From Sainsbury’s in Warrington to online personal training in Dubai

Following a recent move to Dubai, the former Padgate High School student is an online personal trainer and coach helping clients achieve their fitness goals.

He claims to be “ the best coach since sliced bread” at helping male clients achieve their dream bodies.

Here, in our latest Business of the Week feature, Aidan tells us how he has built his business over the past three years and why he believes direct communication and developing friendships is crucial to getting top results.

If you would like to appear in one of our business features, email heid.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk

Aidan now lives in Dubai where he is an online personal trainer and fitness coach (Matt Marsh Photography)

What’s the name of the business?

Aidan Brown Fitness

What’s the address?

Dubai Marina

Are you the owner/manager?

Yes.

When did you open the business?

I first opened the business in 2020 and started as a 1:1 PT (personal trainer).

Has it always been in the exact location?

No, I recently moved to Dubai in September.

Are you local to the area? Did you grow up in Warrington?

I have lived in Warrington for the last 25 years. I lived in the Padgate area and went to Christ Church Primary School and then Padgate High School.

Aidan works hard at building up strong relationships with his clients (Leon Mansley)

Tell me a bit about your business. What do you do? What services do you provide?

Currently, I am a fully online personal trainer and coach where I specifically help males get rid of their dad bod and transform them into a cover model. I get them feeling great with their top off and comfortable in their body. I am the best coach since sliced bread to get someone feeling hot and get them to be that person everybody wants to look like while still being able to go out and socialise with their mates.

I do this with an initial client assessment to see their current daily nutrition and I start with the basics. I get my clients to focus on what matters most, such as a step goal, and simply track how much they eat daily. I then set small goals to get them where they want to be.

The leading service I provide is online coaching, which consists of weekly check-ins with an assessment of the client's progress each week. I adjust things to ensure we’re getting the best results possible for each client and their lifestyle and this helps ensure we avoid the plateaus that most people struggle with when working independently.

The nutritional program is designed around the client and aims to maximise results each week without having to restrict what they eat. No more cutting out favourite foods or cancelling plans. I adjust this as often as possible when their body is transforming.

The training plan is designed around a client’s schedule, goals, gym equipment, preferences and lifestyle. Everything I do will get the client’s body to change. There is always direct communication from me - I am only a WhatsApp away, whether it’s a quick question about a meal you hadn't factored in, you’ve had to skip a workout or you need to pick me up. I'm always there to guide the client and I make sure I reply within 24 hours.

Why did you decide to open your own business?

I previously worked in Sainsbury's and hated the fact I had a boss; I would get told not to chew gum and had to ask to go to the toilet. I had no freedom and couldn't do what I wanted with my life while working there. I knew I needed to be self-employed without anyone telling me what to do.

What’s your business background?

I have a degree in business management, which I think has taught me some business skills - time management, organisation and efficiency.

Why this type of business?

I chose this type of business because I love what I do; I love connecting with people and talking about gym stuff. Not only that, the feeling you get when a client drops 45kg and it saves his life is a feeling that only this job can provide.

How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect your business?

During Covid, the business was just starting and fully opened when Covid ended. I was a fitness instructor with David Lloyd building up a client base.

What makes your business different from others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?

My personality sets me apart from most other coaches; I'm easy to get along with and can make you feel at ease. I’m a non-judgemental, empathetic and caring person who simply wants to help. I learned from Michael Goulden at Integra Education, which is an ongoing program that deems you a Resistance Training Specialist (RTS) and consists of the top one per cent of coaches in the world, who strive to be the best. I've been consistently learning for three years because the more I learn, the better I become. Some coaches do their level 3 qualification and think that is enough but you have to constantly strive for better.

Why do loyal customers return to your business?

The relationship I build with my clients is what brings them back; with many of my clients, I have become their friend and someone they can rely on. Becoming friends with your clients in this industry is frowned upon, but I think it makes clients stay the longest and get the best results. I have clients who have been with me from the start and are still going strong.

What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your business?

With me just moving to Dubai, the plan is to keep growing and double the size of my business. Within the next two years, I aim to have two coaches working with me and handling more clients. Within the next two months, the goals are simple: keep providing the best service to my clients and achieve the best results.