The Total Fitness Shop In Swindon
Total Fitness was Trevor Gunning’s shop in Swindon. The first one opened on Gorse Hill in 1985. The business was a big deal in the late-80s. The first triathlon shop? I’m not sure. There were a few. But definitely a must visit venue for the young ambitious triathlete.
With John Lillie, founder of 220, Trevor also formed Total Promotions. To put on events. They organised the Swindon Triathlon from 1988 until 1990. In 1991 the race was absorbed into the 220 Triathlon Series.
Swindon was about a 75 minute drive from my home in Slough. I made my first trip to Total Fitness with my parents in late-1988. As I’d entered my first triathlon that was taking place in May 1989. I bought a copy of Dave Scott’s Triathlon Training and some Tinley Lace Locks.
That shop was at 30 Morley Street. Which had a handy car park just opposite. It’s now the Red Dragon Tattoo shop.
From May 1990 I had my own car. So I could drive myself to Swindon. I’d visit the shop. I was mainly interested in books and import magazines. Then hang out in town. Have a McDonald’s. And get something in Our Price.
In May 1993 Total Fitness Swindon moved to 109/110 Commercial Road. The new shop was only 50m from the old one. So you could still use the same car park. And by then they’d also opened stores in Bath and Nottingham.
Total Fitness were also present at events. They’d set up a tent near transition. With plenty of everyday and exotic stuff. The 220 / TF crew used to travel in an enormous Winnebago. Was that Trevor’s or John’s?
Leave a comment below if you shopped at TF in Swindon.
