From 90-Hour Weeks to Freedom
The real story behind the success - how Holly and I transformed our struggling fitness studio into a £15k+ per month business, and why I now dedicate my life to helping other studio owners achieve the same transformation.
Where it All Started
Before the fitness industry, before the success, before the freedom - I was just someone with a dream. Holly and I believed we could build something special, a fitness studio that would change lives and give us the lifestyle we'd always wanted.
Like many entrepreneurs, we thought passion and hard work would be enough. We thought if we just cared more, worked harder, and stayed longer than anyone else, success would follow. We couldn't have been more wrong.
The Reality of Studio Ownership
The Brutal Truth
5:30 AM starts, every single day. While our clients were still sleeping, we were already at the studio, setting up equipment, preparing for the day ahead.
70-90 hour weeks became our normal. We told ourselves it was temporary, that once we "made it," we'd have more time. That day never seemed to come.
Paying staff more than ourselves. There were months where we paid our trainers their full wages while we took nothing home. We justified it as "investment in the business."
Running bootcamps in the rain. I remember standing in a muddy field at 6 AM, soaking wet, with just two clients who showed up. But we needed every penny.
Constant financial stress. Every month was a struggle to cover rent, utilities, and equipment payments. We lived paycheck to paycheck, despite working harder than we ever had in our lives.
Our Studio - The Good Times and The Struggles
These photos tell the story - from the early morning setups when we were struggling, to the packed classes when we finally cracked the code. Every image represents a lesson learned, a system built, or a breakthrough moment that shaped our journey.
The Moment Everything Changed
It was a Tuesday morning in March. I was sitting at my desk at 11 PM, exhausted after another 16-hour day, trying to figure out why we had more expenses than revenue again. Holly was already asleep - she'd been up since 5 AM running morning classes.
That's when it hit me: we weren't running a business, we were running a very expensive hobby.
I realized that working harder wasn't the answer. We needed to work differently. We needed systems, processes, and strategies that successful businesses use. We needed to stop being fitness trainers trying to run a business, and start being business owners who happened to be in the fitness industry.
That night, I made a decision that changed everything: I was going to invest in learning how to actually run a profitable business, no matter what it cost.
Building Systems That Work
The Investment
Over the next 18 months, I invested over £50,000 in coaching, courses, and mentoring. It was scary - we barely had the money - but I knew it was our only way out.
Marketing Systems
Learned how to generate consistent leads without spending all day on social media
Sales Processes
Built systems that converted leads into paying clients automatically
Operational Efficiency
Created systems so the business could run without us being there 24/7
Financial Management
Finally understood our numbers and how to make profitable decisions
The Transformation Results
Monthly Revenue: £15,000+
Weekly Hours: 25-30 hours
Days Off: 2 per week
Stress Level: Manageable
Timeline to Success
3 Months to see first improvements
6 Months to hit £10k+ consistently
12 Months to achieve complete transformation
Living Life on Our Terms
Florida Freedom
Over the next 18 months, I invested over £50,000 in coaching, courses, and mentoring. It was scary - we barely had the money - but I knew it was our only way out.
World Cup Qatar
A once-in-a-lifetime experience that we could actually afford and enjoy, without worrying about the business falling apart while we were away.
Thailand Adventure
Three weeks exploring Thailand, working remotely when we wanted to, and proving that our business truly gave us location freedom.
This is what we'd always dreamed of: waking up when we wanted, spending quality time together, traveling the world, and knowing that our business was generating revenue and serving clients even when we weren't physically there.
Selling Success and Helping Others
In early 2023, we made the decision to sell our studio. It wasn't because we were struggling - quite the opposite. We'd built something so successful and systematic that it could run without us.
But I realized I had a bigger mission: helping other fitness business owners achieve the same transformation we'd experienced.
I'd seen too many passionate fitness professionals burning out, working themselves to death, and barely making ends meet. I knew the exact strategies that could change their lives, and I felt a responsibility to share them.
That's when FitPro Lead Gen and LeadDec were born. Everything I'd learned, every system we'd built, every strategy that had worked - I packaged it all up to help other studio owners achieve their own transformation.
Why I Do What I Do
The Pain I Prevent
Every day I work with studio owners who are exactly where Holly and I were - exhausted, stressed, and wondering if their dream is worth the sacrifice. I know that pain intimately, and I know there's a way out.
The Transformation I Enable
I've now helped over 90 studio owners transform their businesses and their lives. Seeing them achieve the freedom and success they deserve is what drives me every single day.
The Community I'm Building
This isn't just about individual success - I'm building a community of successful, profitable fitness business owners who support each other and raise the standards of our entire industry.
The Numbers Today
Studios Helped: 90+
Average Revenue Increase: £20k+
Success Rate: 95%
Years of Experience: 8+
"Every success story reminds me why I do this work. Every studio owner who achieves freedom validates the journey Holly and I went through."
Beyond Business
Life with Holly
Holly isn't just my business partner - she's my life partner. We've been through the struggles together, celebrated the wins together, and built our dream life together. She keeps me grounded and reminds me what really matters.
What Drives Me
Beyond business, I'm passionate about helping people realize their potential. Whether it's in fitness, business, or life - I believe everyone deserves to live on their own terms and achieve the success they dream of.
When I'm Not Working
You'll find me traveling with Holly, staying active (old habits die hard!), or planning our next adventure. The freedom our business gave us means we can actually enjoy life outside of work.
Ready to Transform Your Studio?
If my story resonates with you, if you're tired of the struggle and ready for the transformation, I'm here to help. I've walked this path, I know the way out, and I'm committed to helping you achieve the same success Holly and I found.
FitPro Lead Gen
Done-for-you marketing that actually works
LeadDec
All-in-one platform for lead generation
LeadDec
1-1 coaching for complete transformation