A couple who want to combat the bodybuilding stigma are gearing up to open a new gym.
Natalie Darnell and Aras Mustafa, of Bury St Edmunds, who run My Whey Supplements in Hatter Street, have taken on Unit 3B at the Barton Road Industrial Estate to create Pump Asylum.
The pair, who are undertaking the build for the new gym themselves, had been trying to find a site for more than a year but struggled to find someone who agreed to the use.
However, when they came across the Barton Road unit, they ‘visualised their dream and went for it’.
Natalie said: “We get a large footfall in My Whey Supplements, people of all ages wanting a ‘decent’ and ‘proper’ bodybuilding-style gym, due to there being not many around Bury.
“We love our customers and the support they have given us over the years; this drove us to want to give something back to the community, where they can train in a fun and welcoming atmosphere
“We want to change the bodybuilding gym stigma of being scary and intimidating, and introduce a space of fun, community and, most importantly, a space for anyone and everyone.”
The gym will be adorned with lots of history around bodybuilding, with graffiti of Olympic icons and a few pieces of equipment that are more than 35 years old.
Natalie said having old and new equipment would show how much gyms have changed and set Pump Ayslum apart from similar offerings in the area.
The new business will also having a posing/physio room where guests can check their progress of discuss plans and regimes with a personal trainer.
“Our main focus will always be to make sure every member is comfortable and to be a gym where we support and help people to enjoy fitness in the best way,” said Natalie.
“Me and Aras both have found the gym to help, in different ways over the years, mentally and physically to overcome hurdles in our life.
“This is where we want to help, to provide a space for everyone and anyone to overcome their fears, face their demons and use weight training as an escape from the stresses we all face in life.”
Memberships at Pump Asylum will start from £39.99 or £10 for day passes.
An open day event is on the cards with a DJ and food truck.
More information can be found on Pump Asylum’s social media.
