RIDGEWOOD Community Centre is the location that Andy and his wife Charlotte have set up their new business 'Blast Fitness'.

Andy, a Level 3 Personal Trainer, and Charlotte, a Level 2 Fitness Instructor, launched the business back in 2016 after becoming tired of their full-time jobs.

The business had a slow start, with the pair leading evening classes and travelling to clients houses to give one on one personal training. However now the pair have a gym set-up they are finding themselves training clients more regularly.

"Starting the Gym was something that came about quite recently," Andy said.

"Our evening fitness classes had been running for around 18 months, we were seeing up to 100 fantastic people each week but knew we wanted to give more.

"I'd been personal training from peoples homes for over a year too, but again, we knew we could take things further."

Andy, Charlotte and other trainer and class leader Emily have worked to create a good gym environment at the centre.

Blast Fitness now operates out of the centre with a room that is equipped with 'everything you need' to get yourself in shape.

"I've spent far too long in gyms watching people move from one machine to another without any real guidance," Andy continued.

"That's why all of our gym session are coached by an experienced personal trainer. We don't believe in it being an expensive luxury. We offer training at a rate that is affordable to the average person.

"With Blast Fitness, all of our Personal training sessions have up to 3 people in them, making a fantastic, fun environment with like-minded people."

Speaking about what the new gym at the centre offers, Andy said: "Most people find walking in to a gym for the first time to be a scary experience, wondering what machines to use, how much weight to lift, or should they just use the cardio machines."

"We are absolutely blessed to have such a great gym, so close to the shopping centre, with it still being completely private inside.

"Having our own space to coach has been the best decision we've ever made. We can get some serious results compared to in home training."

When looking forward to the aims of the business Andy admitted it is always the aim to move forward, but that doesn't necessarily mean growth.

"I like to focus on every single person who chooses to work with us and put them in control of their results," he said.

"I think too many businesses look at more clients and believe it equals more success. I want every client to get the best out of themselves and then when they look, feel and move the best they ever have, they'll tell the people they care about how they made this happen."

Andy was full of praise for the centre in Yate for the opportunity it has given the business to continue to develop, saying: "None of this would be possible without the Ridgewood centre, particularly Anne-Marie (centre manager).

"She was great, she was a coaching client of mine, but became my coach for the day. She empowered me and gave me the confidence to get stuck in. Over the next month or so they did a fantastic job in turning an old store room in to a fabulous gym space."

The trio have a fully functioning gym at the centre.

On right now, Andy admitted he and Charlotte are just looking to continue to improve their clients in an understanding way.

"We've finally settled in, found our feet and are in full swing," he said.

"It is always progressing and moving forward. I spend many a weekend travelling the country on the latest training courses to keep things fresh and exciting for all our clients.

"We have personal training from £59 per month, including nutrition coaching and access to our private Facebook support group. Our fitness classes are £5 pay as you go, and the first class is free.

"The free community group on Facebook is The Blast Fitness Community. Anyone can join to get some free tips and help, and to get to know us all a bit more."

The pair along with another trainer, Emily run classes throughout the week and can be contacted via email on blastfitness@gmail.com or on Facebook.