New indie budget gym aims to be ‘first of many’

A new budget gym has been launched by fitness industry veteran Mike Walker, who hopes to roll out his ‘low cost, high quality’ concept across a number of sites.

Backed by private investors, the first GymFit4Less club in High Wycombe spans 9,500sq ft (883sq m) over two floors. In addition to strength and CV equipment supplied by Matrix Fitness, the gym comprises a free weights room and functional zone supplied by Physical Company, as well as a ladies-only gym, studio and beauty rooms.

“Low cost shouldn’t mean low quality and my aim with GymFit4Less was to create a spacious, well-appointed facility offering all the latest functional kit and cardio machines,” said Walker, who plans to open a number of GymFit4Less.

Harnessing his experience from previous management roles at GLL, Virgin Active, Esporta and Holmes Place, Walker designed GymFit4Less to be “welcoming and accessible” to both beginners and more experienced customers. He chose to combine familiar pieces of kit – such as BOSU and TRX – with more unusual items.

“The idea is to have a range of top quality kit that people can readily identify and use such as medicine balls, kettlebells and dumbbells but also offer more innovative kit such as RMT Clubs, Surge and Battling Ropes to motivate and challenge people,” he added.