Smart Gym

Following last week's visit, we want to share a bit more about what we talked about. We used our time with the Minister to highlight what happens when the fitness industry ignores families.

The current system is set up in a way that if you have kids and no childcare, you’re locked out of affordable gym services. The result is parents dealing with isolation, burnout, and declining health.

We brought some numbers to the table. Right now, 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 10 dads are experiencing postnatal depression. At the same time, research shows that exercise is 1.5x more effective than medication for managing mental health - with some of the best outcomes found in pregnant and postpartum women (cited in comments). Yet in most cases, antidepressants are the only line of treatment prescribed.

It’s plain to see that the people who need access to affordable fitness the most are the ones blocked from accessing it.

And this doesn’t just hurt adults - the knock-on effect on children is massive. Research is clear that a parent’s mental health directly impacts a child's emotional development. On top of that, kids model what they see. If a broken system forces parents to stay inactive, stressed and depressed, that exact same lifestyle is passed down to the next generation. It isn't just failing parents - it’s setting kids up to fail too.

Because businesses like ours aren't currently supported to scale on a national level, a model that we know works stays local, leaving thousands of families stuck in a broken system.

We pitched some practical solutions for how the government can step in and change that, and it was encouraging to hear how seriously they are taking the social enterprise model, not as just a wee addition to the economy but as the future of how businesses should be run.

Thanks again to Firstport for making the introduction, adding their vital insight to the discussion, and supporting our vision from day one.

Updated timetable (main gym only - for any classes involving Unit 2, please either reach out to the clubs directly or book via your Glofox App).

Massive thanks to Firstport and Minister for Business and Fair Work, Tom Arthur MSP, for coming down to Smart Gym. We had some honest discussions around what it takes to run a social enterprise, the intergenerational impact of fitness and community, and what needs to change in the system so social enterprises like ours can scale their impact and help build a healthier, fairer Scotland. Without Firstport’s early investment, Smart Gym wouldn't exist. Now we're proving what that support can do. Read more below! 👇

https://ow.ly/Sfzw50ZnQIP

It was fantastic to visit Smart Gym with Tom Arthur, Business and Fair Work, as part of his summer tour of Scottish businesses.

Seeing the impact they're having on families' health and wellbeing is a reminder of what's possible when people are given the support and opportunity to turn an idea into something that changes lives.

Read more 👇
https://ow.ly/Sfzw50ZnQIP

Jump for joy! To help out during the summer holidays, we’re taking on new members for a few days only…

If you want an affordable way to keep everyone sane and active while the schools are off (and beyond!), here’s what we offer:

For the kids:

• Free creche (on-site supervision while parents workout next door)
• Free play area outside of creche hours
• Children aged 8+ can use the gym with their parents
• Kids-only classes for every age group
• Smart mirrors (for shows, music, workouts, etc.), gym-play equipment, toys and crafts
• CCTV in the main gym so parents can watch their kids play

For you:

• Unlimited gym access (05:00-23:00, 7 days)
• Up to 20 free classes a week
• Social lounge with free coffee on tap
• Complimentary induction & workout programme
• Discounted personal training

Classes included:

• Zumba
• Yoga
• Mum-baby classes
• Strength classes
• Circuit training
• Functional training
• Leg Day
• Foundations
• Family-friendly classes
• Kids classes

Facilities & equipment:

• A range of premium cardio machines (stair climbers, treadmills, bikes, etc.)
• Plenty of weights, adjustable squat racks and loose kit
• A multi-gym (pulley system, smith machine)
• Premium Eleiko private free-weight area (free to use on a first-come basis, or can be reserved for £1/session)
• Private shower rooms (with shower, toilet and sink).
• Free water coolers for unlimited bottle refills.
• Community coffee lounge with high chairs.

