Cork gym still fighting fit with major refurbishment

A CORK gym is busy undergoing a major facelift that will ensure state-of-the-art workout equipment and changing facilities for all who attend.

One L1fe Fitness opened its doors in Cork in 2019.

Despite the major challenges that have faced businesses over the past four years or so, the fitness club has gone from strength to strength, and now boasts two locations in the heart of Cork city.

The One L1fe Fitness gyms can be found opposite the Opera House or opposite the Cork College of Commerce.

With top class equipment and a wide range of classes on offer, both locations really have something for everyone.

Speaking to The Echo, One L1fe Fitness group business manager, Veronica Spillane, reflected on the gym’s journey over the past four years.

She also recalled some of the business’s major achievements and milestones, as well as the challenges overcome by staff and patrons alike.

Veronica also provided an update on ongoing renovation works at the South Terrace One L1fe Fitness location - an exciting project for both staff and those who regularly attend the gym.

“One L1fe Fitness opened its doors January 2019,” Veronica explained, adding that the concept was the latest brainchild of the Kenny brothers who have long been involved in the fitness industry in Ireland.

“Greg Kenny was responsible for bringing the Energie franchise to Ireland over ten years ago and owned Fit4Less franchises before going it alone and creating the One L1fe brand with his brother Jack Kenny,” she explained further.

“Together, with myself in charge of the businesses day to day, they now run two One L1fe clubs in Cork city.” One L1fe Fitness currently boast around 15 staff members across both locations, offering a wide range of classes and supports such as personal training and much, much more.

“We offer the best fitness classes and gym service in Cork City with a special focus on the regular person looking to get fit without punishing themselves,” Veronica explained.

“For us, it’s all about balance: train hard but enjoy a few pints and a take away at the weekend if you want.

“We are completely against the hard core ‘fitfam’ lifestyle, and want our members to enjoy training with us,” she added.

“We are all for inclusivity not exclusivity - fitness should be for everyone.” Looking back on the last four years, Veronica said that a number of highlights stand out but added that the main one is actually currently ongoing.

“We have had so many different accomplishments and have the most incredible, diverse and talented team, but our main highlight right now is the massive refurbishment project being undertaken in our South Terrace club,” she explained.

“We have demolished our locker rooms completely and are currently installing luxury changing facilities and a second floor.

“Not to mention we have bought a huge amount of brand new state of the art Gymleco equipment,” she added, highlighting the training equipment developed by one of Europe’s foremost providers of fitness equipment.

“South Terrace is going to be the most beautiful club in Cork city in just under two months’ time.” Like every business across Cork and further afield, One L1fe Fitness was thrown a curveball in 2020 in the form of the covid-19 pandemic, which had an unprecedented impact on business across Ireland and the world.

However, Veronica said that a loyal group of members stuck with One L1fe Fitness throughout the difficult period, encouraging staff and management alike.

“Everyone found Covid difficult but we have a loyal group of incredible members who have stuck with us for years so they made it easier to get through tougher periods,” she explained.

Looking to the future, Veronica said that, for now, the focus is on completing the renovation works at South Terrace and ensuring a new state-of-the-art fitness facility for Cork city.

However, she added that other plans are in the pipeline, but could not be drawn on the exact details just yet. We have the huge renovation project which is running like clockwork thanks to the incredible construction company we are using, Kore Fit Out,” Veronica explained.

“The rest of our plans are top secret so you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled on our social media for updates on future plans and projects.

For more information on new developments and the classes or membership options on offer, go to @one_life_fitness_ on Instagram.