Washington gym owner who feared he may lose everything after putting life savings into business is set for re-opening

Darren Tyrie, 39, worked for over 10 years and put his life savings into opening the Pinch-An-Inch Body Transformation Centre in Washington, but during lockdown he feared he may lose everything he worked so hard to build.

However after months of uncertainty the gym will be welcoming back customers this weekend, with a number of new social distancing guidelines in place.

Fearing the worst, Darren wasn’t sure the gym would ever be able to reopen, but was able to keep it afloat thanks to the government's small business loan and a move to online sessions, but even then staying afloat was never a guarantee.

He said: “It’s been a very stressful and worrying time. The government grant we had was an excellent life line for the business, without it we wouldn't have survived, but it ran out last month. It's been very close to the bone.

“I can’t wait to get back into what I love doing most. Coaching, helping people get back into shape, helping people with their physical health, mental health and boosting their confidence.”

During lockdown, Pinch-An-Inch Gym has been supporting members to keep up their physical and mental health with online workouts from home.

Ahead of reopening, the gym has had a deep clean and introduced new social distancing guidelines including hand towel and antibacterial dispensers, social distancing signs and socially distanced equipment.

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