A fitness entrepreneur is expanding his business for the second time in a year after opening a new gym at the regions biggest business park.

Former PE teacher Chris Hartley first launched his health and fitness business Cobalt Fitness six years ago, as a one-man band keen to get the people of the North East fighting fit.

Now Mr Hartley has opened a second training facility, an additional unit of 3,000sqft to add to the 1,000sqft of space he already had, with the new facility fully equipped with the latest technology alongside a cafe, shower and changing facilities.

Cobalt Fitness has grown from a fledgling start-up to a successful business and community with well over 100 members, and nine employees providing services tailored to ensure every member achieves their weight loss, body sculpting or fitness goals.

The team now includes five trainers, a nutritionist, two sports masseurs and a web designer.

The new training venue is the final element in the current Cobalt Fitness package, offering a program of classes including one-to-ones, weight loss programmes, 28-day shreds, boot camps, kids fitness sessions and group participation events and challenges.

Mr Hartleys background includes formative years as a PE teacher and then working for the NHS with overweight children and families which inspired him to gain fitness qualifications.

When funding for his NHS role came to an end it was the opportunity he needed to go it alone and launch Cobalt Fitness.

Last year his partner Luisa Dorward joined the team to follow her dream to become a fitness trainer, turning her hobby into a career. She completed fitness instructor training whilst working full time at Utilitywise on Cobalt .

Mr Hartley said: Seeing the visible change is priceless my clients. For me seeing people become fitter, stronger, healthier and more energetic is what I live for.

Its easy for me to change somebodys body and shape when people are ready to make lifestyle changes. Not just implementing short changes but by also supplying behavioural strategies, meal plans and support to keep our clients on the right track.

I feel honoured to have such amazing support by our clients, its crazy how far Cobalt Fitness has come. I am delighted with the growth the business has seen and with the hundreds of success stories we have achieved together so far.

My passion has always been helping people as theres no better feeling than when you help someone achieve their goals. Working for NHS made me realise what I was meant to do with my life. I wanted to test myself and push my skills to working with adults, which is how Cobalt fitness came about.

I am passionate about helping people change their lives for the better, in getting healthy and staying that way, we dont just focus on exercise we offer a whole package including nutrition, home work outs, challenges and ensure members look after their physical and mental wellbeing.

Amy Carroll, events and communications manager at Cobalt Park, said: Cobalt Fitness is a great local facility for the park. Many Cobalt staff go to the morning and afternoon sessions which take place on our doorstep so are super-convenient.

Link:
Former PE teacher opens second Cobalt gym in two years as health and fitness venture takes off - ChronicleLive