Rhys Bokalo creates stunning Iron Time Gym in historic mill

My previous working background is the utility industry that has made a successful career over the years. However, since I was younger, I have been passionate about health, fitness and going to the gym. Jim has been a huge part of my life consistently. It helped me improve my health, but I loved seeing the positive impact it had on others.

I have long dreamed of opening my gym. I have always tried to help others. The love for Jim caused two passions to clash. I wanted to welcome locals because I wanted to create a gym with unique and diverse equipment that is different from others.

I searched properties in and around the Cullingworth area and had trouble finding one that fits my vision and plans. Then, in 2022, I met Cullingworth Mills. I noticed that part of the building was in a state that was not used and needed repairs, so I decided to contact the owner.

Iron Time Gym View of the gym with its distinctive setting

Looking at the third floor, I was shocked to see it in abandoned condition, but was able to see it past the leaking roof and the bucket catching water through the broken windows. This was the first time I saw my vision come to life.

Luckily, the owners had plans to continue renovating the factory. This was expected to include a new roof and new windows soon. Sharing my vision with them, we agreed that the gym would be a major addition to the building and village, along with the third floor.

I felt strongly that I would preserve the factory heritage if possible. We believed we could save on brickwork, wooden beams and wooden floors for over 100 years. We were able to see the possibilities of a fascinating gym in a historic setting, but we have a modern twist.

The large-scale work of converting the third floor space began in May 2023.

Gym Lease and Team A gym with historical features Because my dreams and vision were myself, I took on the role of Project Manager, designed the gym floor layout, procured equipment and equipment, and managed contractors and work. I quickly realized this was a very challenging project. There were times when I wasn’t sure my dreams were attainable and I was worried that I had joined the project beyond my abilities. But my dreams far outweigh the struggle and I was able to always see my ultimate goals out of reach, so I was patient.

Towards the exhausted end, my family and close friends gathered to help us out and help us finish the project. I was proud to be able to open Irontime Gym in July 2023.

It was great to be directly responsible for preserving some of the heritage of the Cullingworth plant. This was done by restoring the original beam, retrieving historical features, and varnishing the floor. Now visitors love to come and look around, and the historic aspects really appeal to the members.

Since then, the opening members have mainly been residents of nearby villages such as Cullingworth and Willsden, Harden and Howarth. There are also members passing through the village from Bingley, Halifax and Keighley. And with our increasing reputation, others travelling the larger districts.

Gym’s Rhys

A different look inside

The gym is suitable for all kinds of fitness, from cardiovascular to strength and functional training. It is known for its diverse weighted equipment selection, selected to target specific muscle groups and provide a variety of workouts. There are many machines to choose from, including machines suitable for use by beginners, professional bodybuilders, or those who exercise certain body parts after an injury. There are many aerobic exercise equipment, free weight areas and well-equipped functional fitness studios for your class.

Our staff are friendly and friendly. We welcome new members, show them their equipment, how they use them, and help them build confidence and fitness.

We have members of all ages and backgrounds, from those who have begun their fitness journey to members who specialize in competitive bodybuilding.

We recently received testimony from members in the mid-’70s who shared how actively Jim changed his life after difficult times. Listening to this story was incredibly inspiring and heartwarming, and we were proud to share it. Since then, we have heard from other members who shared how Iron Time and how the team changed their lives by supporting them to improve their mental and physical health.

The first staff member at Iron Time Gym was Alfie Armitage, whom he was astounding. Since opening, he has been helping out in the evening and providing much needed support. Eve Andanton opened in November 2023 and joined us soon after it was released. James Judson and Aron Green joined in 2024. Eve and Aron are qualified in fitness and are pursuing a higher level of certification to become qualified personal trainers.

Our team members talk to people as they come in to understand their current health, fitness and trust levels. We help them understand what they are trying to achieve and what changes they want to make.

When I started planning for the gym, I thought the equipment, design layout and the fantastic look of the building would be the main drivers of its success. But I discovered that these factors are important, but the biggest thing about gyms is their people. The staff and members of the Iron Time gym have become the great gym we are today.

The amount of positive feedback and kind comments we received is overwhelming. It gave me a great sense of accomplishment and pride to know how much Jim had impacted people in my community.

It’s amazing to see Cullingworth Mills come to life, attract more people to the area, support local businesses, and preserve history.