A COUPLE has started the year by opening a new boxing gym in Romsey to get people more active. 

Boxing coaches and owners, Alex Hibberd, 33, and his partner, Aneta Barreto, 38, decided to open the facility at Fernacre Business Park.

Alex, who started boxing at 14 years of age and has since competed throughout the UK and America, is using his knowledge and love for the sport to teach others how to box at OBX GYM. 

When the five-year lease was up on his first gym in Chandler's Ford, he started looking for a new location in Romsey. It has taken six months to get the gym ready. 

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Hampshire Chronicle: OBX GYM

Alex said: “I’ve spoken to people at my gym and they have said they don’t like commercial or chain gyms as they are soulless, that’s why I want to create a friendly and welcoming space for people. I want to build more of a community where people want to go back to the gym as they have made friendships.

“My aim is to make more people go to the gym rather than the pub!”

After meeting through boxing and training together, Alex and Aneta have recently welcomed the birth of their baby boy Max. The couple are determined to form a safe and engaging place for children. 

Alex said: “I’m really invested in forming an amateur boxing group to get boy, girls and schools involved, some children in Romsey don’t have many things to do, it would be great to get them out and to be productive, and boxing teaches them skills like discipline, hard-work and team work.”

The gym is currently waiting on approval for amateur gym sessions, but currently run group sessions, one-on-ones, ladies and beginners classes for anyone of any age. 

OBX GYM is open from Monday to Saturday.