Introducing the newest Basingstoke gym, we thought we’d get the lowdown on all things CR-Strength Centre from owner and trainer, Cameron Ralph.
How did the Strength Centre come about?
In February 2021, during the 3rd lockdown, I took the decision to move from the comfort of the gym I was working at, and decided to go independent.
So, I started investing in my own equipment. I converted my home garage into a fitness space (known as The Studio) and started working out of the garage with my 1-2-1 clients who continued to stick by me during the Winter lockdown. The space measured 4.5m long and 2.55m wide, I managed to get a fair bit of kit in there, but it was fairly cosy to say the least!
After a while, I felt like I needed to expand. The confirmation I needed to expand was going to a practical coaching weekend in Nottingham where I was surrounded by multiple other coaches who shared the same vision and passion for coaching as I did. This was what I was missing being at home. I missed the interaction with other coaches, bouncing ideas off of each other and just having a bit of a social whilst at work.
Instead of reverting my progress and working out of a gym again, I took the plunge and looked into getting an industrial unit of my own. I had a decent amount of kit already, so I felt like this was the next step closer to becoming the head of my own Basingstoke gym with employees and building a really successful health, fitness and well-being brand.
What happens to CR-SC now?
My own brand of CR-SC will operate under the newer and bigger brand of the CR-Strength Centre.
The plan is to have a brand that anyone can operate under, without my name being at the forefront of it. This is inclusive for any trainer who wants to be part of the Strength Centre.
Who can access the Strength Centre?
The Strength Centre is for all of clients who we train with in person, and for those who have purchased a membership. The amount of memberships has been capped at 15 in total to ensure the highest level of space and service can be delivered without compromising the quality of your session.
In my opinion, when you’re standing in a gym twiddling your thumbs because the gym is too cramped and you can’t get on the kit you need, this time could be better spent working on your nutrition at home, or taking the time to perfect your technique without feeling the pressure of getting out of the way for others (which definitely won’t be an issue at the Strength Centre).
Is the Strength Centre already open?
The CR-Strength Centre opened its doors to members of the public on the 3rd of January 2022 and is open each weekday 7:30am until 8pm. Saturdays are 8am-2pm.
It’s available for drop-in sessions, if you want to train with a member already here, or you just fancy giving the space a go, then you can pop down and give us a heads up.
How would you describe the Strength Centre’s environment?
If I was to describe the Strength Centre? I’d say it’s a space that you can really push yourself, whilst being in a very comfortable and supportive environment.
It’s early days, but so far there is a small community of both clients and members exchanging pleasantries with each other, asking to share kit and a very cohesive environment. We’re supportive of any goal at the Strength Centre, whether you’re a beginner, an experienced lifter, looking to lose weight or gain muscle.
The space and its contents I will say is extremely well equipped. We’ve got an absolute mountain of kit! Astroturf track, all variety of barbells, 870kg of bumper plates, 4 weight machines with a 5th on the way, and new machines to help stabilise joints and keep new movements safe and supported. As already mentioned, there is plenty of space to get your own work done without feeling cramped.
Anything else exciting coming up?
For our online presence, my plan is to get the social media posting consistently and to be the hub for information about the facility, as well as talking about how the members enjoy the space, announcing upcoming events like seminars and workshops and the potential for added services like classes, group personal training and nutrition coaching models (for new and experienced gym goers). One in the pipeline is an Introduction to Lifting class.
This will take time as I’ll be honest and admit I’ve never been outstanding on social media, but it will take shape over time. I guess the best things are worth waiting for?
Do you have any advice for small business owners wanting to successfully grow their business like you have?
I’d offer a few pieces of advice for people wanting to set up a business like mine.
Firstly, start looking consistently for a space. If you see a property that states it’s under offer, still enquire. That’s what I did for the Strength Centre, I asked on a whim not expecting anything to come of it. 6 weeks later I hold the keys and the following month we’re open and ready for business! Take the leap, get enquiring and be confident talking on the phone to agents.
My second piece of advice is once you’ve made the decision you want to do it and you’ve found the right space, you’ve got to put the work in to make it happen. This includes budgeting, sourcing equipment (for any industry), painting, laying the floor, playing bills, buying cleaning product, toilet paper… you name it.
But, it’s so worth it. Have a passion for making a space that looks amazing as well as being fit for function.
The last piece of wisdom I’ll impart is that there’s never a right time to do it. I signed the lease for the unit on the 1st of December 2021, with a Winter to come and talks of lockdowns or further restrictions after Christmas due to new variant cases surging.
There were numerous reasons not to do it. But, I kept focus and realised this time will pass. So far, this January has boomed with newcomers wanting to get into health and fitness, so this has been prime for the business.
Each business will be unique with other commitments and other priorities. I don’t have any other priorities like a house or mortgage to worry about, so bear that in mind when looking into the next steps for your business.
I’ve looked at my business as the asset to earn me more money and further boost my opportunity to live the life that I want to pursue and I urge you to do the same! Work hard at it and keep consistent.
How have you accomplished such success throughout COVID/multiple lockdowns?
The answer is simple. Hard work.
Hard work from our clients wanting to succeed and wanting to learn more about health, fitness, movement and well-being. Then, the hard work and persistence from myself.
I could have given up at any moment (believe me, there were a few tempting moments), but I have the most amazing gift I get to live every single day, and it’s that my job is my passion and my passion is also my job. Not many people get to say that. If I didn’t find a way to make this succeed, then I definitely wouldn’t have made it in any other profession.
If you’re interested in experiencing the all-inclusive environment of the new Basingstoke gym, the Strength Centre, please feel free to give us a message! Follow the Strength Centre on Instagram for all the latest updates and health and fitness advice.