While Megan Batchelor, the Swaythling studio’s founder, is always a fitness, training, exercise and nutrition advocate, she’s not one for new year new you fads.
The mum of three, a former international powerlifter, and her team of experienced personal trainers specialise in small group personal training, particularly for those in their 40s and beyond – regularly making clients feel at least ten years younger!
Focused Personal Training clients in the studio (Image: Candid Photography)
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Only closing two days a year, they deliver high-level, evidence-based training designed to protect long-term health at the City Gateway Building in Thomas Lewis Way.
Megan, who has worked in the fitness industry at national chains and local independents since 2009, before even completing her Fitness and Personal Training degree, saw a gap in the market.
She coached clients in their homes and local parks, running one-to-one sessions and boot camps and teaching that fitness should be about strength, resilience and long-term quality of life, not just beach body aesthetics.
A small group session at Focused Personal Training (Image: Candid Photography)
Most of her clients felt alienated by mainstream gyms and had tried and failed multiple times to start a lifelong fitness regime.
In 2015, Megan opened the studio doors, offering a wide range of training times to fit around work, family and caring responsibilities. The business now works primarily with people over 40 who want to stay strong, independent and confident long term.
Megan said: “As fitness professionals we can and do work with people of all ages, but experience tells us that the picture of someone’s fitness changes over time.
“People begin to notice at 35 or 40 that they aren’t quite as bulletproof as they were in their 20s – the aches, pains and niggles kick in and energy drops.
“That’s where we step in to turn things around and often get people feeling better than they did ten years ago.”
A small group session at Focused Personal Training (Image: Candid Photography)
Up to six people in each group follow a programme tailored to their goals, history and abilities, under the constant guidance of a qualified coach.
Clients benefit from the personalisation of the coaching, the camaraderie and affordability of training with others, and the consistency in their routine.
Megan added: “It goes beyond before and after photos. We help people enjoy more freedom – saying yes to adventures, playing with children and grandchildren, and knowing their bodies will keep up with the challenges life throws their way.”
A small group session at Focused Personal Training (Image: Candid Photography)