Pricing / value:

• All-inclusive memberships starting from just £22/month.
• 10-25% off 3, 6, and 12 month recurring plan
• No childcare costs needed to get a workout in

Good to know:

• Located in The Wedge, opposite Silverburn
• Free on-site parking at the rear (Brockburn Terrace)
• Easy booking via the Glofox app (only classes and supervised creche should be booked)
• Secure, keyless entry system - just wave your hand at the reader and the door will unlock (requires phone nearby and active membership)
• 24 hour CCTV monitoring

Community & ethos:

• Scotland’s only low-cost gym with a crèche
• Winner of the Social Enterprise EDGE Award
• Family-focused, non-judgemental, community-led environment
• Member of Social Enterprise Scotland and Glasgow Social Enterprise Network (GSEN)
• All income is reinvested into the community
• Founded by parents, led by our community

Opening hours (7 days a week):

• Gym/class hours: 05:00-23:00
• Play area (soft gym) hours: 07:00-21:00
• Supervised creche hours: 10:00-12:00

Additional partner services, including Unit 2 access (not covered in core membership plans):

• Physiotherapy
• Muay Thai
• Specialised sports coaching
• Gymnastics
• Talking therapy / trauma therapy
• Hypnotherapy
• Small group PT

It was great having everyone together for the open day at the weekend. If you didn’t make it along, no stress - we aren’t going anywhere! Massive thank you to Beth Hodge Photography and Bangupballoonsglasgow for donating their time and expertise to capture the spirit of the day. Anyone still curious about Unit 2, feel free to get in touch with us on 03330509459 or contact the partners directly:

Tùlach Àrd Muay Thai
Praxis Performance
Sapphire Gymnastics Club
Pro Judo
Quinn Physiotherapy
Soccer Stars Academy

Next into Unit 2 is Quinn Physiotherapy…

It’s not often the guy putting you through the wringer on the gym floor is the exact same guy putting you back together on the treatment table.

Most of you already know David from his work as a PT and class instructor at Smart Gym. Now, he’s bringing his physiotherapy practice here full-time, setting up his new clinic right next door in Room 1 of Unit 2.

Having someone who actually understands how you lift - because he’s the one coaching you - means your rehab actually makes sense for your training. You can get broken and fixed without ever leaving the building!

Come down to the Open Day this Saturday the 9th (10am - 1pm). See the new clinic, grab a coffee, and catch up with David.

Lots of people asking where exactly Unit 2 is situated…

The rear and most commonly used entrance is right next to the gym in Brockburn Terrace (the car park side of The Wedge).

For anyone booking club sessions, Unit 2 will be open and coaches there to greet you, so don’t worry about updating your self-access or anything.

Members are encouraged to use the gym next door while their children are at their clubs, providing it isn’t between 7pm-8pm on Tuesdays when the gym is reserved for a peaceful yoga class (unless you want to do the yoga, of course).

Looking forward to seeing you all at the Open Day on Saturday 10am-1pm 🎉

P.S. In celebration of the Unit 2 launch, we’ve opened member intake for a few days. If you haven’t joined, or know someone who’s been wanting to join, now’s the time ⏱️

Next up for Unit 2: Pro Judo🥋

Pro Judo is a Judo Scotland affiliated club, delivering the highest standard of Judo coaching for over 25 years. They are one of Scotland's largest and most successful clubs.

We are over the moon to be partnering with them to bring afterschool Judo classes to Pollok. From this Tuesday, Pro Judo will offer 4 sessions per week:

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
4-4:45pm (Age 4-8)
5-5:45pm (Age 8-14)

If your child is interested, you can either contact the club directly or book through Smart Gym via the Glofox App.

Ahead of the Unit 2 open day next Saturday the 9th (10am - 1pm, are you coming?), we are officially kicking things off with Muay Thai this MONDAY! 🥊

It’s a genuine honour to be partnering with Tùlach Àrd Muay Thai on this. Having trained with them firsthand and watched their warriors step over the ropes in the fight scene, we have followed and respected their work for a long time.

Tulach Ard is a warm and welcoming community. They encourage students to leave their ego at the door, so whether you’re a professional fighter or you’re stepping on the mats for the first time, everyone gets the same respect and zero judgement.

Unit 2 will offer over 10 hours of Muay Thai every week, including kids sessions, youth & adult classes, sparring, fighter & competition training and grading programmes.

Muay Thai focused personal training is also available.

To get involved, you can either contact the club directly or book through Smart Gym on the Glofox App.

As part of our Unit 2 expansion, Smart Gym is delighted to partner with to bring weekly gymnastics sessions to The Wedge in Pollok (next door to the gym).

With the aim of offering additional days/times as demand grows, we’re kicking off the partnership with 3 back-to-back sessions every Tuesday from 6:15pm.

At £5/class, you are invited to either book through Smart Gym via the Glofox App or directly with the club themselves on the number above.