27/05/2026
What an experience meeting Ryan!
"My name is Jack, I'm from Kirkcaldy and I own Grit Performance Gym on Junction Road.
It started with my Mum who opened Arena Gym, I was halfway through my last year at school and decided to leave as I felt I needed a fresh start. So I started at Arena and went through level 2, level 3 and level 4 Strength Conditioning there, then about 6 months ago I opened my own gym and since then it's been a big success.
I got that bug early on, I wasn't athletic, never stood out at any sport, but I loved PE at school and that's where it stems from, as well as having that support at home. It's stressful having your own gym, I couldn't rely on my mum anymore because it's up to me to run it like the admin side of things but I'm managing I think! It's been nonstop and I think it's because there isn't a Gym like this, people have been curious. It's a funky gym. The lights are low and we've utilised the space perfectly. We keep the numbers low because some gyms can be manic. There's never more than 15 people in at a time and because it's a small community, friendships have blossomed.
I've always been a people person, as well as a people pleaser by the way. I was always awkward too and when I taught my first class at Arena, it pushed me so far out of my comfort zone and my confidence continued to grow. In life we're forced to put a face on and I did that for many years so it's been something that I'm so grateful for.
I grew up in Kirkcaldy, I went from Templehall to Torbain and the community in Kirkcaldy is amazing. There's so much going on and lot's happening, people always want to help each other. I'm really wanting to give more back, I want to do what you do, just open a dialogue and talk. I keep my numbers low and there's a community growing inside my gym, I've made friends with people I never thought I'd be friends with.
I get so much enjoyment out of this, helping others achieve their goals, it makes me happy seeing people happy who've transformed their lives and are working hard. It's not intimidating at Grit, pop along, come and chat and let's get to know one another"
I'm still out there supporting businesses when and where I can, Jack initially thought there was a few people in The Human Collective. It's just me and I'm in high demand atm 😅
Gyms aren't scary and Grit is proof of that, please give Jacks story a wee share, thanks ❤️
