The sea views may have gone, but there is plenty of reasons for members of The Ultimate Fitness Club to be thankful for their new location in the heart of Devonshire.

Formerly the SeaView Ultimate Fitness Club, it moved to its new location at the beginning of July.

The gym is on the top floor of a three-storey unit on Marsh Lane, off Middle Road.

The move has given the gym space to add a aerobic studio, which is expected to soon be offering activities such as yoga and Zumba.

Melanie De Rosa and Percy Paynter are now in their fourteenth year with the gym. They worked at SeaView, which Mr Paynter helped set up, before eventually buying the business.

The former location on North Shore Road allowed members to enjoy a view of the ocean as they worked out. But it was a smaller building which meant there was no room for an aerobic studio, although when weather permitted, spinning classes were held on the outdoor terrace.

“We loved being there with the sea view, but there were problems with being on the shore, and with wear and tear,” Mr Paynter said.

With a relocation needed, a fortuitous turn of events led to the vacant space at the industrial unit adjacent to Devonshire Marsh becoming available at the right moment. The top floor space was previously used for offices, with a warehouse area at one end.

It was reconfigured to accommodate the gym and a new aerobic studio. Members pitched in to assist with the work, including moving all the gym equipment from the old location to the new gym; that task was achieved in two days, using two trucks and many willing hands.

“We call it the Ultimate Fitness Club family. Everyone has bought into this dream and supported us since we started,” Ms De Rosa said.

The mutual support and friendship among members is something the gym owners are particularly proud about.

“We hold in-house functions so people feel that it is their place. People who come here say it has a family atmosphere; and if you are comfortable you are more likely to ask questions and get assistance — and that comes from fellow members and the personal trainers.”

Mr Paynter agreed, and added: “Everyone who walks in feels they fit in. People feel comfortable. The trainers will help them. You should be able to come to the gym and not feel stressed.”

He said the gym keeps its prices lower for students and the over-55s. It has an extensive range of equipment, from free weights to cardio workout machines. Some of the trainers are former bodybuilding champions.

The Ultimate Fitness Club’s new look and new location has been well received by members, including some who have rejoined after leaving when it was based at its tired former premises.

Ms De Rosa said: “Everyone is over the moon that we are here. We’ve had former members coming back to us. There is great feedback.

“We like the location because it is on the outskirts of town, so people don’t have to fight for parking.”

She added: “There is still work to do, but people love the redesign.”

While there is no longer a sea view from the windows, from its top-floor elevation the gym looks out on the lush greenery of Devonshire Marsh and beyond.

And a reminder of the ocean and the gym’s roots can be found in the new lobby area where, in a small, wall-mounted aquarium swims a fish called Oscar.

Ms De Rosa and Mr Paynter would like to thank all those who pitched in and helped with the relocation and setting up of the renamed gym, including Dwayne and Dean Cox and family, First Class Electrics, Hilton Brown Plumbing, Chicko the builder, “Mugs” who did the drywalling, Efficiency Ltd, Dwight Richards, DeRoza Trucking, Landscape and Gardening, Sue Rebello, staff and members.

The gym, which is near Ornamental Iron Works in Devonshire, is open seven days a week.

• For further information on the gym, call 292-7266 or e-mail: info@seaview.bm