Warminster’s first women-only gym is celebrating a successful first six months in business, and the positive impact the studio has had on women in the town.
Hebe-Fitness opened in September 2024 and is the town’s first women-only fitness gym.
Owner Stace Marchmont, 36, qualified as a personal trainer during Covid and previously worked at a large local gym.
Stace, who was born and raised in Warminster, said, “I decided that this wasn’t for me as I wanted to focus more on one-to-one training with clients.
“I then became self-employed and trained my clients from a home gym for a few years. Most of these clients were female, and many of them expressed that they found entering a generic gym very daunting and intimidating.
“This is where the idea for Hebe-Fitness Ltd Fitness Studio was born. I wanted to create a space that felt welcoming, comfortable and fun for women – a place without judgement, where all abilities are welcome and made to feel included. Physical exercise is brilliant for helping you feel happier and healthier in your own skin, but it also has a massive impact on our mental wellbeing as well.”
A long process followed as Stace scouted potential properties in Warminster for the gym. She wanted something central and accessible for women, and eventually settled on a unit in The Cornmarket which had previously been a charity shop.
Stace added, “After months of negotiations and paperwork, I finally got the keys in July 2024. Then came the hard job of turning this former charity shop into a functional fitness studio.
“I am lucky enough to have the most supportive family and partner, and we were able to complete 99% of the work ourselves. This involved removing ceilings, fitting bathrooms, laying floors and a lot of painting – but the final outcome was exactly as I had imagined.
“Since we opened our doors in late September 2024, we have built an amazing foundation of members and hope to continue to grow.
“Our members range in age from their 20s up to their 80s, allowing women from all walks of life to move more and create new friendships.
“We are a community that cares – whether it’s your first session or you’ve been away for a few weeks, everyone will welcome you with open arms.
“Our clients know that they can come in after a bad day, vent, and get their frustrations out by getting a sweat on – and usually leave feeling much brighter.”
Pictured: Gym owner Stace Marchmont
