Hands up if you avoid the mirrors at the gym.
Me too. Here’s a solution. Go to a gym that doesn’t have any mirrors.
When Alex McNamara created The Shed a year ago this month it was her vision to give her members a space where they felt relaxed, happy and supported, free from any fear of intimidation and judgement.
“I tell all my clients we’re not a beautiful gym,” Alex says. “There’s no mirrors or fancy training gear or posing by the weight bench. It’s an amazing, encouraging environment where even if you’ve been training forever, or you’ve never exercised before in your life, you’ll be welcomed. It’s like a big family – our clients want to come here because they love the classes and the social aspect.”
While Alex may not describe The Shed as beautiful, that doesn’t mean the equipment and classes aren’t top of the range.
“We’ve just bought a new functional training machine and we design the classes so there is always something new and different,” she said. “We do lots of circuit style Tabata and HIIT workouts, boxing, core, weights. One of our most popular classes is one I designed called Run Like You Stole It. It’s a lot of cardio and a good way to introduce yourself to running if you’ve never tried it before; our members love it.”
Alex started personal training in Toowoomba’s parks three years ago after falling in love with exercise when her friend dragged her to the gym. A few years later and she now owes her friend a bunch of flowers – because since that day Alex herself has lost 15kg and is now the owner of a successful Toowoomba business with two employees and a rapidly expanding client base.
Alex is celebrating the first birthday of the doors opening at The Shed this month. On Saturday 21 May from 9am to 12pm there will be an open day for anyone who wants to drop in.
There will be facepainting for kids from Glittery Giggles, a kids’ class, class demos, sausage sizzle and prizes to be won.
“It’s all free, so we would love to see people drop in and say hi, watch some demos and ask some questions so they can find out what The Shed is all about,” she says.
The Shed is on Mort Street and features a stunning First Coat mural of a man on the side of the building – so it can’t be missed.
To RSVP to The Shed’s first birthday event go to the Facebook page Alex Mac at The Shed. For more information about The Shed and its classes and timetable, visit Facebook, www.theshedtraining.com.au call Alex on 0488 788 193 or email alex@theshedtraining.com.au. The Shed is also on Instagram so head over there to give them some love too.
