65—MARYLEBONE JOURNAL
HEALTH
It does not feel like things have just been shoved in a corner, or as many things squeezed in as possible.” This positive flow of energy
that Eric and Dan emphasise is also reflected in the way that those machines are laid out. “The spin class area is on a raised platform in a corner with the trainer facing out into the gym. Behind the spin cycles we have arranged most of the rest of the machines facing the spin class. It means other members can tap in to the energy generated by the class. It becomes a shared experience. There is a great feeling of sharing, and hopefully from that a feeling of community develops.” Queuing for machines is one
than just a design choice as general manager James Lloyd explains. “One of the things we tried to do
was to make a great deal of use of natural light to connect the different areas, so there is a really positive flow around the building,” he says. “We saw the space as more than just a place to put things. So we looked at the size as well as the type of equipment we were going to bring in.
LINKS
The Third Space The Marylebone Hotel Marylebone Lane 020 7042 6333
thethirdspace.com
aspect of community life that members will not have to indulge in unless they wish to. “We are a 5-star outfit,” Eric says. “We will always make sure that you are not in a position where you have to queue for machinery. We don’t think it’s appropriate that a member has to wait to use a piece of equipment that is part of their programme. We ensure our members are experienced with several types of training, so there is always another way to keep moving if their chosen machine is busy. But we are very careful not to oversubscribe our membership so as not to overcrowd the space.” So what can the lucky few expect
when they first arrive? James Gilbertson, ex-marine and personal instructor is on hand to explain. “When someone first comes in there will be a chat about what they want to achieve, their exercise history, whether there are any medical issues that we want to consider. Then we go through some gait and posture analysis, we also check core strength. It gives us a picture of how their body is working, and can give them the best possible programme, whether it is corrective, strengthening or cardio vascular fitness. About a week later they come back and we have the programme ready for them.”
James’s presence here is especially
useful as his special area of interest is the retro gym, a style of training that had been attracting attention from industry insiders and the general public alike. It is based on those tarnished wooden frames and fraying ropes familiar to generations of children from school gyms across the land. “It’s a bit more creative,” James tells
me. “Climbing the rope is a challenge – it becomes a real objective, and people work really hard towards that, making huge strides in their general fitness. Also the retro gym is not so intimidating because of the familiar feel of the equipment. People can go over and under the bars, up and down the ropes, hang off the bars. It’s all a bit more fun, but a very effective training method.” The Third Space also has a
fully functioning medical centre, complete with full time GP, based at its other gym in Soho to which all members have access. “We work with medical referrals, so if someone has blood pressure issues we work with information from their GP, we also have the medical staff at The Third Space who we consult,” James explains. “All this information is available to me on request, so I can keep an eye on things like blood pressure, just to make sure the member is keeping within set parameters.” The medical centre also offers
services ranging from physiotherapy to colonic hydrotherapy. Marylebone also offers a permanently staffed spa – which trainers can programme into your fitness regime – and a 17m swimming pool. So how has all this been going
down? “So far it has been brilliant in Marylebone,” Eric says, and the others nod in agreement. “A real camaraderie is already developing here both within the staff and the members.” With The Third Space, a new kind of 5-star outfit, has arrived in Marylebone, and the locals seem to approve.
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