THREE friends with a passion for sharing their enthusiasm and expertise in fitness and exercise are expanding their business into Trowbridge.

Adam Shakell, Ed Mason and Oli Mansbridge, who met while working as fitness instructors at Combe Grove Manor near Bath, set up their own gym in Oldfield Park in 2009 after developing an interest in the CrossFit style of fitness training.

CrossFit, a programme designed to develop all parts of the body at different intensities, started in California and now has 400 outlets in the UK.

CrossFit Bath has 230 members with ages ranging from 75 to five, the youngest being part of CrossFit Kids, which caters for children aged between three and 18.

Mr Shakell and his colleagues aim to open Crossfit Trowbridge on June 15 in a unit on Riverway Industrial Estate, which was found for them by commercial property agent Carter Jonas.

Mr Shakell, 27, who lives at Broadmead in Trowbridge, said: “We have wanted to expand for some time but there weren’t any suitable premises in Bath. We felt the best way to grow the business was to open a satellite branch and we looked at Southwick but settled on Trowbridge after the landlord agreed to re-spec the premises from what were going to be offices.

“Apart from developing a good level of fitness we hope people will enjoy the camaraderie and social side of our style of training. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends and we certainly encourage members to chat to each other and have fun while training.

“It’s for everyone, from elite athletes and special forces to those who just want more energy and strength to make their life easier.”

Former Bath and England rugby star David Flatman has recently joined the partnership.

CrossFit Trowbridge will open 7am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays with two head coaches and some part-time staff with Adam, Ed and Oli alternating between the two gyms. Eventually the gym will also open on Sundays.

Tom Parker, of the Carter Jonas Bath office, said: “Adam has lived in Trowbridge all his life and he knows a lot of people around this area so that should help build membership.

“The gym has parking and showers and its opening hours mean people can visit before or after work as well as being convenient for users during the daytime.”

Members can expect to train in Olympic lifting, power lifting, kettlebell training, basic gymnastics, running and rowing.

Carter Jonas has other commercial properties available in Trowbridge. For further details contact Thomas Parker (01225) 747260.