A new, community-focused gym is set to open its doors later this month in the heart of Ealing, aiming to help residents stay active and healthy.

The Pitshanger Health & Fitness centre will officially open on Monday, November 22 by founders Dean Horridge and business partner Gavin Lock.

The gym facility will focus on community outreach and encouraging healthy lifestyles to members of all ages.

A resident of Pitshanger for over 30 years, Dean, 52, was frustrated by the lack of facilities like this in the local area.

"This has always been a dream of mine" said Dean, "the idea is very much localised to support the community, for families and older residents."

Dean is the founder and CEO of Fit for Sport, a healthy lifestyle activities provider, as well as the founder of Thinkably, an education management company helping children understand the world through stories on important topics.

With Gavin, a Pitshanger resident who has worked in the fitness area for many years, an ideal business opportunity arose.

Dean, who started out as a PE teacher, said they are also planning a big schools outreach program for teachers.

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He said: "There's been a big concern with teachers and their stress levels since Covid and feeling the effects of lockdown, so we're reacting to what they need from the community.

"It's been hard for them, being stuck inside and not being able to release that anxiety."

He added: "I've always been active, so for me personally to have that opportunity to be active is so crucial and to feel good about yourself, it's vitally important for all ages."

The gym has received widespread support, especially from the Pitshanger community itself.

Dean said: "It's been amazing, all the shops are really supportive and are hoping it will drive even more people to the businesses and coffee shops in the area.

"Also the residents who live above the shops are excited, and we've given some discounts to local shops."

Personal training, small group classes and a free weights area are features of the new gym, with sessions ranging from yoga, Pilates to circuit training.

Four local instructors have been hired, all living within three to six streets away from the facility.

There is also an outdoor area and a back studio, with the space described by Dean as a "Tardis", previously the site of tuition centre Explore Learning.

The gym offers full access to all equipment and most facilities for disabled users.

Members can join from £49.99 per month, with membership also available for under 16s at £25 per month.

There is also family and NHS membership available.

Opening hours will be Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 9pm, and weekends 8am to 6pm.

An opening night will take place on Saturday, 20 November from 5pm-7pm and the centre will official open from Monday, 22 November.

Find out more on their website.

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