
Entrepreneur and calisthenics coach Mathieu Guevremont is bringing his visionary gym concept to Montreal, with plans to open a unique workout studio in the heart of the city.
Calisthenics is a hot fitness regime—you need only check out what the stars and social media influencers are up to—that uses gravity and body weight leverage to improve and test one’s fitness. There’s a myriad of benefits: Not only do gym goers work all their muscles at once and end up with fantastic results, it’s also very easy on joints and connective tissues, making it ideal for people at all fitness levels. The word calisthenics has Greek origins, coming from “Kalos” meaning beauty and “Stenos” which is strength.
While a workout can be as simple as doing squats, push-ups, handstands and pull-ups—the foundations of a traditional phys-ed class—many of those who practice this form of strength training evolve into elite athletes who can perform incredible gravity-defying feats, such as suspending oneself horizontally like a human flag.
The modern day version of calisthenics definitely has a cool edge that embraces elements of acrobatics, dance and gymnastics for an element of showmanship. Guevremont is a full-time coach, who has built a solid reputation and is one the biggest names in the city when it comes to the sport. “I've been sharing my passion for this sport for the past seven years, mostly in group classes all over the city and I’ve been extremely successful at it,” he says. “My goal is to empower every one with the freedom and benefits that calisthenics can provide.”
With that in mind, he is searching for the right venue to debut Gym Callisthenie MTL Inc. / Calisthenics Gym MTL Inc. The vision for the gym is to create an indoor park of sorts, with a jungle of bars, live greenery and plenty of natural light. The design, both calming and powerful, is meant to energize and inspire everyone from the lone wolf looking to build strength and wellness to those exploring workouts with serious wow-factor that incorporate yoga, break-dancing and acrobatics—all under the guidance of the best coaches in the city.
“This will be a much-needed hub and gathering space where people will share, grow and explore with one another,” says Guevremont. “I want the clients to live there, I want to have a place where experts can facilitate workshops and we can host competitions where athletes can shine.”
The open gym concept would house Guevremont’s vast collection of modular equipment in a bright airy space, as well as have a separate room to be used as a dance or yoga studio.
Ideal spaces are 8,000 to 15,000 sq. ft. with a ceiling of 16 to 20 ft.; although the higher the better and 30 ft. would be amazing. The vision is to have a full window at street level where athletes can showcase their impressive moves to passersby, thereby generating even more interest in the gym. With that in mind, Calisthenics Gym MTL would be well situated somewhere very central with decent foot traffic or easily walkable from a subway, such as areas around Station Berri-UQAM or Station Atwater. At Think Retail, we love seeing entrepreneurs bring their vision to life and Guevremont is ready to do just that, with a solid business plan, financial backing and the passion to succeed. To learn more about this exciting concept and its real estate requirements, contact the Think Retail team.