A former world bodybuilding champion is launching a new gym at an expanding business park on the outskirts of Durham.
Anthony Bailes became the first person from the 海角视频 to claim the Mr World title when he lifted the title back in 2012, having secured his spot in the grand competition by winning the Mr Britain competition.
The professional bodybuilder’s significant win, against competitors from 36 countries came five years after he was diagnosed with type-one diabetes – a condition he managed alongside a high-protein, low carbohydrate diet and strict training regime – and had to diet for 22 weeks before the competition.
Already the owner of the succesful Maxx Muscle gym in Hetton-le-Hole, he has teamed up with Charles Mardon, three-times International IFBB Classic bodybuilding champion, to launch Ultraflex 100% or Nothing, a mew gym at the Mandale Business Park on the Belmont Industrial Estate.
Commercial property developer Mandale has leased the 12,000 sq ft space to the fitness entrepreneurs at the premises that once formed part of an LG Philips television manufacturing site.
The pair are now carrying out a fit-out of Kent House to create a gym to open in time for February.
The gym will feature facilities for weightlifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding, circuit training, functional fitness, and a variety of fitness classes.
Mr Bailes said the gym will also have a welcoming reception, impressive changing rooms, a physiotherapy treatment centre, barber shop and kitchen offering a variety of healthy food.
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“There’s going to be something in there for everybody, whether you’re a body builder, fitness enthusiast or just someone who wants to keep fit,” he said. “Even if you just want a haircut or a bite to eat, this will be the place for you.”
Mr Mardon, who has opened gyms in Leeds, York, Hull, Normanton and Rotherham over the past two years, has plans to expand to 50 across the country over the next decade.
But he is excited about working with the North East’s former Mr World to produce a five-star gym for the Durham area.
“We are spending a fortune on the equipment and fit-out to put it on a par with the top health clubs but on a budget that makes it accessible to everyone,” he said.
“Too often people have the choice between a high-end and expensive health club, a low quality budget option or a spit and sawdust-style gym, and not much in between. We fill that gap, providing a facility that’s ideal for everyone from beginners to advanced professionals.
“Durham is a great location and we think the business park is a great site.
“The unit itself is perfect for us because it’s been stripped back to the steel framework that once formed the LG Philips factory. It’s a blank canvas for us to create our vision for the perfect gym facilities.
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“We feel our passion for the fitness industry will shine through. We’re not involved with this on a purely commercial basis – we are committed to producing something we are proud to put our names to.”
A £20m investment from the Stockton-based Mandale Group has transformed what was once the base for a 2,500-strong LG Philips workforce into the thriving business park.
The diverse range of businesses who now call it home include signage specialists Orgatex, forklift truck experts Cathedral, van rental firm Herd Hire, charity Age 海角视频, floral foam specialists Smithers-Oasis and SAS Autoparts.