But such is the demand for spaces that he is now expanding into the former Activ Cycles unit next door, which will enable him to take on up to 200 clients.
Mr Brenner said: “We don’t want to lose that sort of niche identity that we’ve been able to create.
“I’ve researched other gyms that will be the same size as our new site, and the average membership comes in around 1,100.”
The 39-year-old dad says gym-goers can get anxious simply because they feel they are being watched. Others feel judged for their supposed “poor technique” or ability to lift weights.
Mind and Muscle Fitness has revealed it is set to triple in size after securing the vacant former Activ Cycles unit in Folkestone. Picture: Steve Brenner
“A lot of our members turned out to be people who were really trying to get into fitness and improve their health, but just stayed away from gyms because of anxiety,” he said.
The former Canterbury High School pupil says body image concerns, unfamiliar equipment and the rise of gym-goers making social media videos are some of the biggest deterrents for those starting out.
“People filming themselves has become an issue for many gym-goers in recent years. We are very aware of how it can be a negative issue,” he added.
“Therefore, our rule at Mind and Muscle Fitness is that filming must be permitted by our staff beforehand. This way we can explain to the person wishing to film certain things, such as doing it during very quiet times or ensuring no one is in the backdrop.”
Mr Brenner, who is qualified in personal training, nutrition and sports therapy, built his business around his own weight loss journey – shedding six stone in a year.
Steve Brenner, from Folkestone, shed six stone in a year as he began his fitness journey. Picture: Steve Brenner
“I originally decided to become a personal trainer as I was fed up with how things were heading in my life,” he said.
“I found myself becoming very overweight, unhealthy, and developed an addiction to alcohol.
“This was all very unfamiliar to the life I led when I was younger, having been very into sports.”
He says the birth of his son, now 11, was another catalyst in deciding to “completely change” his life.
After years of building a client base at Folkestone’s PureGym, Mr Brenner launched Mind and Muscle Fitness in 2023 and immediately saw the potential for future growth.
Steve Brenner knew he wanted to move into the vacant Activ Cycles unit before he even knew the price. Picture: Steve Brenner
Work is already underway on the expanded 6,000 sq ft facility, and he expects the new space to be ready by the end of the year.
Mr Brenner, who has spent most of his adult life in Folkestone, said: “The initial idea was to have a second site, as we had established ourselves as a small, quiet gym where we are.
“Then all of a sudden, I found out Activ Cycles was leaving, which was obviously a perfect opportunity for us, being next door.
“I called up the agency straight away and said we’d take it before we even knew what the price was. We got the keys three weeks ago.”
The expanded site will operate on the same model as the original gym, maintaining its focus on personal training, nutrition and sports therapy – and catering for anxious clients.
Steve Brenner started Mind and Muscle Fitness with his partner Kaylie Dawkins in 2023. Picture: Steve Brenner
Mind and Muscle has a wide range of clients, from 18-year-olds just starting their fitness journey to members aged 80.
Mr Brenner opened the gym with his partner, Kaylie Dawkins, who handled admin operations before recently stepping back.
The current site also has a massage clinic, which he plans to further develop in the new premises.
Activ Cycles recently closed its Folkestone store after 30 years in the town.
In a statement online, bosses of the independent bike shop said: “In response to the changing nature of retailing and the growth of customers purchasing online, we have taken the decision to combine our resources into our Ashford store.
“We appreciate and value the support of our customers. We wish to thank all of our Folkestone customers for their continued support.”