I think owning a gym was my destiny!
As a youngster growing up in Ireland, my life revolved around sport. Whether I was kicking a ball, hitting one, or simply running around, I spent every moment I could immersed in some form of physical activity. Over time, my focus sharpened, and I began to specialise in sports like golf and rugby. These pursuits brought me success, but as I got older, I realised I needed an edge to keep progressing.
It was during a visit to a friend’s house in a small rural town that I stumbled upon the game-changer: the gym. There was a newly constructed gym near his house, and he had started using it regularly. Out of curiosity, we decided to check it out. I had no clue what I was doing at first, but one of the trainers, who happened to have a rugby background, set us up with a program to follow.
From that moment, I was hooked. The gym became my obsession, and I quickly established a habit of training both there and in my school gym. My form and technique might not have been perfect back then, but I was getting stronger, faster, and more resilient. The benefits weren’t just physical, the gym introduced me to the importance of good habits, solid routines, and the positive outcomes they bring. Principles that would shape my future in professional sport.
While playing rugby professionally, I decided to study something I was passionate about. Knuckling down into books wasn’t my strong suit, but I wanted to pursue something that aligned with my experiences and interests. Strength & Conditioning was the perfect fit. It built on the knowledge I’d already gained through my own training and gave me a solid foundation for life after rugby, something my mother always emphasised with her “get the degree, it’s important” advice.
When my rugby career came to an end, coaching felt like a natural progression. I’d already dabbled in personal training during my playing days and later coached in schools and the community. Coaching came naturally to me, and I found immense satisfaction in helping others achieve their goals. Whether it was guiding someone to improve their performance in sport, build muscle, lose weight, or simply move better, I thrived on seeing people grow and succeed.
So, when the opportunity came to create a gym in a small upstairs space of an old showroom, I thought, why not? It was a no-brainer. I could bring together my experiences, my passion for fitness, and my desire to help others in a way that truly made an impact.
The Studio Salcombe was born in 2023, in what started as a blank room with basic weights and a vision. My goal was simple: to provide the local community with a space where they could focus on their health and fitness without judgment, a place where their goals mattered, and where they would be supported every step of the way.
From the beginning, my mission was to create more than just a gym. I wanted The Studio Salcombe to be a hub for health and movement, where people from Salcombe and the surrounding areas could feel cared for and inspired to achieve their personal best.
Looking back, starting The Studio Salcombe has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. Every day, I get to do what I love, helping others discover and maintain good health, build confidence, and live long, active lives.
It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m excited for what’s still to come. For me, it’s about giving back to a community that’s embraced The Studio and building a space where everyone can thrive.
Thanks for reading, and here’s to your health and fitness journey in a gym near you!
If this story resonates with you or you’re ready to take the next step in your fitness journey and maybe you are local to us. Come visit us at The Studio Salcombe! Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to reach new heights, we’re here to help you move, feel, and live better every day.
Book in for a No Sweat Intro, and come have a chat about your fitness goals and how we can make them a reality!
Let’s build something great together.
Eoghan Grace
Founder, The Studio Salcombe
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