Trainhers is our Bristol Business of the Week
Posted on: 18 Jan 2016Trainhers in Bristol is a one-stop-shop for women of all ages and abilities looking to get fit. They specialise in a 30 minute workout that is the perfect way to get active!
Open from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday, and 8am til 1pm on weekends, Trainhers is located on Kellaway Avenue and offers the perfect environment for women looking to get a little healthier in a stress-free environment. Whilst traditional gyms welcome women with open arms, it is possible that some find the atmosphere, or even just the act of signing up, intimidating. That's where Trainhers is different.
At 365Bristol we think it's a great initiative! We spoke with owner Nicky Tiley to find out more...
When did you set up Trainhers and can you give us a brief history?
Having taught special needs for over 30 years I was looking for a change in direction. I enjoyed going to a similar gym which closed down so decided to open my own! We opened last February. I retired from teaching in July and love my new career!
Are you from Bristol?
Apart from 4 years in Cheltenham when I was doing my teacher training, I have always lived in Bristol.
Tell us about your business?
The gym is a 30 minute full body workout ideal for busy women. The age range of our members is from 16 to 86. Most of our members live locally, which promotes a good social atmosphere; occasionally members meet for a drink or a meal. We have personal trainers/fitness instructors in the gym at all times to give advice and support to our members. They help members to achieve their own personal goals and we have a nutritional therapist on hand to offer guidance on healthy eating. She also gives free talks on weight loss and other common issues.
Are there any ancillary services on offer?
The personal trainers and nutritional therapists are the backbone of the gym but we also have a treatment room which is rented out by people offering massage, beauty treatments and semi permanent make up.
How do you find running an independent business in Bristol?
Initially, the running of the business was very scary - a very big learning curve for me! From getting the lease sorted to submitting VAT returns, it was all very different to anything I had done before but it was also very exciting. I was very lucky to be surrounded by people who knew the business and could advise me on the best way forward. They were also extremely helpful in the first few months when we had lots of teething problems and I was uncontactable at school. Now I am top of everything and looking for new ways to develop the business.
Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?
I love eating out in Bristol as there are so many different places to go - but my favourite would probably be Kohi Noor on Whiteladies Rd.
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What's your favourite place in Bristol?
The Cambridge Arms is a great pub nearby - always friendly and welcoming, the staff are lovely and you can always find someone to chat with and have a drink! I must of course recommend The Downs as my favourite outdoor space, I love seeing the change in the trees throughout the year, it is always beautiful and relaxing.
Where do you see Trainhers in 5 years time?
In 5 years time I would hope that Trainhers would be a busy and thriving community. The treatment room used all the time and in particular having a beautician here on a regular basis. I would also like to try and find a way of providing a room to be able to offer small classes/nutritional talks.
What advice would you give to any aspiring Bristol small business owners?
If you have a dream/plan then go for it! Find the right location and get support from those who already know the business. For things you don't know about get experts in to help!
If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
If I was Mayor for the day I would get rid of the 20mph speed limit in Bristol and give free bus travel to all special needs students/adults.
For more info on the excellent work Nicky and her team are doing over at Trainhers please head over to www.trainhers.co.uk, their Facebook page or Twitter.
Trainhers is located at: 22 Kellaway Avenue, Bristol, BS6 7XR. Opening hours are Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm and Sat-Sun: 8am-1pm
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Tags: Ladies Only Gym Bristol, Gyms on Kellaway Avenue, Gyms in Henleaze, Gyms in Westbury, Gyms in Westbury-on-Trym, Gyms in Horfield, Gyms in Bishopston, Health and Fitness, Train Hers, Trainhers, TrainHers, Classes, Beauty, Weight Loss.
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Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
