Latest news with #personaltraining
News.com.au
7 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Young couple's big win in Clyde North
Ashleigh and Matt Otten bought and built in Clyde North, drawn by its peaceful, family-friendly feel and the promise of new nearby schools. Now, their instincts have paid off, with new PropTrack data revealing the suburb's median house price has grown 23 per cent in the past five years as it has become one of the city's busiest property markets. The young couple, who run a personal training business from their home while raising two children, Payton (4) and Blair (1) say the area's sense of community, outdoor spaces and family appeal made it the perfect choice. RELATED: More than The Block: see the real Daylesford 'Kind of mad': where Melb prices boomed Roaches and crime, Melb's 'worst hotel' for sale 'We could picture raising a family here,' Mrs Otten said. 'It just had a really nice feel.' While the booming values were welcome, she said capital growth wasn't the main driver behind their decision to build in the suburb's thriving southeast corridor. 'We did think it could be a smart move long-term, but mostly we just loved the area,' she said. The pair now run their fitness business from a fully equipped garage studio, with a mix of local clients and a growing online presence, with Clyde North's connectivity and steady population growth helping them expand as the suburb's number of homes and sales has. 'There are so many families like ours here, and so many good outdoor spaces — the lake, the parks, walking tracks — it's perfect for an active lifestyle,' Mrs Otten said. Her advice to other young families still trying to break into the suburb was to stay focused on financial goals. 'Make sacrifices where you can,' she said 'Keep going, because it's absolutely worth it once you get there.'
Daily Mail
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Gregg Wallace, 60, bizarrely does squats outside the gym as he continues to plug his personal training business - after hitting out at backlash over his autism charity appointment
Gregg Wallace bizarrely engaged in some early morning squats outside the gym on Monday amid his continued promotion of his personal training business following his MasterChef sacking. The presenter, 60, was recently dismissed from the cooking show after more than 40 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation. And following his admission that his TV career is now 'done', Gregg proved to be his own best advert as he showcased his fitness skills at 5.50am. Donning a black zip-up sweater, black shorts and white trainers, Gregg looked on fine form as he warmed up by his car ahead of heading into his own training session. He later took to his Instagram stories to share a video of himself doing more squats, with the former greengrocer demonstrating his strength by clutching a heavy dumbbell as well. In recent days, Gregg has continued to promote his healthy eating website Gregg and his personal training services after previously admitting he's 'done' with TV amid his sacking. On Monday morning, he also posted a clip of himself drumming up business for his services, with Gregg offering '1 to 1 coaching' for '£200 a month.' Meanwhile, Gregg also shared a response from a Welfare Rights Adviser defending him after she'd reached out to him to see if the Disability Advice and Welfare Network (DAWN) could help him better understand his autism. Gregg had been criticised by disability charities after blaming his inappropriate behaviour on his autism. While Gregg also blamed the BBC for not providing enough support for him amid his condition during his 20 years working for the corporation. Several organisations have rejected claims that the former BBC presenter's misconduct, which included an allegation that he exposed himself while not wearing any underwear, was partly due to his condition. Supporters of the 60-year-old said his autism caused an 'inability to wear underwear because of his autistic hypersensitivity to labels and tight clothing' and also meant he had an 'oddity of filters and boundaries', The Times reported. Taking to his Instagram on Sunday, Gregg shared a message from charity boss Annie Sands, in which she hit back at criticism her organisation had faced for supporting Gregg. She wrote: 'We understand that recent discussions involving DAWN and Gregg Wallace have sparked public interest. However, many of the criticisms directed at us are based on assumptions rather than facts. Those commenting are not privy to the full context of our engagement with Gregg or the broader work we do. Following his admission that his TV career is now 'done', Gregg proved to be his own best advert as he showcased his fitness skills at 5.50am Donning a black zip-up sweater, black shorts and white trainers, Gregg looked on fine form as he warmed up by his car ahead of heading into his own training session He later took to his Instagram stories to share a video of himself doing more squats, with the former greengrocer demonstrating his strength by clutching a heavy dumbbell as well On Monday morning, he also posted a clip of himself drumming up business for his services, with Gregg offering '1 to 1 coaching' for '£200 a month' 'DAWN exists to support neurodiverse individuals, and we do so without prejudice or selective advocacy. Gregg Wallace, like many others we support, has found our guidance valuable-especially as a parent of an autistic child. Our role has been to help him better understand the implications of his diagnosis and how it affects communication and perception. 'People should never feel afraid to disclose their autism diagnosis. Doing so opens the door to reasonable adjustments in the workplace and other settings, which are essential for inclusion. Refusing support based on circumstance would be discriminatory and contrary to our values. @greggawallace.' Though Gregg didn't write a caption alongside Annie's message. the post was still met with a plethora of comments supporting him. Gregg previously insisted he is 'not trying to play the victim' and claimed his autism diagnosis was partly responsible for some of his alleged behaviour as it means he struggles 'to read people' and can be perceived as 'odd' at times. He also again defended allegations - which he claims have been 'sexualised' - that he would not wear underwear while working on the cooking show, saying it was due to his 'hypersensitivity' as a result of the condition. Gregg stepped down from the hit BBC cooking show after complaints were made about his behaviour and following a report into his conduct, in which 45 of 83 complaints were upheld. In total, 41 people complained. The review concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour'. It added that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated', with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' also substantiated. The ex Eat Well for Less? presenter told the Sun that while he didn't deny being guilty of some of the claims, he believed things had been 'perceived incorrectly'. Gregg claimed that he had worked with around 4,000 people, meaning that just 0.5% of those he has worked with 'found fault with me'. He said his actions were the result of learned behaviour and workplace culture and claimed that his recent autism diagnosis also played a role. 'I know I am odd. I know I struggle to read people. I know people find me weird. Autism is a disability, a registered disability,' he said. Gregg has previously said he felt the BBC failed to provide enough support for his condition during his 20 years working on MasterChef. 'My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of MasterChef,' he said. 'Yet nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over 20 years.'
