How does LA, where you started your career, compare to west London?
I believe the fitness industry in LA is very superficial. It’s all about how you look as a trainer and who your celebrity clients are whereas West London is more real. In reality, education plays a huge factor in getting clients to come to you in the first place – your technical knowledge is the most important factor in gaining and retaining clients. If you don’t know what you’re talking about it will show and you will never receive referrals from anyone.
Why did you and co-founder Jo Mathews choose west London as the location for your first two TenPilates studios?
I have been working in and around the Notting Hill area since 2005, so I suppose it felt like a natural progression to open up in the local area. We felt Notting Hill is a great location for accessibility, has strong communication links and a good demographic of active people looking for premium fitness services.
How do you balance training clients, keeping fit and running a business?
Balancing my work commitments with my own fitness programme is a fine art. If I’m not in the studio working with clients I am in the office doing the many hours of paper work or travelling around to all the studio locations to meet with the trainers. Prioritising my dairy is the beginning of making time for myself, either early morning 6am-ish or later after work 10pm-ish are the times I get for myself. Keeping fit is important for me, although I work hard as do many people out there. It’s all about prioritising what is important to you.
How do you relax?
I relax by reading a book, going to the movies or playing my guitar at home. I like to read both fiction and nonfiction books such as those by by Dan Brown and those by extreme endurance athlete Mike Stroud.
What’s your indulgence?
My only indulgence is staying at nice hotels whenever I go on holiday. I have just been to Sydney for my brother’s wedding and I stayed in some beautiful hotels.
What’s your view on drugs?
Drugs are not cool.
What was the last band you saw in London?
The Foo Fighters at the O2 – they where brilliant.
What’s by your bedside?
My alarm clock, iPod for when I go running and bedside lamp.
What’s your favourite west London restaurant?
I love the food at Osteria Basilico [29 Kensington Park Road, W11].
Where were the last three places you went on holiday?
Sydney, Australia; Hvar, Croatia and Bali, Indonesia.
What do you miss when you’re away?
When I’m away from London I really miss the West End, especially around Christmas time – the lights are beautiful; it really make you feel like a kid again.
What’s your philosophy on life?
Work hard, play hard; never stand still.
