After seeing results through his own fitness journey at fit20, Matt Appleby took ownership of the Stocksbridge franchise of the business in November 2018. As well as being a yoga teacher, he now helps customers to improve their health, fitness and wellbeing through tailored weekly 20-minute exercise programmes.
I was inspired to start my business by …
I joined as a customer in November last year knowing nothing about Fit20 and have seen fantastic results since. I am much stronger, more energetic, my posture is better, and my overall wellbeing has greatly improved.
At this time in my life with two young boys I don’t have the luxury of time to go to a ‘regular’ gym three times a week, so the basis of going for 20 minutes once a week fits perfectly. The opportunity came up to buy the business and I jumped at the chance.
My favourite thing about running my business is …
I love to help people get results. High intensity strength training is scientifically proven to be the most important form of training for overall health and wellness. We add strength to enable our clients get the most out of their life.
The best testimonials I hear are from clients who get more out of their lives and hobbies thanks to their fit20 training – golfers who achieve longer drives, reduction in blood pressure medication, more stamina and shorter recovery times from sporting activities. You can’t beat those relatable testimonials.
As a Yoga teacher, it’s the perfect fit for my yoga business and the philosophy that I teach. It’s a personalised service where everyone is treated as an individual. Less is more, slower is better and you don’t need to sweat to get results!
The three words that best describe my business are …
Personalised, focused, impactful.
Sheffield City Region is a great place to start a business because …
There are so many new businesses in this region. Although it covers a large area, it has a village feel to it and is incredibly close nit. I experience that when I go to networking events and see a lot of familiar faces. The community is warm, friendly and engaging.
Sheffield City Region is a great place to grow a business because …
The willingness of the people to make solid introductions and share contacts is outstanding. After all, that’s how I found out about fit20 so I wouldn’t be where I am now without the people in the region having that mindset.
The best advice I ever got was …
My mum always told me I could do whatever I wanted to do. She was right, but it took me a long time to realise it!
The worst advice I ever got was …
To study what I was good at rather than what I had a real passion for at A Level. I was made to change my mind and I wish I’d stuck to my guns and studied what I had an interest in.
The organisations that have supported me and my business include …
Niri Patel at fit20 UK, Sarah Birkenshaw and many others at BNI Yorkshire, Pam Goodison at Finance for Enterprise (Doncaster), Katie Maxwell at Upton & Co Accountants (Barnsley). The financial and practical support I had from these people was invaluable.
The main challenges facing my industry/sector are …
Social media is saturated with so called fitness and wellbeing experts, yet only a few truly perfect their craft. Taking classes online is great, but there is nothing that can replicate in person training, coaching or teaching. The one to one tailored support it what sets us apart – you just can’t get that online.
There is little loyalty in the traditional gym sector. Most gyms lose 50 per cent of their membership each year. However, at fit20 we have a retention rate of almost 90 per cent.
In 5 years’ time I expect my business to …
Be huge! There will be hundreds of fit20 studios all over the UK.
