A new fitness studio which offers 1-1 and small group sessions and includes a waiting room for little ones while their parents train has opened in Margate.
O.C. Dean’s Fitness in New Street is hoping to encourage people who might be intimidated in a large gym to give training a try in a more private setting.
The waiting room, with fire stick TV, toys, colouring books and juices and snacks, is aimed at helping parents, especially those who are sole carers, who might otherwise not be able to spend time at a gym.
Personal trainer Dean Perry, from Ramsgate, says he hopes the set up will encourage more people to reach for their fitness goals.
Dean has worked in the fitness industry for more than 20 years since an award during Army training sparked his passion.
The 41-year-old said: “Some people are intimidated in bigger gyms with weights banging around and big guys who might seem quite scary.
“There might be anxious or vulnerable clients so I thought why not offer the training 1-1 or in small groups.
“In the studio it is just the client and myself, with their choice of music and no prying eyes making them feel uncomfortable.
“A major thing is the waiting room for children while parents are training as there are not many gyms that have a creche. It is literally by the gym so children can watch their parents but there are also toys, colouring books and a TV with a fire stick.
“It has been a big hit with mums who are unable to take their children to a busy gym and train.”
The dad-of-one says his aim is to open a gym in each Thanet town and take on a team of people to make sure the service is accessible.
He added: “There will be young mums who maybe aren’t mobile and can’t get from, say Broadstairs, to Margate so I want there to be something for them and everyone to reach their fitness goals in a calm, friendly safe environment.”
O.C Dean’s Fitness is at 23 New Street, Margate.
