Entrepreneur St. Jean Orridge's vision of a West End gym became a reality on Monday.

Mr. Orridge launched Mangoes Gym and Fitness Centre after support for the venture from the Sandys community.

"It looked as if it would be a positive business opportunity," he said. "For the last three years, I've heard people saying it was something they wanted, so the demand seemed to be there.

"Many more people are moving towards a better way of living."

The 24-hour gym is on Main Road, between the Bank of Bermuda and Somerset Pharmacy.

But what inspired the name of the new workout facility?

"The family was just sitting around at Sunday dinner shooting out names and Mangoes just seemed to suit it," the 32-year-old said.

In addition to offering the regular amenities of a work-out facility, Mangoes gym will also offer yoga, aerobics, Pilates and various stretching exercise classes, based on membership demand.

Massages will also be available, but Mr. Orridge said rates for the service were yet to be determined.

"We'll also be offering design motion and posture restitution exercises," he said. "A lot of people have aches and pains which could be helped. For example, if a person has a pain in their knee, the problem would actually be originating from how one positions their hips."

While he is not a physical trainer himself, Mr. Orridge said professionals would be on hand to provide services for members.

Although he would not reveal how many people had joined the gym so far, Mr. Orridge said his membership numbers were growing.

All members have full access to the state-of-the-art gym by using a proximity card which is operated by computer.

Membership fees are $650 per year, $350 for six months, or $200 for three months.

For further information, call 234-6912.