Poppy Hawe and Sam Rea, a couple who spent four years living and working in Dubai, have opened Nutrifit Gym on Brook Street in Liverpool's business district. The boutique performance and fitness centre aims to combine the energy of group workouts with a more structured, results-driven approach.
A Different Approach to Fitness
The pair believe their focus on coaching will distinguish the studio from other fitness offerings across Liverpool. The facility has been designed as a boutique-style space rather than a traditional industrial gym, featuring functional training equipment including barbells, rigs, dumbbells and sleds, with a particular focus on HYROX-style training.
An upstairs reformer Pilates studio also provides members with another way to train.
Shaped by Dubai Experience
Poppy, a 28-year-old Liverpool John Moores University graduate, told the ECHO: "We spent four years in Dubai, and one of the biggest things for us was how fitness became a way of meeting people. It was how we built our social lives and connected with like-minded people.
"We absolutely love class-based workouts, but we always felt there was something missing in terms of the coaching element. Classes could sometimes feel quite chaotic, and we think people now want something more results driven. They don't just want to go somewhere to sweat.
"We've brought together the energy and atmosphere of class-based workouts with the quality of coach-led training. We want people to enjoy the group environment while still getting proper guidance and support."
Community Building
The owners said they wanted somewhere that wasn't just an industrial unit. Poppy added: "We always wanted somewhere that wasn't just an industrial unit. We wanted something with a storefront, a bit of footfall and that Liverpool city centre energy. It was a strategic decision, and this space came up at the right time.
"We could see a shift towards people wanting more connection and a stronger sense of community. They were looking for things to do outside of work that weren't necessarily centred around drinking or socialising in pubs.
"We're seeing that people want to invest in their health. Although it's a really difficult time financially for people, they're recognising the value of having a social group or community where they can switch off, meet new people and improve their health at the same time."
Early Success
Having opened its doors about a month ago, the owners said they are already seeing the community they envisioned take shape, with the same group of faces returning each week. Poppy said: "It's great to meet people and, now that we've been open for a month, we're starting to see lots of familiar faces. People are referring their friends and saying really lovely things about us. It's nice to finally see the community we've always wanted starting to come to life."
