Imagine being able to perfect your gym routine, recover your body and mind, but also refuel with nutritious food and drinks all under one roof- thankfully R8 Coffee & Cardio in Armagh has you covered.
Founded by Co Armagh man and famed Cullyhanna player, Aidan Nugent, R8 Coffee & Cardio is launching this weekend, starting Friday 9th February with a range of deals on offer including £2 coffee, a meet and greet with Armagh GAA team from 10am-11.30am on Saturday 10th February, and gym sign up offers.
“We are proud to be one of the first places in Ireland – and the only place in Armagh – to offer a space for like-minded people to come together to improve their fitness, indulge in delicious food and drinks, and focus on recovery both physically and mentally, says Aidan, who began his experience in this field originally with the Recover8 sports recovery room, which was based at Tower Hill, Armagh.
From there, the 29-year-old added a gym, focusing on HIIT style classes, and then added a coffee and smoothie bar in 2020. Due to huge demand, Aidan realised it was time to find a bigger space to expand the business and its health-focused offerings.
“I was originally teaching for about four years but I always wanted to run my own business. I’ve had a heavy focus in the world of health and fitness from a young age and decided to take this passion into a profession,” Aidan said.
In Summer 2023, he moved to Dobbin Street in Armagh city centre, where he operated R8 Train & Recover and the Blue Barista café as three separate businesses.
Aidan Nugent, Owner R8 Coffee & Cardio, Armagh
He said: “I soon realised that it made sense to bring the three businesses together, as they interlink in terms of wellbeing. Attitudes around lifestyle have changed enormously, with people really putting energy and effort into not only working out, but looking after their bodies with the right food, and taking the time to focus on recovery with contrast therapies like ice baths, infrared saunas and Jacuzzis; which we have right here.
“We want it to be a one stop shop where you can come in, get your gym session done, get your recovery and get a bite to eat or a coffee. You don’t have to hit all three when you come, but it’s handy to have it all under one roof!”
Aidan has crafted his recovery suite to provide the very best in treatment offerings. You can choose from an infrared sauna, ice bath, jacuzzi, compression boots and massage guns, and book these either privately or as a group. You can also mix and match the treatments you wish to use in your session.
Contrast Therapy has taken a huge rise in Ireland, and R8 offers it in one spot with an infrared sauna, ice bath, jacuzzi and compression boots
“So many studies are showing us benefits of the treatment we offer in the recovery room like pain relief, reduced inflammation, detoxifying your body, stress management, increased circulation, improved sleep, injury prevention and rehabilitation.
“These are great not only for athletes, but for people who want to take a physical and mental recharge for their everyday life, and really look after their bodies.”
R8’s HIIT and style gym classes are available six days a week and focus on cardio and strength, and after a week of caffeine-fuelled workouts, you can slow down with a Sunday morning yoga and coffee session.
Workouts are tracked with individual Polar sensors to show calories burned, heart rate and effort throughout the class, which each member can track on their own app. Small groups and one-to-one sessions are also offered, as well as pay as you go or monthly options.
Corporate bookings are also available for private team building days to use the gym, recovery room and have catering from the café.
R8’s gym offers classes seven-days-a-week as well as small group and 1-1 training
R8’s café includes a range of health conscious options, such as; acai, overnight oats, matcha, protein shakes and smoothies. You can also grab a cup of the best quality coffee, tea, soft drinks, performance drinks, traybakes and pastries – something for everyone!
This Friday (February 9), R8 Coffee & Cardio will launch its new rebrand. Aidan and the team are welcoming the city’s local business owners and all members of the public to enjoy their £2 coffee special from Friday morning right up to Sunday evening.
Speaking on the future of R8 Coffee & Cardio, Aidan said: “We are excited to be bringing a focus on wellbeing to the Armagh area, and the support so far has been phenomenal.
“We have had visitors from across the country coming to spend a morning or evening here which has been great to see. Who knows what’s down the line – as the demand grows, we will meet it, that’s for sure!”
You can follow R8 on their social channels @r8coffeecardio. Learn more and book classes and recovery sessions at www.r8coffeecardio.com.
