A new gym is set to open in Barrow.

Industry 13 will be opening its doors for the first time on January 1.

It will be situated on Roose Road, and replaces the building formerly occupied by HI-Q Tyres.

The Mail: BEFORE: The building was formerly used by HI-Q Tyres.BEFORE: The building was formerly used by HI-Q Tyres.

Liam Harrison, former captain at Barrow Raiders, is one of five people behind the new establishment.

He is joined by gym manager James Howden, James Carberry, Mike Lewis and Greg Crabtree.

The gym hosted an open day for prospective new member last Sunday and Mr Howden revealed that many people have already signed up ahead of its

January opening.

He said:“There has been a huge amount of support from the community already and were overwhelmed by the amount of people who have joined already.”

Despite opening during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Howden underlined that they used it to their advantage.

The Mail: ROOSE ROAD: Industry 13.ROOSE ROAD: Industry 13.

With existing gyms forced to adapt their premises, Industry 13’s owners used their “blank canvas” to ensure that social distancing measures and cleaning

equipment will be readily available.

Mr Howden added: “It was a big decision to open during the pandemic.

“It was a bit of a spur of the moment decision, but we decided to do it and the day after we managed to secure premises.”

Although there are other gyms in Barrow, Mr Howden is confident that Industry 13 can make a big impact in the community.

In addition to physical benefits, Mr Howden wants members to improve their mental health too.

Mr Howden said: “We want the gym to cater for all, strength and conditioning, cross functional training, bodybuilders, everyone.

“We want everyone to feel a part of the team and want to change the stigma about people being nervous to go to a gym, we want them to come out of the house and enjoy themselves.

"Our unique selling point is that we will always have an instructor, so we don’t anyone feeling nervous to come and try something new as there will be

someone there to guide them through it."