gym open 24 hours a day and close to home, so he set up his own!

Atlas Gym in Park Gate is the brainchild of local lad and fitness fanatic Richard Spacey.

The Southampton Road space is a real find - it's never packed at peak times and is equipped with gym equipment specifically designed and manufactured by highly regarded British company Watson.

Even before the advent of Covid-19, the careful floor plan and abundance of multi-use equipment meant members were able to workout in a safe and spacious environment, which is now more important now than ever before.

Lockdown saw a makeover of the gym and the introduction of Trevor the treadmill, the latest piece of gym equipment. Members enjoyed Zoom training sessions online and staff posted TikTok videos to entertain members and keep their spirits up.

Atlas Gym, which prides itself on never closing unless the Government tells it to, reopened on July 25 and members are back to bench pressing at all hours. A booking system to comply with social distancing regulations is working well and cleaning and sanitising has been upped in the wake of the virus.

With a membership capped at 200, there are three personal trainers heading up the onsite activities and classes.

PT and gym manager Jason Lovett has bags of knowledge and experience, as well as multiple qualifications in the personal training field and he now owns his own fitness company – MOfitness.

Personal trainer Olivia Anna specialises in strength and conditioning, injury rehab, lifestyle and mind-set change and nutritional support.

Fitness instructor Neil Burdett has been involved in the fitness industry for nearly 20 years. For the last nine years Neil has specialised in CrossFit and is one of the original founders of CrossFit Fareham.

The gym consists of resistance and cardiovascular training areas and an amazing outdoor astroturf training space. Come rain or shine you will find the trainers running bootcamp style sessions and small group training in the fresh air. The artificially turfed conditioning area with battle ropes, tractor tyres and punchbags is perfect for a summer evening workout.

The gym is also home to a beauty salon, Let’s Relax, which offers a range of treatments.

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