Giscombe Sports to open massive gym and wellness centre

A massive new gym and wellness centre is being built on Constant Spring Road by former national bodybuilder and local sports goods store owner, John Giscombe.

The multimillion dollar four-storey complex is slated to open next month.

Giscombe, who was not prepared to give the total cost of his investment, said the 'One Stop' gymnasium will have several unique offerings, including a water therapy pool, a gym for the visual and physically challenged, strength training gyms and gyms for competitive bodybuilding.

"The facility will also be ideal for the hosting of indoor sports events like boxing, bodybuilding contests and other conference-related activities," Giscombe, owner of Giscombe Sports Goods store in Premier Plaza on Constant Spring Road, said on Monday.

A special feature of the new gym and wellness centre will be private gymnasiums for executive class membership.

"For example, when a person like the prime minister comes here, special arrangements can be made for him to be transported directly to private gyms equipped with the latest equipment where personal trainers will be available on demand. Such persons will also have a personal restroom," Giscombe said.

The St George's College old boy, who ran the 800 yards and mile in his time at the North Street-based school, said the architectural design of the wellness centre supports the 'green' environment and will be partly powered by solar energy. Recycled water will also be utilised to maintain the wide variety of flowers, plants and fruit trees on the premises.

Giving back

As a former bodybuilder who copped many prizes in his earlier years as a contestant in the Mr Jamaica bodybuilding contests, Giscombe is committed to giving back something to the sport.

"During my time, 40 to 50 bodybuilders competed in contests; now there are only seven or eight," he said. He said the facilities would be available to bodybuilders, but only those who are ready to compete.

Despite the worldwide recession, Giscombe has total confidence in his huge investment.

"The wellness industry is one of the fastest growing in the world. Health consciousness has captured the minds of both young and old, as people recognise that regular physical and strength-building exercise will preserve their health and increase their lifespan," he said.