Giuseppe Polvere from Peterborough has been a personal trainer for the last 10 years, building his client base from working at various premium gyms across the city including David Lloyd Clubs.

Like many industries, gyms and personal trainers have experienced difficult times over the last two years due to the pandemic. Giuseppe kept himself going with offering his clients fitness training over video calls until it was safe to return to the gyms.

Giuseppe shared that he has always dreamt of having his own training facility but was waiting or the right time and place.

Nine months ago he came across this railway carriage at the Grange Farm in Wittering and set his heart on it.

After a challenging last year and a lot of work and effort his dream came true with The Carriage, an Exclusive Fitness Club finally opening its doors three weeks ago.

Speaking to Peterborough Matters, Giuseppe said: “I had always wanted my own training space.

“I came across this 1963 Danish railway carriage nine months ago at the Grange Farm. The owner of the farm purchased it and wanted to turn it into a café. And after some conversations with him, we decided to turn this into a gym.

“I have built a good client base over the years – many of who live down the A1 in Wansford, Rutland and surrounding areas. I wanted to give them a unique experience, something exclusive where they can come and train.

“The carriage took nine months to complete – it needed a lot of work and effort. From windows to running water, there was a lot that needed doing. And the pandemic added to the challenges. After much start-stop, the project finally finished and we launched three weeks ago.

“It’s about 17ft and very well-equipped with all the equipment you need for a one-to-one training session.

“We would like to expand outdoors and offers large fitness classes which can accommodate up to 30 people. I am working on a railway platform for this facility.

“I was waiting for a unique venue to launch my centre and it can’t get better than this, with so much open spaces around, overlooking the lake. And the pandemic has shown us the need for outdoor training spaces, I guess that’s the way forward.

“I am very pleased with what we have achieved. Mark Thompson is another experienced trainer who has come on board as well. But at the minute, we are running a membership-based service only.

"The aim is to start small and hopefully grow soon. We are very happy with the social media reaction we have received – absolutely amazing. The pictures don’t do justice to the amount of effort that went into making this a success.”

You can find out more about The Carriage Exclusive Fitness Club here.