Forres gym BodyWorks Moray opens near Mosset Park this weekend
A new personal training studio is opening in Forres, specialising in small group sessions.
BodyWorks Moray owner, Katie Hughes, is leaving her garage gym at Sueno’s Stone for converted premises near Mosset Park where she can offer an expanded timetable of fitness sessions.
She said: “The building opposite AES Solar was a ceramics studio and a record shop before sitting vacant. Conversion has involved extensive renovations, including securing planning permission to create a purpose-built fitness space.
“My new studio is designed for those who feel uncomfortable in large commercial gyms or intimidating "black-box" gyms. I’ve created a bright, welcoming space filled with high-quality functional fitness equipment.”
Katie hopes to continue fostering a friendly, supportive community, so has included a members’ area where clients can relax and chat before or after sessions.
“This is something they currently do outside my house,” she said, “sometimes for up to an hour!
“The studio features a brand-new bathroom, and there are plans to create a fenced, astroturfed front garden for outdoor training when the weather allows.”
Katie gained her qualification via the European Institute of Fitness in 2008, achieving a Master Trainer certification with a Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training.
She went on to work in Glasgow, New Zealand, and Australia before returning home and establishing her business in Forres just under nine years ago.
Katie currently trains 35 clients face-to-face every week, most of whom attend twice-weekly. She specialises in small group personal training, coaching groups of two to six clients at-a-time.
She said: “This setup offers a balance between personalised attention and a supportive, community-driven atmosphere. My clients come from a wide range of backgrounds, spanning different ages and fitness levels. My oldest is 78!”
She added: “I love helping people transform their lives. Watching clients gain confidence while improving their health and achieving their fitness goals is incredibly rewarding.”
The new BodyWorks studio timetable will include a variety of session times to accommodate all clients. There will also be new specialist classes such as Olympic lifting, run club, mobility sessions and big lifting Fridays.
Katie plans to launch children and teenager strength sessions and has contacted The Gaff! youth club to explore opportunities.
Her new studio will focus on small group personal training, bridging the gap between one-to-one coaching and traditional gym workouts.
She said: “This approach ensures that every participant receives expert guidance, accountability, and motivation tailored to their individual goals.”
To celebrate the launch, she is hosting an open day on Sunday, March 30, coinciding with the Forres Family Market at the former Tesco car park on Gordon Street. Visitors will have the chance to look around, ask questions, and get a feel for the space.
She will also be running a competition for three months of free training.
For more information, visit https://www.bodyworksmoray.co.uk/
