(Image: Osama Malik)
A NEW gym has opened in Bradford city centre.
Osama Malik, founder of Alpha Gym, launched the facility on Little Horton Lane in the city centre today (Saturday).
The expansion comes after the success of a smaller gym near Great Horton Road, which he says attracted hundreds of members through social media and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Building more than a gym
Mr Malik said Alpha Gym aims to create a sense of community among its members, encouraging them to take part in activities both inside and outside the gym.
He said the idea was inspired by gyms he visited abroad.
A first look at the exterior of Alpha Gym.
(Image: T&A)
Mr Malik said: "When I was in Spain last year, I saw community-based gyms where members were doing cool things together, going on trips and taking part in events...we wanted to bring a similar model to Bradford."
"We've got a very good founding members group," Mr Malik said.
"Everyone gets along really well and we go and do things together."
From small beginnings
The new site marks Mr Malik's first major business venture.
"It feels surreal," he said.
"I just wanted to help the community and keep kids off the streets, and that's turned into this big business."
Mr Malik added: "Now we're getting award nominations and recognition.
"I'm just a young lad from Bradford who started a little thing and it's become something much bigger."
Alpha Gym has recently been nominated for a British Fitness Award and has amassed millions of views across its social media channels.
He said: "We've had around 20 million views on social media."
Membership demand continues to grow
Interest in the new facility has already exceeded expectations.
Mr Malik said more than 300 people joined the waiting list before opening, with membership enquiries continuing to increase.
"At one point we had around 300 people on the waiting list within six or seven months," he said.
"Now we're touching around 900 people, so it's grown really fast."
He credited much of the growth to the gym's social media presence and support from local residents.
Mr Malik said: "The local people wanted to come and check it out and it's just snowballed from there,"
New home for expanding business
The new facility features upgraded equipment and significantly more space.
Mr Malik said: "We were just a small little thing - now it's become something much bigger, but the focus is still on building a community and helping people."
Alpha Gym is open at 11-13 Little Horton Lane, next to Bradford Ice Arena.