Emily's Story | Fitness First

From the studio desk to unlocking strength

Emily’s career journey took a sharp turn from the high-tech world of automotive design to the bustling floor of a Fitness First gym. After three years in an industry she saw heading towards AI replacement, she realised her true passion lay elsewhere. Despite 14-hour workdays on big projects, her main focus was always the gym. Seeing the complete turnaround in her own energy and sleep from weight training, she knew where her future lay.

She closed her company, applied for a job at Fitness First, and had her first day as a Membership Consultant on the 'close out' shift, straight into the deep end!

A month later, she was signed up for her PT qualifications, which she studied during her lunch breaks. Emily was drawn to Fitness First for the established brand, the community, and the potential for progression. The sales role taught her skills that proved invaluable for becoming a successful PT - grit, communication, and the ability to inspire.

Now a dedicated PT, Emily helps clients achieve milestones that build profound self-belief. There was the empowering moment when one of her clients achieved her first unassisted chin-up and even went for a second! Or the small, but deeply meaningful, win when Nick, after months of work, could finally touch his toes, conquering a lifelong belief that he was simply inflexible.

For Emily, true success is about both looking and feeling better - quality sleep, more energy, and everyday tasks becoming easier as you get stronger.

'It’s about giving 100% of your 50% energy on a tough day, because skipping a run for a long walk or doing half a workout to recover is still progress.'

From drafting car designs to being the 'technique police' in the gym, Emily’s story proves that progress isn’t about perfection, it’s about self-belief, consistency, and choosing to turn up, even when you only have half your battery charged.

At Fitness First, we believe progress isn't linear, results don't come from quick fixes, it's about showing up, again and again. It's not about perfection, it's about progress. Every rep, every class, every choice adds up to real change. Because when you choose progress, you don't just change your body - you change what you believe is possible.