An eight-time strongman competitor is launching a new gym in the city.

Powahut is the passion project of title-winning weightlifter Tony Mitchell, 48, who has been "in and out" of the gym industry for more than 30 years, and his wife Paula. 

Tony, who has taken home a range of medals and trophies from championships up and down the country, said he had a good idea about what people want from a gym and felt he could provide a more personalised service than a commercial gym. 

Norwich Evening News: Powahut is the brainchild of Tony and Paula MitchellPowahut is the brainchild of Tony and Paula Mitchell (Image: Tony Mitchell)

Norwich Evening News: It features a range of free weights and assisted machines It features a range of free weights and assisted machines (Image: Tony Mitchell)

"I've dreamed for a while about opening my own gym and when the old stables off Tolye Road in Bowthorpe became available we went for it," he said.   

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"Public gyms can be incredibly intimidating for people and Powahut will cater to those who want to train but wish to do it on their own terms.

Norwich Evening News: Tony has many years of experience in the gym industryTony has many years of experience in the gym industry (Image: Tony Mitchell)

"We've been inundated with interested people and more and more are reaching out every day."

The couple will be hosting an open weekend on April 27 and 28 where prospective gym-goers can take a look at the equipment which includes free weights, lifting benches, pull-up bars and cable machines among others. The gym's official launch date is May 1.

Tony said he hopes to compete in the over-50s division of the World's Strongest Man competition in Florida in a couple of years.