Family-run Bognor Regis gym looking forward to reopening

A family-run gym, with a ‘unique atmosphere’, is looking forward to reopening its doors.
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VK Gym was founded in 2010 by Peter Cox and his grandson Charlie Martin.

The original plan was to set up the facility ‘solely as a boxing gym’ but it has expanded its premises in Durban Road.

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Peter said: “Our biggest investment was taking over the unit next door.

VK Gym was founded in 2010 by Peter Cox (right) and his grandson Charlie Martin (left)VK Gym was founded in 2010 by Peter Cox (right) and his grandson Charlie Martin (left)
VK Gym was founded in 2010 by Peter Cox (right) and his grandson Charlie Martin (left)

“In this unit we have created an area dedicated to just boxing and martial arts, together with a spinning studio and a separate CrossFit facility, also known as V90 CrossFit, which has proved to be very popular since opening the doors in 2017.

“It is a family-run business with a unique atmosphere which we believe is one of the most important things you need to have when walking into a gym.”

VK Gym expanded the free weight and resistance machine area, which involved removing one of the boxing rings to create more space.

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Peter added: “That space has now been filled with a larger variety of machines and has also allowed us to spread the machines out so that there is more room.

VK Gym will be ready to reopen to members on April 12VK Gym will be ready to reopen to members on April 12
VK Gym will be ready to reopen to members on April 12

“We also have a very relaxing American Diner style seating area where you can meet with your friends to go for a training session, or sign up to one of our classes, have a coffee or purchase your protein shakes and bars.”

Boris Johnson announced on February 22 that gyms could reopen on April 12 as part of the government’s ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown.

Peter said VK Gym will be ready to reopen on this date, adding: “We have obviously been closed now during all the lockdown periods but we look forward to reopening soon, and to welcoming back all our regular members as well as hopefully some new faces.”

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Charlie explained how the business was named after his cousin, Vanessa Knight, who died, at the age of 18, in 2008.

An area was created dedicated to just boxing and martial arts, together with a spinning studio and a separate CrossFit facility, also known as V90 CrossFitAn area was created dedicated to just boxing and martial arts, together with a spinning studio and a separate CrossFit facility, also known as V90 CrossFit
An area was created dedicated to just boxing and martial arts, together with a spinning studio and a separate CrossFit facility, also known as V90 CrossFit

“It’s a bit of a sad story, but uplifting too,” he said. “We’re a close family, so it hit us hard. She was a great girl and is still missed by us all.

“We always wanted to do something in her name, leave a mark, commemorate her life. So when we came up with the idea for the gym, and were looking for a company name, it was suddenly obvious – VK – Vanessa’s initials. And she loved butterflies – which is why they’re on the logo.”

To find out more about VK Gym, visit its website or Facebook page.

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