Kinsale Community Gym

Hi, I’m Donna! I am the the founder of Spinfit Kinsale and the creator of Nightclub Spinning. Over the last 18 months we have created a community vibe in the Spinfit studio that is quite simply, electric. Our members will speak for themselves but I know they will tell you that not only have they seen significant mind and body changes but the well-being they feel during and after the class because of community energy, is the main reason they come. I now want to create this in a gym; 'A Community Gym'.

Kinsale doesn’t have a Community Gym. Further, there isn't anywhere that provides safe and effective programs for all, from teens to the elderly and, affordable for all. As a trained fitness and dance instructor, an expert in mental health (BSc, MSc Psychology and MA Philosophy) with over 30 yrs experience in all the above, I am the right person for the job. My reputation in Kinsale is that of respect and trust. I am known for keeping classes affordable for everyone and giving bursaries for those that cannot afford to train. I firmly live by the philosophy that training a necessity not a luxury. Thus I Never let money get in the way of training.

A quick note on teens; there is nowhere in Kinsale they can train. Training for teenagers should be essential. I started at 15yrs old and I'm months away from 50. I found this... no matter how hard life was, or how far off the rails I went, the gym kept me anchored and gave me the strength to deal with challenges. Teenagers today, with an increase in mental health issues, need somewhere to get together in an environment that will help them develop skills they need to thrive in life not just survive.

Thus, I am proposing that we set up Community Gym that anyone can go to any time of the day. A portacabin next to Spinfit studio opposite Saile. It will be managed by myself and trained instructors, there all the day to help members with training goals. It will be accessible for teenagers, women, men, elderly, and disabled persons. The whole community. A community health hub that provides safe and effective strength and conditioning programs tailored to the needs of different ages and physical abilities.

The aim of this GoFundMe page is to help with the set-up costs of the gym. To make it affordable we need to keep the costs down. I am looking for gym equipment donations (new or very good condition), monetary donations, fundraising ideas, and any support you can give in terms of your time. We are also proposing for those that wish, buy a years membership for 500 euros for yourself or family, friend etc. 400 for teenagers. This includes unlimited gym use, a basic program when you start and free group weight training once a week. I will take the women and I have two other instructors to train the men and the teenagers.

As one member said ‘Kinsale’s a strong community already and we need a community gym where we can get even stronger'. Lets make this happen!!

Keep an eye on our Instagram page @kinsale_community_gym for news and shout outs for trades and volunteers.

Please give what you can!

Love always Donna x