New Manchester gym invites locals to train like a god with Ancient Greek style methods

If you believe your body is a temple, then maybe you’re interested in training like a god?

A new Manchester gym is inviting locals to do just that, with training based upon the methods of the Ancient Greeks.

Classes at The Olympus Projects, a newly launched health and fitness facility on Corporation Street, include the Labours of Atlas, Herculean Trials, Primal Olympus Kettlebells, and Agoge, inspired by the training system favoured by the Spartans.

It covers everything, they say, from from combat based classes to strength and recovery.

The Labours of Atlas, for example, is a group class, which takes you through lifting, pushing and pulling, using compound movement variations to improve your muscular and physical endurance – as well as your aesthetics, they say.

Herculean Trials, meanwhile, includes barbell compound lifts like squats, deadlifts and military presses with the primary goal of strength building, whilst using dynamic/explosive body weight movements and circuits to challenge you anaerobically.

Or there’s the Hermes Clubbells, a form of conditioning and strength building used by ancient combatants.

Swinging them in controlled sequences, you combine traction to strengthen muscle and connective tissue, protecting the joints whilst building strength and developing coordination.

Only a handful of places in the UK deliver this class, and The Olympus Projects will be the first in Manchester to teach clubbell skill based sessions. 

Upon joining, members get a one-to-one induction and assessment, where – dauntingly for some – measurements are taken and personal profiles created on an app.

Then your goals are added, and tasks set to help achieve them.

But there are a couple of treats, too, thanks to Greek spa themed showers and Ambrosia smoothies from the Nectar Bar.

“We’ve invoked the training philosophies and aesthetic of Ancient Greece, resulting in a mixture of luxury and harshness,” says Aj Akande, one of the trainers and the man behind the concept.

“We’ll motivate you to your full potential and unleash your inner hero or deity as you learn to Master Your Might.”

The Olympus Projects is based on Corporation Street and open now. Plans start from £99 per month with free trial classes, and a non-contractual first month. Classes run throughout the day, week days and weekends.

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