5 years ago today, I set up my business ‘Body and Mind Fitness Company’.
5 years? Wow, where did that go?
My mother was right – the years DO fly by as you get past 40!
So, I set up my business when I was 42. That’s quite old to start a new venture isn’t it? Well, it seemed like it at the time.
You see, my hand was forced. I worked for local councils for years as an IT Manager and I had a pretty high profile job.
I then received a job offer in the private sector and I thought it would be a good chance to progress my career.
How wrong I was!!!
I didn’t even last 4 months.
My boss was (in my opinion) a power-crazy woman who would stop at nothing to get what she wanted. I hated every single day there.
My public sector background made me very organised in my work – in other words, I did things ‘by the book’.
However, this private company didn’t and their policies were ridiculous to say the least. I mean, their Internet security policy was only a verbal agreement and that was to whoever was there at the time.
When I questioned the validity of it, I was basically told that was that and I should be quiet.
Jobs were being carried out and invoices weren’t going through the books.
There was a lot more going on too but I let it go.
Somehow, the power-crazed boss found a loophole to get rid of me. In fact, she marched me to my desk and told me to collect my things there and then, in front of the whole office.
Now, a guy in his 40s, who was very professional, methodical and genuine in the business world was being put through a very embarrassing situation. How do you think I felt that day?
I was angry, ashamed, deflated, you name it. I held onto that resentment (for her) for years. I wanted to get her back but I knew I was better than that.
It took me a situation like that to change my life. I decided to do what I should have done in the first place.
My passion was (and still is) health and fitness. I worked in the fitness industry part-time – taking evening classes after an 8 or 9 hour day at work.
I loved seeing people get results, getting fitter, stronger, healthier.
I decided to take a personal training qualification and here I am, 5 years later!
Things have moved on a lot in the last 5 years. I’ve delved into bootcamps, outdoor running classes, bums and tums, office workouts, onsite massage – the lot!
In the last 2 years or so, I’ve concentrated on women’s fitness. 99% of my clients were women so it made sense to make that my niche.
2015 has seen another change.
I’m now concentrating on women’s weight training.
I believe there’s a huge interest here. Women wanting to get stronger, improve their shape, have more energy, burn more body fat and eat well.
I don’t believe in dieting. I don’t believe the slimming clubs offer enough in terms of proper nutrition. Yes, they tell you what to eat but there’s no science behind it. Plus, they don’t promote exercise very much – I know, I was invited to a slimming club meeting.
It’s all about weight loss and you know, it’s NOT all about weight loss.
My first weight training programme started last month and 14 women joined the challenge. The final day is this Sunday when I’ll be publishing the results.
I will be running the next programme on 16th February.
If you want to get stronger, improve your shape, have more energy, burn more body fat and eat well, get in touch.
Better still, here’s a link for more information:
WEIGHT TRAINING CHALLENGE FEBRUARY
Thanks for taking the time to read my story.