East Renfrewshire founder of family gym looks to open new spot

Dean Hardie from Uplawmoor started Smart Gym at The Wedge in Pollok, in 2022, after being inspired by his own struggles with mental health following the birth of his first child and the absence of affordable gyms with crèche facilities.

The non-profit social enterprise now has around 700 members.

It scooped a £75,000 prize from Scottish EDGE recently – the country’s biggest business funding competition, offering grants and loans to help startups and social enterprises grow.

Dean receiving his EDGE award (Image: Supplied)Dean said: “I’ve had my heart set on winning EDGE for years, so I’d love to take all the glory, however, I lost the competition year after year until the members and team came along so this is their achievement.

“Smart Gym is led by almost 700 members and a team of 14 staff and partners who together foster a community spirit that you need to feel to believe.

“The prize money is going to make a massive difference. The first thing we’ll do is extend our equipment offering here in The Wedge and start welcoming more members. This award also brings us one mighty step closer to expanding into other parts of Glasgow where I know there is huge demand for our services.”

Smart Gym is on a mission to make wellness accessible and affordable for every family.

It is believed to be the only low-cost gym with a free creche in Glasgow.

Aimee Kilgour, member and lifestyle influencer, said: “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, including four young children, it had always been very difficult for us to make time for the gym around our limited childcare, but Smart Gym has completely changed our lives.

“The children have loved taking part in workouts and also having fun in the crèche with the lovely staff, Diane in particular, who is just so friendly and brilliant with the children.”

Aimee's family (Image: Supplied)Memberships include gym access for adults and children (ages eight+), free crèche facilities for children up to age eight, a range of free fitness classes for adults and children and discounted personal training.

The gym is open 18 hours a day, seven days a week: 5am to 11pm.