The first months of a new gym's opening have blown all expectations out of the water for its owners.

The Powahut, based in a former stables off Tolye Road in Bowthorpe, was launched by husband and wife team Tony and Paula Mitchell in early May and has since exploded in popularity, according to the duo. 

As well as welcoming more than 30 regular members and clients to the community-minded space, the first of its competition events was an "overwhelming success".

The atmosphere in The Powahut has been phenomenal in recent weeks, according to owner TonyThe atmosphere in The Powahut has been phenomenal in recent weeks, according to owner Tony (Image: Tony Mitchell)

"Everything has been really great in the nine weeks we've been open," Tony said.

"Our grip strength tournament was extremely popular and the atmosphere was phenomenal with everyone cheering."

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Entrants were challenged to test their strength with the "rolling thunder" exercise which involves lifting a weight one-handed with a revolving cylinder, making it harder than if it had a static grip.

Dozens of competitors tried their luck at the rolling thunder grip strength challengeDozens of competitors tried their luck at the rolling thunder grip strength challenge (Image: Tony Mitchell)

"I think the tournament really opened people's eyes to what we're doing at The Powahut," Tony added. 

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"It's all about supporting the community and getting people active and fit while feeling completely comfortable."

Luke Mitchell, no relation, won the competition in late June with a lift of 80kg.

Powahut will be running more challenges and competitions soon and hopes to launch a "kids fit club" initiative to promote the benefits of the gym among young people in the area.