Ex-Army physical trainer to open new private gym in Dyke Road, Brighton

Robyn Lumas served in the Army for eight years before leaving in 2020 to pursue other prospects. 

Her career change happened in the early days of Covid, reducing her options.

But the 32-year-old from Hove credits the pandemic for pushing her to kickstart her new career in one-on-one personal training. 

Robyn Lumas

She said: “I think it's quite lucky because I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn't have that pressure. 

“Luckily because all the gyms were shut and I had my van and some equipment, I was able to provide a gym service while not breaking lockdown rules.”

Starting with just a van and a few kettlebells she opened her own space at the Quebec Barracks in Dyke Road, Brighton.

Robyn's current space at Quebec Barracks

As it was an open-air space she was able to host one client at a time and began building her base. As restrictions eased she also began offering group sessions. 

Now Robyn is getting ready to launch her own gym with a team of fellow personal trainers from the area. 

She said: “I’m fully booked with one-to-one clients in my current space and I can’t really keep up with the demand doing what I am now.

“I’m ready for the next challenge.

“We want the gym to be a luxury space where we know all of the members and people aren’t fighting over squat racks so we will probably host around 100 members. 

“We want it to be a community spot. There aren't really any gym offerings at that end of Dyke Road, we think there will be a big demand.”

The space is next to The Dyke Alehouse and Kitchen, occupying part of what used to e the Dyke Tavern.

The site was split into two and part of it reopened as The Dyke Alehouse and Kitchen. There will be a separate entrance for gym-goers in Dyke Road. 

Robyn aims for the gym to be a “luxury private members club” offering health drinks, gym memberships, small group and personal training packages. 

She aims to open in early September.