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18 Oct 2025

Barnstaple’s newest gym comes with gold medal-grade tuition

Grit & Grace Functional Fitness is about to open in Barnstaple to cater for all ages and abilities

ndg New Barnstaple gym owners outside 1

Estelle Liepa and Lottie Miles are excited to be opening their new Grit & Grace gym in Barnstaple. Credit: Grit & Grace

A female weightlifting gold medallist and an experienced local CrossFit coach are all set to open their new gym in Barnstaple this Saturday, April 26.

Lottie Miles, the current British Master Weightlifting gold medallist and Estelle Liepa, a level 2 CrossFit coach have opened Grit & Grace Functional Fitness on Pottington Industrial Estate, behind Market Vets.

The grand opening day is on Saturday (April 26) at Unit 7, Riverside Commercial Centre, Riverside Road from 11am until 4pm.

Visitors are invited see the gym, meet Estelle and Lottie and get a flavour for what Grit & Grace is all about. Visitors can also take part in games and mini workouts.

Above: Estelle and Lottie fitting the main sign for their new Grit & Grace gym at Pottington in Barnstaple. Credit: Grit & Grace

Lottie is a current gold medallist after winning the women's over-35s 81 kilo category at the British Masters Weightlifting Championships in February.

Speaking about the ethos behind the new gym, she said: “Our functional approach means we have something for everyone, from beginners to advanced athletes. We teach high level skills, and basic movement patterns.

“Strength training is our foundation so Grit & Grace is especially ideal for anyone who is looking to get stronger, healthier and move better.”

Above: New Barnstaple gym co-owner Lottie Miles took gold at the British Masters Championships in February 2025. Credit: Grit & Grace

Estelle added: “Women as well as men benefit from simply being stronger as it helps prevent bone weakening at peri-menopause and beyond. And as men age, it helps to fight muscle loss and improve overall physical and mental health.”

In addition to the regular gym facilities and classes, Grit & Grace is working with the Sport In Mind Charity by offering a free Men Only one hour session aimed at helping men’s mental health, with the first one on Tuesday, April 29 at 11am.

With Women in mind, they will be offering Strength +45 classes aimed at helping prevent bone weakening at peri-menopause and beyond on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. 

To find out more, visit https://www.gritandgracefitness.co.uk 

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