From The Block Fitness started its services in March 2020, just prior to the first coronavirus lockdown in the UK. The company provides private training facilities including personal training and group circuit sessions, rather than the traditional idea of a large-scale, multi-members gym. This offers a niche service for those who prefer to train in private, away from the eyes of other gym-goers, and sets the company apart from its competitors.

Lisa founded her private fitness training upon spotting a gap in the fitness market after embarking on her own journey. In 2017, Lisa was overweight and unhappy with the way she looked. On the outside, she had the perfect life – a great job, a wonderful family, and a lovely home. But after looking at photographs of herself on social media and feeling immensely unhappy, Lisa made the decision to reach out to a Personal Trainer for help – which would soon become one of the best decisions of her life.

After her career spanning over 20 years in the hospitality sector and at the age of 40, Lisa was made redundant from her job as a successful Deputy Hotel Manager of a 4-star hotel in 2018. But there was a silver lining – fitness.

Lisa made the decision to start again. She went back to school, retrained in anatomy, physiology and nutrition, and From The Block Fitness was born. Starting out in her garage, Lisa offered Personal Training and Group Circuit sessions for those who wanted a safe and friendly space to train. Of course, then came the first lockdown and multiple further restrictions, and Lisa quickly pivoted to offering remote sessions via Zoom.

In the background though, she was working on something bigger. On 5 October 2020, after weeks of blood, sweat and tears, and investing all her life savings, she opened the business in a unit at the Waterfront complex, underneath the Bliss Hotel in Southport. The unit is fully equipped with high quality gym equipment within two large training spaces – ideal for personal training and group circuit sessions. It also boasts a prominent position on the promenade, just steps away from the Marine Lake. Lisa and her husband, Joe, worked tirelessly on the majority of the works, bringing in tradesmen for things like the electrics and plumbing – and it’s certainly paid off.

Since opening, Lisa has taken on three new Personal Trainers as demand for the service quickly grew – despite the numerous challenges she has faced. She has also become a highly respected voice within the fitness industry in Southport and is invested in both the physical and mental health of all her clients. Most recently, Lisa has featured in her first ever podcast with Sandgrounder Radio to help raise awareness on mental health. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

For aspiring female entrepreneurs and business owners, Lisa’s story is beyond inspiring. In just one year, Lisa has gone from being unemployed in the hospitality industry, to successfully running her own fitness business, with huge plans for the future.

To learn more about From The Block Fitness visit www.fromtheblockfitness.com