Words: Denise Mhlanga | Images: Supplied
Ritual is an award-winning international gym concept which provides high-intensity interval training, combining cardio and strength workouts into a superefficient 30-minute gym experience that trains the whole body. Tim Albone, owner of the first Ritual Gym in Africa, tells us more.
How did your business start?
I grew up in Hong Kong and have many school friends who now live in Singapore. I’d always see Ritual popping up on their Instagram and Facebook pages and thought it looked like a cool idea that addressed a need – people are busy, but they also understand the importance of being healthy. I sent a speculative email to Brad Robinson, the CEO of Ritual, and coincidently he was on his way to Brazil to set up Ritual and the quickest way from Singapore is via South Africa. We met up, got on really well and the rest is history.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
We wanted to be close to Sandton and Rosebank, and Illovo was ideally located to both areas.
How did you find your premises?
Kat Woolf from Office Space Online helped us find these premises at the Thrupps Centre.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
We found an ideal space with great visibility on the first floor and Thrupps Centre offers 45 minutes of free parking which suits our 30-minute concept.
Who are your neighbours?
The Fishmonger, Turn ’n Tender, Skin Renewal and Yoga Experience.
What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area?
They range from R160/m2 to R400/ m2 and more.
How many people visit your gym each day?
We have 29 sessions and classes of 10 people, so theoretically, we could see 290 people a day if every class was full.
Do you operate online as well?
All bookings and sales are done online through our website (ritualgym.com) and the Ritual app. We’re also on Facebook (@RitualGym), Instagram and Twitter (@ritualgym).
Do you have any expansion plans?
We’ll open in Fourways in September and we’re looking at opening branches in Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban in the near future.
What’s your most popular service?
Cardio and strength training.
Ritual Gym Illovo
011 327 6060
ritualgym.com
