People living in Suva to Nausori corridor and surrounding communities now have greater access to a modern fitness facility as Grace Road Group officially opened its fourth True Fitness gym aimed at helping tackle Fiji's growing health challenges through exercise and healthy living.
Grace Road Group President Daniel Kim says the new gym has created employment for about 10 people, including administration, cleaning and maintenance staff, with a dedicated maintenance team carrying out regular inspections to ensure the equipment remains safe and in good condition.
He says the new 1,000-square-metre gym at Laqere represents an investment of more than $2 million and is equipped to cater for everyone, from beginners to professional athletes.
Kim says the facility features high-tech cardio and weight training equipment, shower rooms, lockers and changing facilities, allowing members to work out before or after work.
He says the gym will operate daily from 5am to 10pm to provide greater convenience for working people.
Kim says the company believes creating healthier communities starts with providing the right infrastructure, stressing that staying fit is one of the best ways to address Fiji's increasing health issues rather than relying solely on treatment after people become ill.
Insert: Kim on branches 15th July
He says the company plans to continue expanding its fitness network, with another gym proposed for Tamavua once that project resumes and another planned for Nadi.
Kim says the gyms complement Grace Road's other businesses, including its restaurants, retail outlets and beauty businesses, as part of the company's broader focus on promoting healthier lifestyles.
He also announced the introduction of a new premium membership, allowing members to use any True Fitness gym across Fiji.
Kim says standard membership is about $100 per month, while discounts are available for those signing up for longer periods adding Grace Road employees will also receive a 50 percent discount as the company encourages its workforce of around 1,000 staff to stay active.
Meanwhile, Nasinu Town Council Chief Executive Officer Felix Magnus says the facility is one of the key developments Grace Road had promised for the people of Nasinu.
Magnus says the gym will particularly benefit young people, noting that Nasinu has the largest youth population of any municipality in Fiji.
He says Grace Road has agreed to sponsor training sessions for Nasinu's representative rugby, volleyball and soccer teams, allowing selected township teams to use the facility free of charge, while club teams will continue to pay membership fees.
Magnus says Nasinu has lacked a state-of-the-art gym despite its large population, and the new facility fills an important gap.
Magnus says creating more employment opportunities for Nasinu residents will help strengthen the local economy, as more people will be able to work and spend their money within the town instead of travelling elsewhere.
He says the council's long-term goal is to develop a stronger local economy as part of Nasinu's push to achieve city status by 2030.
