The Engine Room gym opens in Chickerell Link Park

The Engine Room is Chickerell’s newest gym which has officially opened in Link Park.

Ben Edwards founded the business when helping his friend James Short on his journey to becoming a personal trainer.

Ben said: “The idea for the Engine Room started in about October last year.

"James was looking to get his qualifications as a personal trainer and I mentored him a little bit and with that, I started thinking about bigger opportunities.

“I thought ‘how can we be different’ and that was by selecting the right group of people to make it work – we have got quite a diverse skillset.”

The team is made up of Ben Edwards, James Short, Julien Lawes, and Emily Denton.

The Engine Room trainers (Image: In The Bag PR)

Ben is a well-established local businessman known for his investment in businesses and distressed turnarounds. His passion for fitness began as a personal journey during a low point in his life, where he found support and encouragement within the gym community.

His transformation and love for fitness racing, including Hyrox racing, have driven him to share his experiences and support others in achieving positive, sustainable changes in their lives.

In fact, Ben explained that ‘from the age of 11 he raced cars and when you refer to building a strong engine you can be referring to building a strong cardiovascular system which helps you to perform,’ which is where the name ‘The Engine Room’ originated from.

The grand opening of the gym saw the trainers’ friends and family joined by a whole host of clients.

Instructor, Emily Denton explained that the team all know each other through training together at other gyms in the area.

The Engine Room (Image: In The Bag PR)

Emily will be bringing a yoga and pilates aspect to the new business, she has a background in gymnastics and dance and a passion for all kinds of exercise, particularly anything outdoors or that improves functional movement, strength, balance, and flexibility.

As a mum of three, Emily ‘understands the struggle that parents have to fit in time for themselves and their fitness, but also how important it is for both their mental and physical health, and their sense of self and social wellbeing.

It is her goal to enable members to love exercise by providing fun and varied forms of fitness classes and challenges that are made accessible to all. It is her mission to 'enable people to enjoy a better range of motion and pain-free movement whilst doing the things they enjoy.’

She also wants to encourage children to love exercise, which is why you will be able to catch the team at the upcoming Weymouth Seafood Festival where they will be putting on a mermaid and pirate yoga class to encourage children to get involved.

For more information, visit: www.theengineroom.club.