From Kenilworth garden to Warwick fitness studio - gym owner celebrates business's first anniversary and its growing community
A Kenilworth resident who grew a fitness endeavour in her garden into a studio in Warwick is celebrating her business’s first anniversary and its growing community.
Annie McChesney officially opened Overtake Fitness in Amherst Business Centre last year on April 7.
The Overtake team held a party for its community to mark the anniversary on April 18.
Speaking about how the business started, the 26-year-old said: “I’ve been a personal trainer for 10 years working across gyms, and during that time I noticed that many of my clients, women in particular, found the gym environment quite intimidating.
“During lockdown, I hit a bit of a dead end. My dad encouraged me to build something of my own.
“I started with a mobile coaching service – training clients in garages, gardens and living rooms – before setting up a small garden studio.
“As I worked more closely with my clients, particularly women going through menopause, I realised the business was missing a real sense of community.
“Introducing small group classes was the turning point. It created an environment where people could support each other and grow in confidence.
“As that community grew, it became clear I needed a bigger space – that’s how Overtake Fitness was born.”
Overtake Fitness offers a range of classes and is a partnered HYROX studio, an indoor fitness competition which combines 8km of running and eight workout stations.
Annie said: “What’s stood out most is the people. Watching members build confidence, improve their fitness, and form friendships has made it all worth it.”