10/01/2026
After I closed the doors to my last gym in July 2011, I said I would never own a gym again ⛔️
Lots changed in my life ☀️and this chapter began 📖
The cliche before & 'so far' photos.
I started this phase of my career 3 years ago - my studio. It opened on 1st January 2023.
1️⃣☝️The first photo was taken in the days leading up to New years day.
2️⃣✌️The second photo, or the so far, was taken this afternoon, 10th January 2026.
Its still a work in progress regards equipment and also where I am as a business.
What made me change my mind and what lessons did I learn?
1. This is a small unit/low rental and it falls within 100% business rate reilef - but the government are snapping at the heels of people like me 🏴☠️
2. I am open by appointment only - which I am not killing myself in the process, ironic because I am trying to extend lives in this job 🤷
3. I have limited availability for 1-1's - whilst 1-1's are still an important part of this type of business, doing less of them allows me to free up more time for no.4
4. I specialise in small groups (4-6 people) - I didn't have any small groups at the beginning, for maybe the first 3 or 4 months at least....and surprisingly only a handful of 1-1 clients.
I had a vision and I knew what I wanted to do or didn't want to do
Small group training started, as far as I know, in the US probably in the late 90's. Most called it semi-private training. I didn't and still don't like this name. I know what it is and whilst it is that, the name just feels wrong and weird.
I tried launching "semi-private" training around 2010 in my old gym. It didn't take off or I didn't really push or persevere. Fast forward 15 years and its everywhere but now more commonly known as small group training.
I started with zero small groups. 3 years later, I have 11. And, its increasing.
Considering the state of the UK economy, if you are wanting to have a coach or 'trainer', this is by far the best option but mine has all the benefits of individualised exercise in my group sessions.
If you want to find out more about my small group sessions, message me 'SG' and you can receive 50% off a 6 week block - 12 sessions for £185.