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New luxury gym studio opens in former dairy
A new luxury fitness studio has opened in Hove. Zone4, a premium fitness studio located on The Droveway, has recently launched in Hove's converted Old Dairy housing development. Its founder, Max Smith, has been a personal trainer for almost 20 years and wanted to create a new fitness space that had "everything under one roof". Max Smith, who has worked in the fitness industry for almost 20 years, wanted to create a fitness space that had everything under one roof. (Image: Newsquest) The studio offers one-on-one personal training as well as small and large group sessions. It also features a variety of high-intensity classes, including Hyrox training, along with Pilates and yoga. Tech is being used by the team at Zone 4 to provide members a tailored experience to help them reach their goals, with some of the classes involving the use of heart-rate monitors. Live data is displayed on studio screens which enables trainers to provide guidance based on each individual's intensity levels. As well as the use of MyZone heart rate monitors and body analysis tools, one of the most unique features of Zone 4 is their dedicated indoor sauna and ice bath room. (Image: Zone 4) Members can choose to use the traditional sauna or infrared sauna. Max said: "The USP, I think, is the higher level of finish and creating a space where people actually want to be. "We're not the kind of gym you dread going to at 6am. "Instead of thinking, 'Ugh, I have to go to the gym,' we want people to feel like, 'This is somewhere I want to go.' A number of classes take place at Zone 4. (Image: Zone 4) 'It is a place with a high quality finish that makes you want to spend more time here.' Much investment has also put into the studio's changing room and shower area which sits on the top floor. Members can make use of the lockers provided and use the dressing area complete with Dyson hairdryers and large mirrors. (Image : Zone 4)When designing the gym, Max envisioned an on site coffee shop that would serve both its members as well as local residents. Flint is the studio's in house coffee shop, which is open every day. Max said: 'We've got about 15 seats out here, which we will slowly be increasing. 'When the sun's out and the music's on in the gym, it's a nice place to relax as we are set back from the road." Flint is the fitness studios in house coffee shop. (Image: Zone 4) Max says the new facility is a space tailored for "serious fitness minds" as well as newcomers. Zone4 is located at Studio 1, Dairy Place, The Droveway, Hove, and is currently offering free taster classes for new members.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
First look inside new gym in north Norfolk
A new gym is opening in north Norfolk this week. With five years of experience as a personal trainer, Josh Willis and sports coach Hannah Carter are opening Carter's Gym in North Walsham on Saturday. The pair saw a "gap in the market" for weight space gyms in the area that are not bodybuilding-focused. The gym is located in Unit 16 in Robertson House (Image: Denise Bradley) The new space hopes to target those who lack confidence surrounding the use of weights. "I have a good clientele at the moment who will be joining me over here and I will continue to offer friendly service to help build people's confidence," Mr Willis said. 'We have received a really good response so far and now it is finally kicking in, the excitement is building." The gym specialises in weight training (Image: Denise Bradley) Gym goers can expect a range of weight equipment as well as cardio machines. Personal training sessions and small group classes limited to eight people to ensure "a more personalised experience" will also be on offer. "With it just being the two of us at the moment, we are a gym for our members,' Ms Carter added. Gymgoers will be able to try out the new equipment for free from 10am to 4pm on opening day (Image: Denise Bradley) "We will act on our members' feedback as we want to show them that their money is being put back into the gym." Carter's Gym is located in Unit 16 Robertson House in Laundry Loke. A monthly direct debit membership is on offer for £28.99, small group training sessions for members cost £6 and personal training is £30 an hour. Personal trainer Josh will be bringing his expertise to the new space (Image: Denise Bradley) Gymgoers will be able to try out the new equipment for free by attending the opening between 10am and 4pm on Saturday. Those who attend will be entered into a free raffle to win prizes, including a month's membership.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Couple must tear down home gym they built on their driveway after neighbours moaned that it meant one of their cars would have to be parked out on street
