Thame Out The complimentary magazine for the Thame area
Time to get active
Sadly Covid-19 is particularly dangerous It seems to those of us who are unfit or obese. Recent research has also found that obesity is responsible for more deaths than smoking. It’s time for the British public to get fitter and slimmer. Jim Sherwood paid a visit to Invictus Fitness Centre and talked to owner Martin Shipperley.
D was talking to Martin during the third national lockdown in February. A man of many talents. A trained electrician, former boxer and ex footballer, I had interrupted him painting the toilets (last week he was up on the roof fixing a small leak).
Invictus Fitness Centre is a state of the art gym and it’s obvious listening to Martin and taking a tour of the facilities, it is a business he is passionate about.
Invictus is located in a vast building at Wenham Road in Thame. It is a cathedral to health and fitness with many devoted followers (they currently have 800 members).
So why did Martin set up Invictus, I ask?
“To be honest, I wanted a fitness centre that I would enjoy being a member of. I had frequented a number of gyms over the years. Often I received no induction and they were either a little intimidating or lacking equipment,” he says.
“I wanted Invictus to be inclusive. A perfect environment for the whole family to achieve their fitness goals. Members range from a four year old boy to a 75 year old woman, with a good mix of men and women of all ages,” he adds.
“It is very much a fitness community at Invictus, with classes and equipment to suit all ages and abilities.
“We are just launching ‘new to the gym’ classes for new and less confident members. It’s a great way to get them eased into the gym experience”.
An experienced Personal Trainer is always on hand to ensure members use the equipment safely and most effectively.
The Invictus weight equipment is bang up to date, mainly from Primal Strength, the market leaders in the industry.
Classes are an important part of the Invictus experience. They run over 45 classes a week including Spin and Yoga most days.
With spring and summer on their way, it’s also good to know the building is air conditioned.
Martin believes fitness should be fun. The facilities cater for all abilities and styles of training. With added features like the sprint track and outdoor Performance Zone that means you are able to mix up your regime.
Martin has always been a keen boxer, so its no surprise that Invictus has its own boxing ring, heavy bags and a speed ball.
Boxing is a great way to exercise and is a great discipline for young people.
“We offer classes for older children as well as an adults class. Post Covid, bouts will be arranged as well,” says Martin.
Also in the pipeline will be team events such as fun runs and mud challenges.
A lot of this is dependent on the easing of lockdown restrictions, but rest assured Invictus is well equipped to cope with the current situation. The building is huge and airy, all equipment cleaned constantly throughout the day and a company comes in weekly to do a deep Covid clean. Treadmills, rowing machines and cross-trainers are well spaced out for social distancing requirements. (Please note the images featured are pre-Covid restrictions).
Keeping with the community feel, Invictus work in partnership with local schools as a provider of the physical part for Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
“Under our DofE membership students can partake in Boxing, Hatha Yoga, Spin and Pilates
“Our fully qualified instructors will assess students in line with DofE requirements,” adds Martin.
Café and Shop
When your workout is complete, enjoy some downtime with a coffee or protein shake. The Cafe is open 7 days a week during gym hours and non members are welcome. A great space to catch up with friends after your workout.
The shop sells leading brands of supplements and sunbed courses at very competitive prices.
Time to put your fitness first. Contact Martin on 01844 213602
You can read more articles like this one in the latest edition of Thame Out.
