Fitness expert Liam Walsh takes over the Great Barn in Titchfield with his innovative new way of losing lockdown weight

Liam, 38, from Fareham, has opened The Health and Fitness Barn – a Covid-19 secure place to get fit, lose weight and meet other like-minded people – at the Great Barn, in Titchfield.

The historic building, built in the 15th Century, is usually used by the Titchfield Festival Theatre to put on shows, or as a wedding venue, but coronavirus restrictions meant the venue was looking for new ways to make money.

Pre-pandemic, Liam ran large-scale fitness bootcamps in Fareham and Gosport, but with restrictions placed on the number of people allowed to meet and school halls closed, he was also forced to think of new ways to stay in business.

Liam, a dad-of-three, said: ‘We knew we had to find our own facility. Lockdown gave me the time for reflection and I thought it was the right time to invest.

READ ALSO: Warning to fitness fans of the dangers of using 'homemade' equipment

‘We wanted something special, something unique, somewhere our ladies could come to exercise, but also socialise.

‘We didn’t want to be just another ordinary gym, with everything going on we needed good outdoor space too, and the barn gives us that. It is a beautiful location.’

So far more than 30 ladies have signed up to a six week scheme, designed to help them lose a stone, which combines small group personal training sessions, use of an outdoor gym, online classes, nutritional advice and personal support.

The scheme gives the first session free, plus members are allowed to bring a guest along to the outdoor sessions once a week.

Liam has teamed up with other fitness specialists from across the area to offer classes on a smaller scale to stay safe from coronavirus. Jane Taylor, one of Liam’s previous members, has become membership manager, Julie Weston, has become his nutritional therapist, Christine Liu is offering yoga sessions, while Sam Harlow, Beckie Gill, Rachel Townley, Donna Pavitt and Chris Marlow are coaches.

Liam says he has been amazed at the positive reaction to his idea, and he hopes to help 200 ladies by the end of the year, before expanding into men's classes.

‘I am so delighted to have been able to help so many people,’ he said.

‘I know how important keeping fit is - not just physically but mentally as well. I know that I would’ve gone insane without exercise during lockdown.’

For more information go to facebook.com/LadiesBootcampUK or call 07391047999

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.