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GLOUCESTERSHIRE GETS UNIQUE NEW GYMNASTICS GYM THAT GUARANTEES NEW YEAR, NEW YOU RESULTS

FORMA - GymnasticBodies UK has officially opened its doors in Gloucester for the start of 2017 and it boasts brand new facilities and a whole different way of getting fit and healthy for Gloucestershire residents.

Wesley Tan, 39, and Claire Berthier, 40, launched FORMA, which is based atGodridge Business Park, Gloucesterbecause of their passion for gymnastics and the training regime associated with the sport. FORMA is unlike anything seen before in Gloucestershire.

Wes says: ‘FORMA offers a complete programme of structured gymnastic strength and flexibility conditioning, developed by former National USA Team Coach Christopher Sommer. All of our classes combine to provide a highly effective progressive, physical training programme. Our training is suitable for complete adult beginners as well as national level athletes from other sports of which we train quite a few!'

FORMA was created to be a source of knowledge and inspiration where people could come to learn how to take charge of their health, to free themselves from aches and pains in a fun but challenging environment. Wes adds: ‘We wanted to help build a community of robust individuals, happy to move, to learn, explore potential and push boundaries. We now attract visitors from across the UK and Europe, which is amazing.

‘All of our visitors have commented on how friendly our FORMA gym community has been, how they really enjoyed participating in our classes and were made to feel included. So far we have had international visitors from Sweden, New Zealand, USA, Australia, Scotland, Germany and Holland attend our weekly classes alongside members of the local community.'

Claire and Wesley are also both professional Osteopaths and have expert knowledge in the human body and movement. Claire says: ‘Our approach to osteopathy is what underlies our whole operation and filters down through all of instructors.

‘We are very excited to be the only Official GymnasticBodies affiliate currently in Europe. We teach adults from the age of 18 and have some students in their 60s and even 70s. We also hope to open classes to teens at some point.'

Claire and Wes graduated as Osteopaths in 2008. Added to over a decade of physical training in Kung Fu and Dance respectively for Wesley and Claire, they discovered GymnasticBodies in 2010 and this led to FORMA becoming a realisation.

Clients at FORMA will have fun using a variety of equipment pieces ranging from wall bars, high bars, rings, parallel bars and ropes. Wes explains: ‘The training has a big emphasis on core strength and joint mobility but everything we do is progressive. That means clients start with basic progressions and move forward through difficulty as and when their body has adapted. We promote the development of balanced musculature, long lean muscles that provide for great joint strength and a flexible range of movement. Our students become more flexible, toned, strong, coordinated and balanced. We literally work every part of the body you can think of including your fingers and toes!'

Anyone is welcome to join FORMA and there is an online system that handles all of the class timetabling. Each student has their own account that they can control via either the website or mobile apps. Students can have a range of pay-as-you-go options, as well as Memberships and a Starter Pack that gives new students five classes for £40. Enquiries are also welcome via the website email and social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Wes and Claire are delighted to have brought their gymnastic passion to Gloucestershire for others to benefit from, saying: ‘We started close to home and so Stroud is where it all began. We happened to find a great building in Gloucester and it really fits with what we offer. We welcome people to come and try and us this if getting fit and healthy if one of your new year resolutions - we're all about creating a new, fitter you!'

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For interviews, images and more information, please contact Claire McGill viaclaire@garfunkelcommunications.co.uk/ 07734 702653