A shop has opened in Swindon in connection to the town’s body conscious and anxiety-free gym.

The Unit, a gym that aims to build up the confidence of its users, was opened in September 2022 by Hannah Coates, 31.

Not wanting to stand still, Hannah opened a brand new shop next door on Sunday, January 8, and already had several visitors throughout its first day.

“We had people coming in and asking about each area of what we are setting out to offer and hold in the future as well as lots on online queries,” said Hannah.

The shop is a mix of a nutrition club, a mental health support club as well as a space for smaller businesses to rent for themselves to work from.

Swindon Advertiser: The space provides an area for meet-ups, functions and more.The space provides an area for meet-ups, functions and more. (Image: Hannah Coates)

“I thought I could use it to open up space for lots of different things for the community,” remarked Hannah.

“I already support people with their physical appearance and their fitness; I wanted to create somewhere I could also support people with their mind, mental health and internal health."

The space will also be used by charities to hold fundraisers also, again providing a valuable asset to the wider Swindon community.

Hannah’s ambition remains huge and she told the Adver why this is important for her as well as why others should always retain that same passionate ambition.

Swindon Advertiser: The desk at the shop is always busy with Hannah running the organisation from there.The desk at the shop is always busy with Hannah running the organisation from there. (Image: Hannah Coates)

“My aim is show people that you can be successful but humble,” she explained.

“You can be helped without feeling ashamed. To know people do care and you're not alone. For people to understand that giving in isn't an option when I can/and others do care.

“The hardest part is people speaking out and asking for help and I used to struggle with this but not no more. It’s not shameful, you won't be judged and to ask for help is the best thing anyone can do.”

Swindon Advertiser: The space is decorated in a stylish and minimalist way.The space is decorated in a stylish and minimalist way. (Image: Hannah Coates)

Hannah was nominated and shortlisted for the South West Business Awards 2022 because of her work with The Unit.

“I started it because I remembered how rubbish and upset, I felt when I tried going into a gym. I needed to lose weight, look after my body and health as well as battle my mental health,” she said at the time.

“I don't want people to feel like they can't workout or do any fitness activity or go to the gym because they can. There is no judgement or hate.”

The shop can be found at 124 Cricklade Road and is open from 7am until 8pm Monday to Sunday.