Groundwork Fitness

I highly recommend Groundwork Fitness for those who are serious about improving their ongoing fitness through strength training using the correct technique. I had never exercised in my life and never contemplated I would walk into a gym. A year ago, in my late 60’s, I became very concerned about noticeable muscle loss and slowing down in movement. I was lucky enough to attend a talk on aging whereby Karl gave an inspiring talk on the importance regular strength training using correct technique. I was so inspired, I immediately went home and booked an appointment with Karl at Groundwork Fitness and have never looked back. I have remarkably improved my strength and balance with little effort. Groundwork Fitness has great new equipment, lots of space to move about, plenty of parking, all the members are friendly and there for the same reason. Karl is a wonderful, caring trainer. He is passionate and knowledgeable about technique and the right strength training for the individual. He also makes a superb coffee!

Last year, I visited Karl at Groundwork Fitness after my doctor suggested that I explore weight training. My doctor was discussing the most effective ways to manage bone density. This medical discussion led me to arrange a meeting with Karl at his gym in Carrington.At 60 years old, and sporting an old knee injury, I wasn’t yearning for any ‘gut-busting’- circuit training- boot-camp experience. I was looking for a training method designed for my specific needs; to train smarter for my ‘body of experience’ if you like. At that first meeting, Karl and I just talked, shared a coffee and he made note of my medical history, past injuries and of my motivation to weight train for improved movement and strength. Our next few meetings involved working through a series of 1-on-1 weight training sessions. Karl is very big on safe and effective lifting technique, so he coached me to lift smarter and move safely. Then, with my specific weight training plan in place, I started to work-out alongside others at the gym.From day one, I found that I was meeting a great and varied collection of people training at Groundwork Fitness. Finding my way around the equipment was made easy with the helpfulness and approachability of others there. Karl is never far away and is quick to assist if he spies anyone’s form slipping or if he can add a quiet challenge. With such friendly support, I felt ‘at home’ quickly and weight training became part of my routine.One of my goals for my weight training has been to gain strength and to stabilise the damaged knee. Within just 4 months, I felt the benefits of improved strength in that knee with a definite reduction in pain. A bit of a surprising by- product of weight training has been the effects of body reshaping too which gives a bit of a confidence boost. I am feeling stronger and am starting to feel ‘great again’.I train with people of all ages and fitness levels, and we are committed to actively aging well. It is inspirational to witness such quiet commitment in each person. I have found that everyone here at GWF has their own ‘body of experience’ to quietly work with and it is a place with longevity on offer.Karl has introduced me to the idea of smarter training for stronger living.

I love Groundwork Fitness.. Karl is a treasure! He has a wonderful sense of humour, extreme attention to training in weights, a wonderful gym with excellent equipment and spotlessly clean. The format for weight training suits me perfectly as it is paced on a one-to-one structure with an app to guide me along now that I'm familiar with technique (but always learning). Highly recommended for those setting out at any age with the goal of improved health and fitness.

Karl is professional, highly skilled with years of experience and a caring trainer. He has the ability to make you want to do and be better!! I love going to my 3 sessions every week - my health and confidence has improved thanks to Karl Review by Di McArtney

It is a year since my last review and I still love making the journey to Carrington to workout in Karl's gym. It is great to be with people of my own age (Nancy and Teresa to name some!) all trying to maintain our bone density and hold off the mobility scooters.

Best gym I’ve been to. No matter your age or fitness stage, Karl has created a supportive, inclusive environment with excellent personalised training plans.He is passionate about fitness, very knowledgeable and brings it all together with a great sense of humour.Strength training has had a major improvement on back and joint pain and I feel physically and mentally stronger than I have in years.Great place to work out. Highly recommend getting in touch with Karl for a visit!

Great Gym to learn how to lift weights and improve your body strength in a caring/fun atmosphere. Exceptionally clean and well run gym by owner.30-100 years old try it!Happy customer LT