A NEWLY opened gym has been welcoming newcomers during its first week in operation.

Thrive Gym, based in The Crescent, Highwoods, ran a trial weekend last weekend and has now been open for just over a week.

Pictures of the new facility – which is open from 6am until 9pm from Monday to Friday, and 7am until 1pm on Saturdays – have shown staff and members enjoying the atmosphere.

The venture was put together by Jon Kohn and Vicky Braddon, with Charlotte Yates and Tariq Mansell also working at the gym as instructors.

Vicky and Jon who both formerly worked together at David Lloyd Leisure.

As the Covid pandemic started to subside, the two decided to pursue running their own gym given the experience they have acquired over the years in the sport and leisure sector.

Speaking to the Gazette previously Mrs Braddon, 38, said: “Covid made you think about life and what you were doing, and we wanted to do something with our own vision and values – that’s how it came about.

“He went travelling, I had a baby, and we linked back together and started looking for a property.”

Mr Kohn had previously worked as the head of commercial for David Lloyd, whilst Mrs Braddon worked as the general commercial manager.

Their vision for Thrive Gym has been brought into focus by a desire to bring a team and community feel to a gym, and to eradicate the sense of intimidation newcomers often feel when they join a gym for the first time.

Mrs Braddon said: “The most important thing is creating an environment – we understand how scary a gym environment can be, but every session for us is coached in an environment where people feel part of a community.

“Creating a community environment – that’s the big thing, showing that we care about our members, our staff, and our team.”