In a striking fusion of heritage and modern wellness, the historic shell of The Royal Clarence has provided the backdrop for a conceptual photoshoot marking the next chapter for Vyve Gym and Vyve Reform Pilates.

The imagery features Ashton VYVEs head instructor on one of our reformer beds set against the hotel’s iconic ruins. Following NooKo’s viral “Lunch atop a Skyscraper” tribute at Paternoster House, this session celebrates the “reforming” of Exeter’s spirit through a blend of health, art, and architectural revival.

A Partnership Built on Heritage and Innovation

The project marks a unique collaboration between local fitness expert Jasmin Simmons (VYVE) and Max Sayers (NooKo). By pairing Jasmin’s vision for a premium fitness community with NooKo’s design expertise, they have created a partnership that challenges Exeter’s health and fitness norms.

Vyve redefines the city’s fitness experience by prioritising quality over volume. Through capped memberships and coach-led programming, they guarantee an uncrowded, inclusive environment where expert guidance is the baseline. From intimate Reformer Pilates sessions to structured gym training, every class is designed for technical precision and personal progression.

Beyond the workout, Vyve serves as a vibrant, ego-free sanctuary. They transform fitness into a lifestyle through curated social experiences—ranging from Ibiza-themed rooftop parties to supportive postnatal classes. It is a welcoming community where modern foundations meet elite coaching, ensuring every member feels supported regardless of their starting point.

“Seeing the reformer bed inside the Royal Clarence was a powerful moment,” says Jasmin Simmons, Founder of Vyve. “Just as this building is being carefully restored and reformed, our mission at Vyve is to help people reform their own strength and movement. Using the Clarence as a backdrop connects our modern fitness philosophy to the very soul of Exeter’s history.”

Sustainability & Circular Design

True to NooKo’s eco-credentials, both Vyve facilities are pioneers in sustainable design, constructed almost entirely from materials salvaged from the Paternoster House and Concord House builds:

• The Front Desk: Crafted using “leftover” kitchen units found on-site.
• The Water Station: A damaged unit from Paternoster House that was rescued and repaired.
• Shower Rooms: Finished with tiles from the Paternoster project.
• Studio Flooring: Built from the original restored timber floor from Paternoster House.
• Employing local people
• Working with Exeter College to create opportunities for young people in the fitness industry

More Than a Gym: A Community Hub

While Vyve is proud to be female-led, the facilities are not ’ women-only’. The mission is to create a truly inclusive space where everyone – regardless of gender or fitness level feels happy, comfortable, and supported by expert advice at every turn.

As founders with young families, the team has also prioritised creating a welcoming environment for parents. This includes specialised Postnatal Mother and Baby classes, allowing parents to train and socialise in a supportive, safe setting.

Investing in Exeter’s Future

Vyve is committed to local growth and female employment. The team is expanding monthly, championing local fitness experts and providing a platform for professional development. Following NooKo’s lead, Vyve is partnering with Exeter College to offer apprenticeships for Personal Training and Sport Science students, ensuring the next generation of local talent has a place to thrive.

“This collaboration represents what NooKo is all about”, says Max Sayers of NooKo. “We had the space and the commitment to sustainable redevelopment; Jasmin had the elite fitness know-how.  Together, we’ve created a positive, family-centric space where people can thrive – it’s more than just a gym; it’s a dedicated space for the community.”

About Vyve

Vyve Gym (Concord House) and Vyve Reform (Paternoster House) represent the pinnacle of Exeter’s boutique fitness scene. We provide a female-led, ego-free environment built on expert-led, proactive health.

• Train well and progress: Coach-led programming and coached strength classes focused on training in a structured way to ensure progress, no matter the goal. 
• Capped Membership: Limited numbers to guarantee personal space and high-quality coaching.
• Beautiful decor -Gives a real sense of luxury, unlike other big box gyms.
• Reformer Pilates: Blend traditional Reformer techniques with high-tempo cardio classes and mood-boosting SCULPT to feel the burn.
• Inclusive & Supportive: A community-first approach with a massive focus on social events and connection by hosting the best social events for members and non-members

Events

Vyve offer a social event every month – for everyone in Exeter to enjoy, not just members.   So far, they have had a Galetines event which included a training session, sushi, drinks and a sound bath. 

Planned events include an event with local business Milly Maunder at the beginning of April, a Ibiza themed roof top party at the end of April, followed by a dedicated Female Health event in May.  There is a mix of member-exclusive gatherings and sessions open to the public., 

For the latest updates and future event announcements, followers can stay tuned to @vyvegym on Instagram.

Website: vyvegym.com | nooko.co.uk