Coast couple’s resilience pays off with new gym

A Coast Couple have overcome obstacles to fulfil their passion and open their gym in a new home.

Leigh Vercoe and Peter Holmes are excited to open their North Shore Muscle and Fitness in Coolum. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A resilient Coast couple are excited to fulfil their passion and open their gym in its new home.

Peter Holmes and Leigh Vercoe bought a gym space in Coolum’s industrial estate last year but were quickly stopped in their tracks by COVID-19 restrictions and were later forced to relocate due to zoning laws.

Ms Vercoe, who works alongside Mr Holmes, said it was exciting to be opening North Shore Muscle and Fitness along Green Oaks Drive in Coolum after overcoming the obstacles.

“When COVID hit we had to shut the doors, so we did nothing for nearly three months before we could reopen in June and then we reopened … we were starting from scratch and building it up again and then … we had to relocate,” she said.

“We have spent the last eight weeks fitting out what used to be an old shed and making it into an awesome gym … and our members are excited to get in.”

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The former electrician and property manager hope to create a gym where everyone feels comfortable and welcomed.

“It’s something we both love to do, it’s a passion to train, not a chore,” Ms Vercoe said.

“We are not from a fitness background; we are just normal people that love to train and know how good it makes you feel physically and mentally.

“So, we are trying to provide a really community friendly gym … and cater for everyone and anyone.”

Leigh Vercoe training at North Shore Muscle and Fitness. Photo Patrick Woods.

The gym aims to cater for different training styles and provide a variety of equipment, typically not found in mainstream gyms.

Ms Vercoe said they decided not to offer group classes and purposefully designed the gym to create a more inviting space.

“We are just an independent gym where you can come do weights or do some functional training and not be bombarded with groups of people,” she said.

“Some people get intimidated by that, they don’t want the noise and the groups.

“The gym is set up … so if people of all ages and fitness levels wanted to come in and just do a quiet workout, they can do that away from the main gym space.

“We don’t want people to get intimidated … we want everyone to feel welcome.”

North Shore Muscle and Fitness will open on Monday.

For more information click here.

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