A couple have been ordered to tear down a home gym they built on their own driveway - after neighbours complained it would mean one of their cars would have to be parked on the street. Paul Willis, 42, and Emma Woodley, 43, from Basingstoke, had the building - thought to be worth tens of thousands of pounds - put up in one of two parking spaces which came with the house they bought last year. But neighbours on the new estate were not happy and argued it meant one of the couple's cars would have to be parked out in the street. The couple argued that they do not park on the street and instead use nearby unallocated spaces, adding that they would lose substantial income if made to tear down the building, where Mr Willis carries out personal training sessions with clients. Councillors have now denied their retrospective application voicing concerns it would 'set a precedent' and that if other residents did the same, there may be 'no other parking spaces' left on the smart estate they've moved into. They've now been ordered to remove the gym and reinstate the parking area within six months, a decision Ms Woodley has described as 'ludicrous'. The planning saga began shortly after they moved into their £440,000 property in Basingstoke, Hampshire, last year. Mr Willis runs his own personal training business and, having researched planning rules, the couple believed they were allowed to build the single storey gym without needing permission. It was only after building began on the gym that a complaint was made to the council, and the couple were told to put in a retroactive planning application. But when they submitted their application, neighbours objected. Local Olivia Lucas said in a letter: 'As a resident... we already have parking issues with either cars parking fully on the road and other users being unable to get past, or parking on the pavements and pedestrians routinely putting themselves, children and dogs in danger having to walk out from a blind spot behind one of these cars. 'As this property has already been erected I have witnessed the danger that this owner is causing by parking their car on the road rather than on the driveway that once was (not to mention all of their clients' [sic] cars on a Tuesday night). 'People turning into [the road] have to use up the full width of the road because they are unable to see the any oncoming traffic due to [their] car being parked on the road and therefore a head-on collision is inevitable at some point.' She said that the gym 'causes the owners to park on the corner of the road - causing the blind spot'. Ms Woodley said she and her partner park a second car they own in unallocated spaces nearby. The IT manager said: 'Of the 18 that are unallocated spaces, there are five to six empty at any one time.' Ms Woodley continued: 'We didn't use both of those spaces prior to the building being built anyway, just because of the constant need to keep pulling out into a road which we didn't have good visibility to see, causing more of a hindrance to pedestrians and drivers. 'There's a bend to the road and a hill, so we have to be on the road to get safe visibility about whether it's safe to move out or not.' Ms Woodley added that the removal of the gym would have a 'significant cost impact' on the couple. Mr Willis is set to lose out on income he earns from fitness instructing if the gym is knocked down. At the planning meeting to decide if their outbuilding would be allowed, Ms Woodley said: 'It's used as a gym as my partner is a part-time personal trainer.' She said the home gym was used for personal training seven hours a week, and clients are asked to park in unallocated spaces at the nearby shops or walk to the gym rather than park in neighbouring spaces. Ms Woodley said: 'We're planning on being here until we retire. 'Obviously we will have the loss of income on a monthly basis which means that things will be a struggle, we might have to sell the property. 'We're looking at alternative options of whether there's anything we can do.' Ms Woodley suggested the couple are looking into using some space in their garden for an outbuilding, but regretted that that would make their garden smaller. 'There was no mention anywhere about the council rules around not changing the use of a parking space', she said. 'It's clearly evident when we walk around the estate, we have got people that have put sheds on their parking spaces. 'Even caravans - what's the difference between us and using it for a caravan? It just seems ludicrous.' At the planning meeting, Miss Woodley said: 'The loss of one parking space does not materially impact parking provision within the development. 'We have expressed to the planning officer that we would be willing to convert the outbuilding into a garage.' Councillor Paul Miller said that parking policies are not usually set aside when planning applications are being considered. He said: 'For retrospective applications concerning important policies, every councillor in every ward has to think three times about them. 'Parking is a national problem all over; we all know that. Another car unable to park at a property is another car that's going to be somewhere else.' Councillor Karen Watts said: 'I don't know if there is something to consider here, it could set a precedent that other people could do the same in the area and there would be no other parking spaces.' Ms Woodley said that her and her partner 'aren't parking on the road, people do park on the road, but they aren't from our house'. She claimed: 'The planning officer parked on the road outside when she came to visit and do the inspection, even though the unallocated space opposite was free.' Councillor Paul Gaskell asked planning officers whether another parking space could be made with the land the couple own. The officer said it would be the couple's responsibility as to whether this could be done. Seven councillors voted for the refusal of the application, one voted against and one abstained.
