Punching above its weight is Soulfit Gym in Llandybie. The business opened in January 2020 and has gone from strength to strength, despite having to end the year closed, due to Lockdown, for the third time!
With hindsight there would not be many that would have chosen to start a new business this year but Lowri Thomas opened her Soulfit Gym on the Cilyrychen Industrial Estate, Llandybie on 2 January.
Lowri set out to create a positive and eco-friendly gym that offers something for everyone from competitive bodybuilders to those that have only just started their fitness journey.
Ashmole & Co Ammanford partner, Laura Craddock, has gone the extra mile to support Lowri this year. Not only does Laura provide new business advice and support to Soulfit Gym in Llandybie but she also attends circuits classes there before heading into the office!
Laura Craddock said, “The first year of setting up a new business always comes with a bit of trepidation but Lowri’s positive attitude has got her through this exceptionally difficult year for many business owners.”
Lowri said, “I wanted to create a gym that was warm, friendly and welcoming as I know it can be daunting when you first start coming to a new gym or fitness class. We opened in January and then had to close in March resulting in me losing almost 70% of the members I had gained in the first two months. Since re-opening we’ve also had to restrict the numbers in classes. It’s been difficult but I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve had.”
Before setting up the Soulfit Gym, Lowri, who lives within walking distance of the gym, in Pentregwenlais, managed a gym in Carmarthen and worked on retreats in Greece. She has also worked as a physiotherapy technician in Morriston Hospital. She took advantage of the time during the first lockdown to develop her skills even further with numerous online courses.
Soulfit’s 7,000sq ft is filled with the latest resistance and cardio training equipment. It also has a dedicated studio for yoga, meditation and other classes.
Soulfit has outstanding eco-friendly credentials for both materials used and sold. The signage is mostly made from wood or recycled materials. The reception desk and seating area are made from up-cycled pallet wood, scaffolding boards and cable reels. All takeaway cups and lids are recycled or recyclable. Metal water bottles are sold and a water fountain is provided to encourage gym users to use re-usable bottles and the lights are automatic so they don’t stay on when there’s no-one in the room.
