Cork business: ‘Opening my own gym is my true passion’

A Cobh native is leaving his full-time job as an electrical technician to pursue his dream of owning his own gym.

Martin Reidy is set to open his brand new gym, Hybrid Gym, in Cobh in early May.

He told The Echo that he feels now is the right time to work at something he enjoys.

“This is my true passion,” said Mr Reidy.

“I don’t believe anyone should do a job for the sake of it.

“I have taken different roles over the last 14 years. I was in the army, I then became an electrician and I worked maintenance in factories for seven years.

“It has slowly, but surely, just brought me to there where I am going fully self-employed.”

Hyrox classes, strength classes, sweat classes, and quick blast circuits will be among the offerings at Hybrid Gym.

Mr Reidy, who has competed at national and international level in powerlifting, added: “It has just come to the time where I don’t have a passion for maintenance anymore.

“I do believe if people want to be happy in life, they have to take the biggest risks.

“With the biggest risks you get the biggest rewards. It will be a lot of pressure, but I think it will be worth it.

“My life has revolved around training, competing at a high level, living a healthy lifestyle, and showing my clients how to do it along the way.”

Mr Reidy also said that creating a community feeling and atmosphere is a top priority for Hybrid Gym.

“That is the model that we want to run — no matter who comes through the door, that they always feel welcome and they always leave feeling good about themselves.

“That is the most important message for us as a gym and as a community gym — anyone that walks through the door is welcome,” he said.

Hybrid Gym has released its timetable of classes for the next few months, including early morning and late evening classes to accommodate as many people as possible.

Find Hybrid Gym on Instagram @Hybrid_Gym_Cobh.