Tell Me About Your Outdoor Bootcamps
As summer bids farewell, Stefan Polson, who ran a summer Boot Camp in South London, gears up for the Autumn months.
His previous success came from offering a few free sessions, which sparked interest and created a buzz beyond the complimentary period. Undeterred by cooler weather, Stefan replicates the formula for the upcoming season, and today’s Autumn Boot Camp session garnered the same enthusiastic response as before.
While he works today for free, Stefan completely understands the long-term benefit that word-of-mouth referrals, and building a community spirit brings to his business. He is confident the initial loss will offset as participants return each week, proving fitness is appealing in any season.
A Journey from Unsettled Beginnings to Uncharted Dreams
Born into the complexities of attending schools in a variety of different countries, such as America, the Caribbean, and the UK, Stefan describes himself as a “suitcase child.” Intelligent and brimming with potential, he never had the opportunity to settle into a consistent environment that would nurture and showcase his intellectual capabilities.
Despite this, Stefan did leave school with 4 GCSEs. He entered the workforce at a grocery store, setting the stage for a 15-year climb up the management ladder, but life unfolded with its own set of challenges and Stefan found himself at a crossroads, yearning for a significant change.
He had the responsibility of providing for his family and a burning desire for a fresh start, Stefan took a bold step toward an undefined dream. His vision was clear in essence: he wanted to be part of something where he could use his physique, express himself, and inspire positive change. The journey into the fitness industry began with a decision made in the midst of depression—a swift exit from his job without much planning.
Unemployment became a stark reality for Stefan, but his resilience shone through. Without a clear roadmap, he created an account on a food delivery platform and signed up to work for Deliveroo.
A Transition and A Genius Way to Market
He was making a steady income with Deliveroo and recognised he had the potential to sustain himself temporarily, while figuring out how to get into personal training. This is when he discovered Focus Fitness UK.
Despite not having a gym or the necessary qualifications, Stefan directed people to his Instagram page, showcasing his personal fitness journey and the activities he was involved in, such as weight training and playing American football.
During this time, he ingeniously promoted himself by stapling business cards to his Deliveroo orders, recognising the natural connection between fast food and exercise. Mastermind!
“Once they finished their meal, they’d come across my details and check out my social media or reach out about my services.” This unconventional approach showcases Stefan’s ability to intertwine seemingly unrelated activities to enhance visibility and generate interest in his dream.
Before even completing his qualification, Stefan negotiated with a gym to start training immediately. As he gained more attention and followers on Instagram, people started approaching him for personal training.
To build his clientele, Stefan initially trained people for free in the gym, demonstrating his skills and showcased his sessions on Instagram. As his client base grew, he formulated his pricing strategy. Stefan then started networking by attending various events, and collaborating with a friend who owned a fitness company.
Stefan and his friend conduct fitness classes in the community, generating additional income. The collaboration provided a platform for Stefan to promote himself further. Over time, he diversified his classes, received requests for different events within the borough, and focused on branding himself. He worked on defining his mission, purpose, and vision, and is now looking to build a website to present himself and his business values.
Boldly Seeking Help When Needed
The conversation deepens as Stefan shares his transformative counselling journey, highlighting its pivotal role in overcoming a brush with depression and developing a profound self-understanding. This admirable openness underscores just how important it is to seek counselling for mental well-being. He passionately advocates for the destigmatisation of asking for help, recognising the societal barriers that can hinder individuals from finding the right support—an issue we both agree on.
Remarkably, he shares that, at the time, he wasn’t even aware he was showing symptoms of depression, but with the right help, he gained clarity, recognised his actions, and successfully addressed and overcame these destructive behaviour patterns that were creeping in.
Experiencing Focus Fitness UK
In this reflection on his experience with Focus Fitness UK, Stefan describes the program as an outstanding and positive element in his journey. Drawing a sharp contrast with another course that didn’t align with his learning style, Stefan commends Focus Fitness UK for its emphasis on physical engagement and making his learning easy to digest. He values the gym setting, the tutors, and the physical demonstrations that contribute to a hands-on learning experience.
For Stefan, the interactive nature of Focus Fitness UK, featuring in-person sessions and online webinars, played a pivotal role in his success. He highlights the importance of accountability and credits the engagement provided by the tutors for his achievements.
Expressing his preference for a hands-on approach, Stefan highly recommends Focus Fitness UK to others, noting that he has actively encouraged people to sign up based on his positive experience and says, “it was one of the best things that happened in his life.” What an incredible endorsement.
What’s Next for Stefan?
Looking ahead, Stefan shares his aspirations for the future, indicating a strategic focus on refining his marketing approach and targeting a specific audience in certain branches of his business. He articulates a genuine desire to mentor young black males, aiming to inspire positive change and promote a narrative of young fathers striving for success. Stefan envisions conducting dad classes, webinars, and podcasts that delve into meaningful topics like masculinity and responsibility.
As part of his forward-looking plan, Stefan intends to transition his training services online, seeking to enhance flexibility in his schedule. This move aligns with his vision of expanding his reach and impact in the realm of fitness and mentorship.
Describe Your Current Client Base and Your Strategies for Client Retention
First and foremost, Stefan remains positive, and brings this energy to work every day!
He currently works with individuals of all genders and ages, even focusing on parent-child dynamics, which is pretty rare in his area. This inclusivity extends to specialised sessions for women who have recently given birth, a testament to the sensitivity and diversity in his training approach.
He explains the intricate relationship that is formed between client and trainer, accentuating the importance of taking clients’ vulnerability seriously. It’s not easy to place complete trust in someone else and be truthful about your bad habits. “I ask for photos of your body, and details of your life. For this reason, I make sure I treat my people with extreme care and consideration. With that being said, I’m not a soft trainer, I see myself as firm but very fair, and it works well for me.”
Your Top Fitness Tip for Prospective Clients?
“My tip is 1% daily, that’s what I always say. If we strive for just 1% daily improvement, then we are on a winning track. Do not bite off more than you can chew and keep it sensible and continuous.” Stefan’s approach revolves around the concept of steady and incremental progress, emphasising the power of consistency in one’s fitness journey.
It’s so important to set realistic and achievable goals, steering clear of warped ideals, speaking specifically to those who show up with pictures of celebrity figures and requests to transform overnight.
Advice for Aspiring Fitness Professionals Worried About Competition
Addressing the concerns of those hesitant about entering the fitness industry due to its competitive nature, Stefan offers valuable advice: “Many people worry about the competition, but personally, I block it all out. I focus on myself—on being likable, on my own development—I don’t worry about competition. It’s essential to avoid the noise, concentrate on personal growth, and embrace your own individuality. Rather than trying to emulate others. Stefan’s advice to aspiring fitness professionals is to discover their unique strengths and niche. Success in the fitness industry, according to Stefan, comes from authenticity and staying true to oneself, rather than trying to follow someone else’s path.
See Yourself in The Fitness Industry?
Our dedicated team is poised and ready to provide you with the necessary support and expert guidance to ensure your journey kicks off on the right foot. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at 0208 920 2114 or email: info@focusfitnessuk.com
We also extend government funding options, making your dreams more attainable than ever before.
Learn more about what makes us stand out? Be sure to explore our vibrant Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/focusfitnessuk/