Couple to launch social outdoor fitness classes in Horsham

Husband and wife Justin and Bel Pegg will bring One Element Horsham to Horsham Park starting on Saturday, May 1, from 8.45am.

The first session will be held by Tom Marien – founder of One Element which also has franchises in East Hampshire, London and Belfast – and anyone interested in taking part can book for a free trial.

Justin said: “We are excited to launch this new venture to provide a social, sports based fitness community which is open to all abilities and we aim to create a supportive and encouraging culture.

“Due to Covid restrictions we have limited spaces available, but we are running three sessions per week so there are lots of opportunities to join us and see what we are about.

“As we come out of Covid restrictions we expect the cap on our numbers at sessions will also be eased in consultation with Horsham District Council.”

The couple – who met at the University of Birmingham – decided to become One Element franchise owners after many years competing in team sports and endurance events including marathons, ultra-marathons (inc.100km South Coast Challenge, placing top 20), multi-day marathons, a full Ironman and open water swims.

While also launching One Element Horsham, Justin is a long haul pilot with Virgin Atlantic and Bel is a proposition and marketing manager for a leading vocational awarding organisation.

Justin has mostly been flying PPE, vaccines and cargo this year and Bel has been working from home. They also have two young children – Freddie, aged four, and one-year-old Penny.

Justin said: “We’ve long since felt physical challenges lead to mental toughness and more recently science is backing this belief up and leading to a revived outdoor movement.

“After a particularly tough year, exercise and community (albeit virtual) has been so important to coming out the other side of lockdown healthier and more resilient.”

Three professional personal trainers from Horsham will take the One Element Horsham sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays,

Cormac Bernie will run the Monday sessions at 6.30pm, Ollie Booth will hold the Wednesday class at 7.15am and Saturdays will be with Dan Wallis from 8.45am.

Justin and Bel say they encourage members to train at their own pace and work towards their own goals with the help and guidance of their trainers regardless of age, fitness, weight or gender.

Justin said: “At other One Element locations, members range from 20-year-olds to those in their 80s and of all ability so it really is for everyone.

“The sessions are science based – following a periodisation model which professional athletes, across all sports use.

“Many sessions are written by top sports athletes and coaches and occasionally these athletes take sessions. Most recently, during the latest lockdown, boxing legend Shane Cameron took an online boxing class.”

The One Element model is built on fitness sessions which Justin says are high intensity but also very sociable and fun. They also vary each week so fitness doesn’t plateau and so improvements continue and results are seen quickly.

From the ten minute warm up, those taking part will be introduced to and be paired up with other members so they can support each other to get fit while having fun in the process.

He said: “Expect high intensity work – shuttle runs/ body weight exercises/ games.

“Throughout the sessions you will be supported and encouraged by the trainers, your partner and other members. The sessions are fun and there are games or competitions thrown in to mix things up.”

Afterwards, members are invited to enjoy a well-earned hot drink and cake at the Kaya Café in Horsham Park.

Justin says the social aspect of One Element is central to what they are about, and they are looking to run One Element Horsham more like a club.

“Not only do we exercise together but we will make memories and lifelong bonds together,” said Justin.

“We will be hosting ski trips, surf trips, meals out, wine tours and anything that interests our members away from One Element.

“We know a lot of people have moved to the area in the last year but havent had the opportunity to meet others. We want One Element to be a friendly social hub for the Horsham community.”

One Element Horsham is fully Covid compliant. To find out more, visit www.one-element.co.uk/horsham-park