Stuart Henderson launched Ideal Fitness in 2009 after recovering from a serious car accident in which he broke his back, leaving him unable to walk for two years.
Over the last five years the business has gone from strength to strength and the 46-year-old works with a wide portfolio of clients looking to reach their goals, from weight loss to toning up or even training for an iron man.
But it has always been his dream to grow the business – and grow how he helps clients – and now he is doing just that by opening a new training and therapy studio at the Business Development Centre on Stafford Park.
He has joined forces with 56-year-old Paul Fernley, a qualified, registered nurse and occupational health specialist, who will focus on sports rehabilitation, massage, first aid and counselling.
Mr Henderson said: “It is very exciting times for the business. Paul has joined Ideal Fitness as a co-director and will be based at the new studio, offering services such as sports therapy, injury treatment, sport and holistic massage, first aid training, health screening and massage training.
“We have only been in the new premises a couple of weeks but already we are
seeing a high level of interest in these services, and I know from personal experience how much services like these can help someone recovering from an injury or looking to realise their goals.
“It is a dream come true for me to be able to grow the business in this way.
“After my accident I couldn’t walk for two years and the doctors said I would never walk properly again.
“I thought my dreams of running my own personal training business had been shattered forever but it just goes to show how far a bit of determination and positive thinking can get you.
“I’m now training for more than 25 hours a week with clients and I love every minute of what I do.
“My goal is always to help the clients achieve their targets whether it’s losing weight, toning up or training for an Ironman.”
Mr Henderson has a black belt in Karate, an extensive portfolio of personal training related qualifications and is an expert in endurance training, speed training, weight loss and diabetes management and outdoor fitness.