Keep up with Armagh i

10 years strong: Bubba’s Project Gym launches major community fitness weekend

To kickstart their anniversary celebrations, BPG will host a Health and Wellness Fundraising Weekend on April 17 and 18, with all proceeds supporting Women’s Aid.

An established Armagh gym is preparing to mark a significant milestone, as Bubba’s Project Gym (BPG) celebrates ten years in business with a series of events designed to bring the community together.

Owned and operated by coach Bubba Ali and his wife Lyndsay, the gym has become a cornerstone of health, fitness, and community in Armagh City. To kickstart their anniversary celebrations, BPG will host a Health and Wellness Fundraising Weekend on April 17 and 18, with all proceeds supporting Women’s Aid.

“We are really proud that we are ten years in Armagh City with Bubba’s Project Gym” said Bubba.

“It’s been a really long and great journey.”

With over 16 years of coaching experience, Bubba reflected on how the gym has evolved since opening in 2016.

“I had built a strong client base coaching on my own, but opening the gym allowed us to bring everything to another level. We could support people properly in a facility that now feels like home for all our members.”

“For me, the gym was a new level of growth — and then bringing coaches in under me was the next stage in my career.”

That growth has been supported behind the scenes by his wife and Gym Manager.

“I’m really proud to have my wife Lyndsay by my side… she’s the one who really pushes the business behind the scenes.”

Over the past decade, BPG has developed not just as a facility, but as a coaching environment.

“We have an incredible coaching team here at the minute and we strive to keep raising the standards,” Bubba added.
“We’ve had amazing staff come through the gym — many have gone on to do great things in the industry. It’s been a real journey from where we started to where we are now.”

A Facility Built for Progress

Located in Armagh Business Park, Bubba’s Project Gym has grown into one of Northern Ireland’s leading coaching facilities.

It remains the only gym in Armagh City offering 24/7 access, giving members flexibility to train on their own schedule — a key factor in its continued success. With the build up to the event Bubba’s Project Gym have a crazy offer on with your first month at 50% off… Sign up here – http://eepurl.com/jDahfU

The gym continues to invest in its offering, with a major facility upgrade completed in January 2026, alongside the launch of its Small Group Personal Training (SGPT) programme — further elevating coaching standards and member experience.

A Weekend Focused on Community, Energy and Impact

The upcoming Health & Wellness Weekend is the first of many events planned throughout the year — combining fitness, wellbeing, and fundraising.

“Everything we do here is focused on health and enjoyment,” said Bubba.
“We wanted to create something special that brings both together — an active weekend that also focuses on wellbeing.”

Importantly, the event is open to everyone, not just members.

“The event is open to everybody. We want to see the whole Armagh community come up and experience the weekend,” Bubba continued.
“If you’re new to fitness, this is your chance to get involved.”

“We want to bring fitness to as many people as possible — to make it fun, energetic, and something that becomes part of your lifestyle, not a chore.”

What to Expect Across the Weekend

The weekend is packed with high-energy events designed to suit all levels.

Friday Night – High Energy Kick-Off

The event launches with a live DJ workout experience, featuring Ryan Makkoi bringing the atmosphere to life.
Expect a high-energy group session with over 40 participants, setting the tone for the weekend.

Saturday Morning – Community & Movement

The day begins early with a 6am sunrise 5km run, welcoming all abilities — from walkers to runners — focused on participation and enjoyment.

Following this, a family partner bootcamp at 9am will see parents and children training side-by-side in a fun, engaging environment.

Recovery & Wellness Experience

A standout feature of the weekend is the luxury recovery suite, sponsored by Starview Living.

Open from Thursday evening through to Sunday, attendees can access:

  • Ice baths 
  • Recovery tools 
  • Relaxation space 

A £10 donation fee applies, with all proceeds going directly to Women’s Aid.

BPG ROX – The Main Event

The headline event of the weekend is the BPG ROX fitness challenge, a high-intensity, Hyrox-style competition beginning at 10:30am.

Participants will compete in:

  • Male and female categories 
  • Mixed doubles entries 
  • A challenging course featuring a steep hill run 

Designed for those who want to push themselves, this is expected to be the most competitive and action-packed part of the weekend.

Dean Coppard is also helping set up and serve a BBQ BPG style… Full Healthy Spread 11-1pm.

Closing Seminar – Education & Inspiration

To close the event, Bubba will host a motivational seminar alongside two expert guest speakers:

  • Sammy Dowling — a leading strength and conditioning coach with experience working with elite teams including Leinster Rugby and Dublin GAA 
  • Brenda Bannon — a nutritionist, dietician, and current inter-county athlete 

The seminar will deliver practical insights into performance, nutrition, and mindset.

Supporting Women’s Aid

At the heart of the weekend is a strong charitable focus, with all fundraising directed towards Women’s Aid Northern Ireland.

“With the current situation, it’s a very sad state of affairs — 30 women have been murdered in Northern Ireland over the last four years,” Bubba said.

“Women every day are dealing with issues behind the scenes around domestic abuse. We want to raise awareness and support the incredible work Women’s Aid does.”

“It’s a place where women can feel safe and find support — and that’s something we’re proud to stand behind.”

Donation points will be available throughout the event, alongside online contributions.

Looking Ahead to the 10-Year Milestone

The Health & Wellness Weekend marks the beginning of a full calendar of events leading up to the gym’s official 10-year anniversary in October.

“Fundraising and community engagement have always been a huge part of what we do,” Bubba added.
“This is just the start of what we have planned.”

Reflecting on the journey, Bubba finished with a message to those who have supported the gym over the years:

“This event is something special. To our members, our coaches past and present, our families and friends — we are so thankful.”

“The gym has meant so much to so many people, and we’re really looking forward to celebrating with everyone.”

Anyone interested in the event email to support@bubbasprojectgym.co.uk or via Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/onlinewithbubba

Entry’s for the Hyrox sims can be completed here – https://mailchi.mp/bubbasprojectgym/bpgrox-hyrox-sims-18th-april

All donations to support the event and WomensAID – https://www.justgiving.com/page/wellness-weekend-bubbas-project-gym

Local jobs

Sign Up To Our Newsletter

Most read today

More in Armagh