The New Levl Fitness Studio - Now open at Douglas Court
Lauren Oliver and Josh Cooper outside the New Levl Fitness Studio at Douglas Court Shopping Centre. Pictures by Larry Cummins
There is always something new and exciting to discover at Douglas Court Shopping Centre.
Now the shopping centre is not only attractive to hard-working parents doing the shopping or the kids, who are enjoying the Kite Festival, but there is something really special for the keep-fit brigade too.
The New Levl Fitness Studio has just opened on the ground floor of the mall, offering the newest and most innovative facilities you could imagine in an extremely professional but warm, friendly club atmosphere.
It’s the brainchild of Josh Cooper and his wife, Lauren Oliver, who recently relocated from London to Cork.
Lauren is originally from Cork, so of course, when they thought of opening their very own fitness centre, where else but her native city?
As soon as Josh arrived, he fell in love with Cork and the people.
“New Levl has been a dream in the making for a long time. Lauren and I moved from the hustle and bustle of London back to Cork with the goal of creating a different kind of gym, one that combined a scientific approach to training with a real sense of community.
"We never imagined the response would be this incredible. We opened on August 9th, we are into week three of our programme, and the interest and the enquiries are growing by the day.”
What makes New Levl special is the structure? Josh explains: “We do classes and personal training only; it isn’t a space that can be used for a workout without the safe guidance of the team.
"We’ve got something for everyone, from new mums rebuilding strength to anybody who simply wants to move their body and feel better in themselves, and older adults staying active.
"We have five different class options right now: Strength, Move, Teams, Saturday Social and a class that is particularly important to us, VIPS or Very Important Seniors.
"This is a smaller group, aimed at older adults, mainly strength-based, and combining strength, mobility, balance and coordination exercises. We absolutely love this group as it’s already building confidence and friendships are forming with our older members.
"Coming soon will be MUMS, a safe space for mums and babies to work out, build strength and fitness without the need for childcare. Babies are welcome and we will be running small group sessions for mums to support them pre and post baby.”
Every programme at New Levl runs in 12-week blocks, designed to help people get stronger, fitter and more confident in a way that’s measurable and sustainable.
“Each class is coach-led and layered; we use dynamic programming that allows members a personal touch and a workout for every level.”
The real magic, they both say, is the community that has already grown.
“From day one, people have encouraged each other, celebrated wins together and created an atmosphere that makes training enjoyable. The key point for us is providing that individual and personal touch in a group setting to build the community feel.”
“Absolutely fantastic gym. The group classes are energetic, motivating, and really well-structured. The trainers do an outstanding job. They are supportive, professional and always pushing you to get the best out of yourself. It’s such a great addition to Douglas and I’m really enjoying being part of it. Highly recommend.”
“I explained that I had pelvic girdle in my right hip and that I’d just go at my own pace. The trainer immediately made adjustments to my training, continuously checking in when I would complete a movement. When I was doing reverse lunges, I mentioned the pinching pain on my right side, and the trainer told me I shouldn’t be feeling that and that it was my body’s way of telling me to stop. By making a simple adjustment, I was able to move pain-free.”
“I thought I would feel out of place and like I was working out with a bunch of young people. Since joining, I’ve not felt like that at all. There’s such an age range, and everyone is so friendly. I feel like I’ve joined a club rather than a gym.”
Josh and Lauren laugh as we quote these testimonials.
“Yes, word has definitely spread quickly. The response to membership before we opened was amazing, and it continues to grow. It almost seems as though people were waiting for us.”
Naturally, the facilities at New Levl are equipped with the very best range from Fitness Equipment Ireland, much of it custom-made to enable them to change the gym space daily.
Each session is displayed on the television screens and led by an expert trainer. The televisions also display a countdown timer, with every second of the class planned so it always starts and ends on time.
“We ensure you get the most efficient 45 minutes in the studio to get the best workout for you.”
And, as you would expect from a studio with such high standards, they have fully equipped showers and changing facilities, a towel service, hair dryers and straighteners, as well as a selection of products.
Ideal if you’re visiting before or after work or heading out for the evening. The gym also has convenient access to the shopping centre as it is right on the ground floor.
“We’re beyond your ordinary gym, that’s for sure. Here you can really discover joy in fitness, and recognise every step forward. Our promise is that we will take your fitness journey to a New Levl, and we are so excited for you to join us!
“We are delighted to have this superb new fitness facility for our customers on site at Douglas Court, adding that extra attraction to our already hugely popular base,” says property director Barlosz Mieszala.
“Josh and Lauren really do bring the fitness club concept to a whole New Levl.”
- Monday - Friday: 6:15 am to 8:30 pm
- Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
For more information, visit www.newlevl.ie
