the gymnastics group sunderlandsat Toll Bar Retail Park, in Ryhope, will open next week on Tuesday 13 December and expects a low-cost, community-oriented approach to prove popular with residents during the cost-of-living crisis and beyond.
The Gym Group has locations across the UK, but its new club in Ryhope will be the first in Sunderland and will offer a range of exercise equipment and weights, as well as a series of free classes taught by qualified instructors.
The new facility will be open 24/7 and gym manager Andrew Kelly, 39, of Fulwell, is eager to get started.
He said: “The Gym Group has been running for a number of years and we have around 220 clubs across the UK, but this is the first to be in Sunderland.
“Our goal is to offer low cost but high standards. The way things are right now with the cost of living crisis and bills so high, people are trying to reduce their expenses, so I think having a place where people can go for a low cost is absolutely vital Many people know that if you are stressed or just need to get out of the house, a gym and exercise can really help clear your mind and can totally change the way you think.
The gym also hopes to offer a sense of community to residents and will partner with local charity The Red Sky Foundation, which helps provide defibrillators throughout the city.
Andrew added: “We wanted to work with a local charity and raise awareness about the importance of defibrillators and how they can save lives.
“We plan to run a series of charity events in the coming months and raise awareness and funds for a great cause. We wanted to create these links to give the gym a real community feel.”
Gym Group Sunderland will be officially opened by former Sunderland football legend Julio Arca on Tuesday 13th December at 12pm.
