Penarth fitness pals open new gym on Glebe Street

‘Arth’ is a new fitness studio based on Glebe Street opposite local café The busy Teapot.

The name ‘Arth’ is inspired by its Welsh translation ‘bear’ and was chosen as a symbol to depict strength.

Local business owners Laura Payne, 42, and Hannah Jones 37, are the minds behind the new gym.

Both share a passion for fitness and bonded when Laura became Hannah’s personal trainer.Gym owners Laura Payne and Hannah Jones (Image: Laura Payne)Laura explained: “I come from a sporting background, qualified from Loughborough University in 2004 and went on to earn 33 Welsh rugby caps before retiring and opening my first gym which was Atlantic Way CrossFit in Sully.

"That closed due to covid and has reopened since and is thriving. Since lockdown, I have been doing bootcamps at the seafront as well as personal training outdoors or at the home gyms of my clients.

“Earlier this year Hannah suggested buying a building and offering our classes to the people of the town and I couldn’t be happier to have an indoor venue after three years of working outside.”

So, what does Arth offer?  The gym offers various strength and sweat classes run by both Hannah and Laura.

Customers have the option of an introduction pack which is £10 for 2 taster classes. The option to upgrade and buy 10 class packs for £80 is also available alongside a monthly membership at £90 for unlimited class access.

Interior of Arth gym (Image: Laura Payne) The gym provides shower facilities, weights, squat racks, benches and other exercise equipment.

In the downstairs fitness suite, a Welsh quote is on the wall it translates to: “Building a strong community” which is exactly the aim of business according to Laura.

She said: “It’s a nice vibe, the ethos is everyone working out together that’s why we run classes for people to work out have a good laugh together and then get back to their day when they leave.”

Currently, the gym is open for 5 classes a day and a new fob system is being installed for open gym access. The opening times are 7:15am to 18:30pm.