Would you try a fitness class at 5.30am?
I did—and it changed how I think about health, mindset and community in Oban.
It had been some time since I last joined an exercise class and I had never risen quite so early to become part of the 5am gang in Oban.
At first, I wondered why anyone would offer a class at such an ungodly hour.
That was until I found myself at at the 24-hour Happy Wee Health Club for its 5.30am BodyPump class.
I recognised one of the five other women in the class and also the instructor, Ashley MacLennan, who works at Howdens during the day.
These women have a regular outing at this time of the morning, and the gym space was busy as well – so people actually do choose to get up this early to exercise.
The mental barrier
I’ll be honest—I’ve been overthinking joining the Happy Wee Health Club for about two years.
Other members had tried to encourage me, always praising the sense of community and the support the gym provides for children and adults alike.
That morning, as I lifted a bar over my head to high-energy pump —albeit with only 2.5kg weights on either end—I realised it was about 70% easier than I had expected.
My delay had less to do with ability and more to do with mindset.
A gym with a difference
Founded by two young mums, Katie Galbraith and Karen MacDonald, the Happy Wee Health Club is not your typical gym.
Since opening in January 2021, it has become a cornerstone of Oban’s wellness scene, known for its inclusiveness and 24/7 member access.
Located at 15 Lochside Street, opposite the Tesco car park, the gym uses an app to offer secure round-the-clock entry.
Facilities and classes for all levels
The club features a gym space with free weights and machines, a bright studio for group classes and a spin class room.
Members can join instructor-led and virtual sessions including Les Mills BodyPump, BodyCombat and BodyBalance, as well as spin, Pilates, yoga, circuits and core workouts.
There are 50 live classes each week.
If you prefer privacy, try a spin class in a darkened room with top instructors guiding you on a big screen.
For a personal touch, real-life instructors are on hand.
Ashley’s belief in my ability exceeded my own—and that belief carried me through the class.
Designed to break down barriers
Setting up the gym during the Covid pandemic was no easy feat.
To reach people remotely, the women began posting online content on fitness, exercise and healthy eating.
The response was overwhelming.
Karen said: “Everybody loved it.
“People who had never exercised before started joining in.
“We even had people from Lismore, Kerrera, Mull and Italy taking part.”
Community-focused and family-friendly
Katie and Karen’s experience as mums also shaped what the business offers.
Katie said: “We had started working with kids because my little girl is obsessed with the gym.
“We wanted to help all children feel confident and encourage children to be healthy.”
Happy Wee Kidz Club now provides gymnastics, movement and play for children aged 0–12.
A Mini Medics programme has also received glowing reviews.
More than just a gym
The Happy Wee Health Club currently employs five staff and 13 contracted instructors and also helps train members as instructors.
And it is expanding.
A new “zen” studio focusing on Pilates and yoga is in development, along with an Art Explorers Club for kids to enjoy crafts while parents exercise.
It’ll be no surprise to anyone who knows them that Katie and Karen have been nominated for a second time in the Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, after being finalists last year.
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