Olympic and World Champion Rower, Zac Purchase MBE, has launched his first fitness studio in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
Investment has also been secured for further studios to be rolled out across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire over the next five years.
Purchase won an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Both medals were won in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls. He has also won three gold, one silver and a bronze at the World Rowing Championships.
Zacs – Exercise For Life, is based on a series of 40 minute, pay as you go classes all bookable online and based around one of four themes: strength, stamina, speed and stability.
Each session has been cleverly designed by Purchase and employs the principles of functional training.
He said: “It is very important that people feel comfortable and welcome in our studio. Many people shy away from attending traditional gyms because they feel self-conscious and intimidated by the unfamiliar machinery and wall to wall mirrors. We want to break down these barriers, helping people discover the joys and benefits of exercise without feeling any anxiety.
“Instead of bulky resistance and cardiovascular machines our studio employs basic functional training kit such as kettlebells, resistance bands and suspension trainers. Mirrors are not installed, helping participants relax. It is the role of the instructor to correct poor physical form not the participant.”
In addition to the four principle classes, Zacs will also offer one to one and small group personal training as well as a selection of more traditional classes like Yoga. DNA testing will also be available to ensure every individual’s training plan remains motivating and results driven.
Zac added: “We have created an environment where everyone, regardless of shape, size or physical ability, feels comfortable and has access to world class physical training advice and instruction. Functional training has the potential to improve the lives of all who participate through its ease of application in everyday life.”
In addition to the studio, Purchase has also designed and launched Zacs, an own-brand range of fitness equipment. Products include kettlebells, resistance bands and suspension trainers, all available for purchase from the studio. An e-commerce function, accessible via the website, zacsfitness.com, is currently under development.
