A boxing and fitness trainer from Ramsgate has taken over the former Gents Lodge site in St Peter’s as he continues to expand his venue.
Connor Gorham, 28, had been operating CG Fitness Boxing Club at Sharps Place in Ramsgate since May last year but has already outgrown the site due to increasing demand.
He has now taken the keys for the unit at Copperleaf Business Park which will open on April 10 with a gym downstairs and a wellness club upstairs offering everything from massage to a spa and ice baths.
The new business is a family affair with fiancée Bree Smith managing the wellness area and the couple’s daughter, one-year-old Malibu likely to be spotted with either mum or dad by customers!
The gym will offer 1-1 and group boxing lessons from a selection of coaches based on availability; boxing and fitness classes Tuesday and Thursday evenings for children and adults and fight camp for boxers on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights.
There will also be bootcamps on Saturday and Sunday mornings for all abilities and Connor’s dedication to focusing on mental health support continues with Boxercise on Wednesday evenings with WKD Fitness diet and training plans with T50 Lifestyle and Transformation Coaching.
Connor had his first match as an 11 year old and boxed professionally until he was 22. He launched his own fitness clothing line 2021 and received his professional trainer’s licence at the start of 2022. He also runs CG Fitness clothing range.
He has previously been a care worker for adults with disabilities and children with emotional and behavioural issues and with disabilities.
Connor said: “I started off small and I have been working hard for the past year building the 1-1s and classes and just getting on with it.
“I outgrew the gym in Ramsgate and was having to turn people away which I didn’t like to do so I started looking out for a bigger place.”
When he was offered the chance to take on the Gent’s Lodge unit a combination of support from friends made it possible.
The venture has been invested in by friend and property developer Chris Beales and has been sponsored by scaffolding firm boss Wayne Leadbeatter. Thanet’s Watermelon Media has also pitched in by producing promo videos for the gym.
Connor said: “Chris helped out with the other gym and has seen it grow and believes I can make something of the business and Wayne has sponsored me and the club and Watermelon Media did our promos, so lots of people supporting each other.
“It is an amazing opportunity and we knew we had to go for it. Bree is the wellness manager for those upstairs who will be renting space. There will be massage and beauty therapists that provide a wide range of treatments for males and females and we also have a sauna and ice bath that can be booked for hot and cold (contrast) therapy.
“I’ll be downstairs in the gym so it is a real family run business. And it means we can have Malibu with us and welcome other families.”
Connor and Bree, who are due to be married next year, open the doors of CG Fitness on April 10 between 9am and 5pm. All are welcome to come and have a look around.
CG Fitness, Unit 5, Copperleaf Business Park, Dane Valley Road, Broadstairs
Click here for CG Fitness Group website
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