A CrossFit gym is set to open in Ripon.
Mick and Sarah Meegan, who currently run a smaller personal training and fitness studio in the city, will open the facility at Ripon Business Park, which is close to the canal.
The date is yet to be confirmed but the couple expect it to be early next month.
CrossFit Ripon will provide a functional training facility for Ripon, which the couple said the city currently lacked in comparison to nearby Harrogate, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, York and Thirsk.
Mr Meegan, who is in the last year of 21 years of military service, said the gym would tackle obesity, mental health and wellbeing as well as get people into shape.
CrossFit, which involves constantly varied fitness routines, has grown hugely in popularity over the last 20 years.
The facilities tend to cost more than chain gyms but provide more classes and a more personalised approach, with community at the heart of activities.
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Mr Meegan said:
“Ripon craves a fitness, mental health and wellbeing facility that caters inclusively for all the individual needs of our city, especially those suffering from social isolation and low self-esteem.
“The wide range of variety in terms of classes, one-to-one PT, apprenticeships for future PTs and fitness for kids classes is something Ripon needs as part of Ripon’s Neighbourhood Plan 2030 in-terms of health and well-being.
“Research shows there is somewhat a lower life expectancy in Minster and Moorside Wards than for the district. Child health concern regarding increase in obesity over early school years is considerably higher than in the district whereas for adults this is slightly higher than the district.
“Our new affiliated CrossFit gym will cater for all of the above, our community is absolutely paramount in terms of health and well-being. We are passionate to give Ripon what it’s craved for years and promote fitness is for life.”
Mr Meegan said the couple had battled for nine months to secure planning and many people have told them it won’t work. He said:
“Even when everything seemed against us we persevered and got planning approval. If you believe in something you take risks.”
