Grangemouth customer achieves steady growth

A fitness centre with a difference has undergone a major refurbishment.

Wolanski’s Pole and Aerial Fitness at our Grangemouth Business Centre, near Falkirk, was Scotland’s first ever pole fit school when it was founded in 2005 and it has been steadily growing ever since. Its makeover has recently been unveiled and includes a whole raft of new features.

The studio was adapted so aerial fitness could be taught at the venue in addition to the existing pole classes. The new design also improves safety and security for those taking part and will make the changeover period between classes quicker and more efficient.

Wolanski’s founder Miriam Wolanski decided to make the changes after she started to teach aerial and performing arts classes in other venues. It then took two years for Miriam’s plans to be turned into a reality and for the refurbished studio to be opened to the public.

Miriam says: “The refurbishment was a monster task due to the new apparatus. There had to be a great deal of planning before I even got started on altering the space.

“The studio now has 19 anchor/rigg points which allows specialist tutoring on aerial hoop, aerial silks, aerial hammock, trapeze and corde lisse. We now also have new ceiling vaults so that the students can maximise the working height on the poles at around four metres.

“On top of this I have worked with Edinburgh Indoor Climbing Arena and Glasgow Climbing Company to create a traverse climbing wall along with wall bars and Beastmakers (wooden finger boards). The new apparatus assists with cross training, in particular grip strength.”

Revamp has been a success

The revamp also included adding an extra pole taking the total to six, installing new flooring which is suitable for gymnastics and acro-balance and a new lighting system which can be programmed to create a wide range of effects.

The refurbishment has gone down well with customers and it has helped the business attract new people to its classes. In addition to pole and aerial fitness, the company now offers classes in children’s circus skills and sessions aimed at improving flexibility.

Miriam adds: “Everyone loves it! We had a fantastic turn out for our open day and it has increased our clientele as we can offer a larger and more diverse range of classes.” 

Miriam started Wolanski’s in early 2005 after taking pole classes while she was a student working towards a degree in Biological Science.

She explains: “I could feel the benefits of the class and decided to make it more sport-focused by coupling sport research with the knowledge I was gaining whilst studying. I wanted to create a class that was suitable for all ages, genders, shapes and abilities.

“Many people can find exercise as a chore and I enjoyed the challenge of creating a social environment along with improving physical and mental fitness all at the same time.”

Wolanski’s moved into Bizspace’s Grangemouth Business Centre almost seven years ago.

Miriam says: “I needed a space to create and explore my ideas. I love the central location and the parking facilities are a great bonus but most of all I loved how helpful the management were at embracing the entrepreneurial side.”

In the future Miriam plans to grow the business even further by expanding into a new unit so she can add even more classes to Wolanski’s timetable.

Business space to rent in Grangemouth

Our Grangemouth Business Centre retains its art deco style and charm, offering workspace to rent including offices and meeting rooms as well as mailboxes.

Close to junctions 5 and 6 of the M9, the centre has free car parking facilities and attractive landscaped surroundings.

For more information contact Business Centre Manager, Gavin Luna, on 01506 440141 or email mail.grangemouth@bizspace.co.uk.