Our Story
This is a little unfiltered section dedicated to the story and people behind Ollie J's gym. This is a true look at the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into it and continue to go into it.
The story of a 22 year old local lad who is trying to create the biggest, friendliest gym around
Cranbrook
2016
Ollie realising he's in too deep.
This was 1 week before Cranbrook gym opened!
Cranbrook
2016
Hell, our first introduction to to hell. This was building the first gym in 2016. In hindsight we did everything wrong.
Cranbrook
2016
The man, the myth, the self-claimed legend, George. A rare photo of him smiling.
Cranbrook
2016
This is Oliver, also smiling, very grubby and not having a scooby doo what is going on.
Cranbrook
2016
This picture was taken after the first very early on expansion on the big Cranbrook gym.
Cranbrook
2016
Many summers have been spent lazing on these old tractor tires, it's a running joke that all important OJ decisions are made on them.
(They also get thrown around the carpark regularly)
Cranbrook
2019
The start of the biggest expansion to Cranbrook gym, when we took on the unit next door.
This was when we introduced classes and a massive new cardio area to the gym this was definitely a big step forward for us.
It was a tipping point for us really learning and delivering what our customers wanted.
This photo also contains Andy being Andy, probably the first time that day he had stopped singing!!
Cranbrook
2019
George's idea of the kids class warm up.
Using sweeping as a warm up! Luckily they are very forgiving. Not sure who's the kid to be honest!
Cranbrook
2019
If you work in health and safety look away!
(No gym staff we harmed in the making of this photo)
Cranbrook
2019
The finished cardio area, with a very charming Jordan getting his cardio in.
Cranbrook
2020
SPINNING! Our first spin bikes looking magnificent!
P.S we are never painting and rebuilding spin bikes again, it's not a 5 minute job. A very valuable lesson was learnt!
Sidmouth
2020
Our first viewing of the Sidmouth gym building.
It was smack bang in the middle of Covid at the time and we were making the decision to go for it or not.
Sidmouth
2020
Although there wasn't as much work as we have taken on in recent times, we had 9 days to get the doors open to the public due to lockdown lifting.
Sidmouth
2020
Making a mess early on!
Sidmouth
2020
A good friend of the OJ community and local lad Ash starting to build the shower room
Ash is one of the unsung heroes behind Ollie J's gyms. Without our friends, and the million favors we owe, none of this would be possible.
Sidmouth
2020
Things taking shape. Massively sleep deprived at this point.
Sidmouth
2020
More unsung sleep deprived OJ heroes.
Who knew you could get so many favors with a few chicken legs?
Sidmouth
2020
I stand to it this is the first and only time ollie has used a mop.
To be fair I've never seen someone make mopping look so hard. (lucky he's a good PT aye)!
Sidmouth
2020
Any guess's on how many attempts this Photo took?
Sidmouth
2020
Not sure what's going on here but I can grantee it's the most useless facts or unfunny jokes from George.
Sidmouth
2020
Big Ry, Having the first ever session in OJ Sid.
Note; this is the only photo showing the orchid alive (Lauren killed it).
Sidmouth
2020
The chief taking a moment out to inspect his gym.
Sidmouth
2020
Jacko feeling the strain after completing the gym.
Sidmouth
2020
Love this colour combo.
We plan on doing every gym a different color, Ollie and George can often be heard debating what colour should be next.
Sidmouth
2020
Finished!!
Sidmouth
2021
Ollie and George straight back on the road collecting kit for another site.
At this point we had no idea where it would go we just knew we wanted anther one
Axminster
2021
First viewing on Axminister building.
First thoughts..........IT'S MASSIVE!!
Axminster
2021
The first viewing was 20 days before we needed to open before lockdown 300 lifted.
Axminster
2021
2 days later we were cracking on making a mess.
A massive thank you is owed to our landlord for getting us in so early and for being so helpful.
Axminster
2021
The painting was never ending, luckily we trust Ollie with a paint brush.
(We got his dad down to lend a hand and keep an eye on him).
Axminster
2021
The beauty of buying second hand kit and refurbing it is that we can make it colour coordinated.
The little things aye.
Axminster
2021
The first time it started to look any thing like a gym, it was worryingly close to our opening date.
Axminster
2021
Apprentice Ollie putting in a shift on the BBQ.
Because we were in lockdown we had to rely on the bad boy to feed everyone.
Axminster
2021
An impulse buy that for once turned out to be a success.
We picked up 3 palm trees for £50!!! A bargain George still tells all new customers about! Luckily Lauren hasn't been near them and they are still alive and well.
Axminster
2021
We are not sure any gym/building is ever really 100% finished as there is always more kit we are on the look out for etc; but this gym is something we are massively proud of, obviously we are biased but we don't believe there is a gym like this in East Devon.
Axminster
2021
Very, very little sleep in the weeks leading up to opening up but it was worth. 10/10.
Sidmouth
2021
This wasn't a big project as Lauren had been running classes from here for the last 3 years.
Sidmouth
2021
Chief Lauren with her sign before we cut it down and put up an OJ one,
Sidmouth
2021
Another lesson learnt never make a big sign!!! It's hard work, leave it to the professionals!
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Sidmouth
2021
Our Schwinn bikes looking lovely.
HQ
2021
The end of 2021 and we are collecting more gym kit, but where for??
HQ
2021
A new home for the behind the scenes OJ team we are beavering away getting all the kit ready for the 2022 take over.
If your town needs a friendly OJ gym let us know.
HQ
2022
It was time to move again, we outgrew our 2021 move and got a bigger base.
HQ
2022
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Honiton
2022
When the building next to our warehouse come available we knew we couldn't say no...another build was starting.
Honiton
2022
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Honiton
2022
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Honiton
2022
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Honiton
2022
Introducing Fred & Fiona...our resident flamingos.
Honiton
2022
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Honiton
2022
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Honiton
2022
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Honiton
2022
Have you ever seen a more beautiful class studio?
Cranbrook
2022
The big refit.....
Honiton
2022
The monstrosity on its way out of the building....