Tashan – Founder of EmPower
Honestly what a gentle giant this man is. Running an incredible community minded gym, it looks SERIOUS – and it is, but it is kind and Tashan is the most considerate coach there is.
EmPower, based in Ashbrow Mills (very handily located just below Asda!) opens EARLY and I literally followed the laughter and clapping all through the mill until I found a group of mostly women, from 30+, hanging upside down using calisthenics to build strength.
They were encouraged throughout by Tashan and applauded by their class members, it was one of the most inspiring things I’ve seen for a long time. There was a full range of abilities and ages, but the enjoyment on all their faces was exactly the same. Tashan has built a really solid, powerful and kind community here and it’s not just adults that are benefitting. Having first hand experience of how training can benefit you from a young age, Tashan has developed family training programs that families can enjoy together. What an incredible thing to do together.
TASHAN
Where did you grow up?
So I grew up in Brackenhall, Fartown, around the north side, but I’ve moved all over and have friends all over Huddersfield.
What made you want to open your own gym?
As a personal trainer working in a commercial gym I felt very limited, and I am a free spirit, so I wanted to open a space that had people moving with intention, instead of moving to just tick a box. The calisthenics way of training is a very progressive method of training – a never ending journey and I wanted to share that, there aren’t many spaces in Huddersfield, if any, that offer that, so that’s why I wanted to do it.
Where is your favourite place in Huddersfield?
Home! But other than that, up somewhere high – Like Castle Hill or Lepton or Emley, somewhere I can see the surrounding areas, as you well know, it is very scenic.
Best place to eat?
Oooh depends what you’re after but one of the most authentic places is Med One or probably Da Sandro’s (great shout)
If you could only have one piece of equipment in the gym, what would it be?
It would be a pull up bar, so versatile!
Three words to sum up Huddersfield?
UP THE TOWN
If you want to learn more about EmPower – visit the website here and Tashan will take you through all you need to know to get yourself going.
Get started today – it’s such a great place to be.
