21/05/2022
Afternoon folks, so with an air of sadness I am announcing the closure of Prestige Fitness. We will be closing the doors for the last time on Friday 17th June. It is sad because since taking ownership of the gym I wanted to give the village the best gym I could, from the quality of equipment and atmosphere to the support, expertise and encouragement of fully qualified staff. To provide a safe and inclusive service for all members from the the young, the shy, the new, the old. At Prestige you were only ever an equal, nothing else mattered, but sadly that wasn't enough to keep us above water. But overwhelming any sadness is a feeling of true pride. Never before have I used a gym with all those qualities all at once, never before have I been in a gym where everyone trained to such a high standard, all correct movements practiced and the focus and drive was technique based. Of course the drive for self betterment was fierce but only if the technique allowed for progression would any weights be increased. That degree of professionalism is awe inspiring, humbling. It is because of our ethos of equality that allowed our athletes to progress comfortably, properly and without pressure to keep up with others. I take huge pride that we made a safe haven for those that wanted to hide themselves from life, that under our roof they did not hide but stand tall in self achievement and smile free of fear or judgment. We would have the young train alongside an elder and without difference. We made a community within a community. I am so, so proud of what I and Kiera have achieved. I am so, so proud of what you all achieved with what we provided for you. Membership numbers have been too low for too long. In honesty I should have shut doors months ago but I wanted for myself and for you to give every chance I could for the gyms survival but the demand from the village if just not enough. That's fine, that's business. Not all ideas work, it's not a reflection of effort and it's not a failing. We did everything we could have done, we did more then so many would have. We did not quit. Thank you so much for the time we've had, thank you for the friendships, for being there when we needed you and for turning to us when you needed us. I urge you not to stop training, don't give up on your goals just because we can't carry on with you. Don't let go just because we are parting ways. To all who have been loyal since lockdown ended, I thank you with all my heart. We gave all we could.
