Dean Hardie, the founder of Smart Gym in East Renfrewshire, is planning to expand into Glasgow after receiving significant funding. Inspired by his own mental health struggles and the need for affordable gyms with crèche facilities, Hardie started Smart Gym in 2022 at The Wedge in Pollok.
The non-profit social enterprise, which now boasts around 700 members, recently won a £75,000 prize from Scottish EDGE, the country’s largest business funding competition that supports startups and social enterprises.
“I’ve had my heart set on winning EDGE for years,” said Hardie. “I lost the competition year after year until the members and team came along. This is their achievement. Smart Gym is led by almost 700 members and a team of 14 staff and partners who foster a community spirit that you need to feel to believe.”
Plans for Expansion
The prize money will be used to enhance the gym’s equipment at The Wedge and to welcome more members. The funding also brings Smart Gym closer to opening new locations in Glasgow, where there is high demand for their services.
Smart Gym aims to make wellness accessible and affordable for every family, offering the only low-cost gym with a free crèche in Glasgow. The gym provides memberships that include access for adults and children (ages eight and up), free crèche facilities for children up to age eight, a variety of free fitness classes, and discounted personal training.
Community Impact
Member Aimee Kilgour, a lifestyle influencer, shared her positive experience: “My husband and I have been members for over a month now and our only regret is not joining sooner. As a family of six with four young children, it was always difficult to find time for the gym. Smart Gym has completely changed our lives. The children love participating in workouts and having fun in the crèche with the friendly staff.”
Facility and Services
Smart Gym operates 18 hours a day, seven days a week, from 5 am to 11 pm, making it convenient for families to incorporate fitness into their busy schedules. The gym’s comprehensive offerings and community-oriented approach have made it a valued resource for local families, and its upcoming expansion promises to bring these benefits to even more people in Glasgow.