Jamaica’s largest health club, Giscombe Gym & Wellness Centre

Just off Constant Spring Road is by far Jamaica’s largest gym, Giscombe Gym & Wellness Centre, which sits on over 50,000 square feet of land in a garden setting.

On entering the premises of the eye-pleasing facility, you are immediately mesmerised by the well-kept grounds, the calming natural oasis and just how spacious it really is. The gym bears the name of its owner John Giscombe, who has been a fitness buff since he was a child. He told Flair that the facility opened in May, but it is not his first time in the business. When he was just 16 years old, he opened a backyard gym at his home on Cargill Avenue. Back then, Giscombe and his friends were heavily involved in athletics, so in order to get some weights training in, he opened the gym. Even community members made use of it. During his teenage years, he also took up bodybuilding and subsequently entered the Junior Mr Jamaica competition.

After high school, Giscombe’s love for fitness led him to get a job at Kingston Weight Lifting Club, where he stayed for three years. Due to his work schedule, a pause was put on his bodybuilding ventures. However, he resumed in 1982 and subsequently entered the Mr Jamaica competition. By 1985, he opened another gym and began manufacturing gym equipment.

“I operated the gym for only three years because the manufacturing side of the business turned out to be more profitable and that was how Giscombe Sports was born,” he explained.

So he closed the gym and began focusing on the business. Years later, his dream of opening a gym is once more a reality. He pointed out that they provide an eco-friendly environment and airy atmosphere, complemented by natural light, and workout space for customers. He also noted that unlike other gyms, the building has four levels and can accommodate secure parking for up to 180 vehicles.

The facility has private rooms that will be rented to a physiotherapist, chiropractor and sports medicine doctor, in addition to a Giscombe Sports store that is already operational.

“So if you have suffered a stroke, been in an accident or are confined to a wheelchair and need therapy, then we have the facility for you and specialists who will work with you.”

He added that the building is designed with ramps for access by wheelchair users. They also have a pool on the roof designed to aid clients who are unable to do strenuous workouts. The centre has general workout areas inclusive of cardio, weight training, spinning, Zumba and dancehall aerobic classrooms, and private workout rooms. These rooms are fully equipped and have their own bathrooms.

“These rooms are suitable for persons who are more private such as embassy workers, government officials or top executives who desire privacy,” he explained. Other amenities of the centre include a garden rooftop which is suitable to host events, a conference room, a lounge area where persons can utilise Internet services, and television for playing games on games night.

And the cost for membership is very competitive. The gym is open on Mondays to Fridays from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m, Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“And the beauty of it all is that we are located in proximity to residents, so sometimes persons living in the surrounding apartments just walk over. But I am encouraging retirees to come out in the days and utilise the facility in a clean, safe, secure environment.”

For more information call 969-0398.