IAN STRINGER

Twenty five years ago, I joined the British Army and became a very active member of the sporting scene.

I came into contact with instructors and coaches who had a fantastic view of training and through their dedication and professionalism, I became inspired to experience a variety of sports which included, cross country skiing and running, rugby, and athletics in which I won several gold medals in the 400 meters. I boxed in two different weight categories winning championships in both middle and light heavy weight. Over two consecutive years I took part in the British Army on the Rhine decathlon, 3 man team event, and we came second in both of them.

After leaving the British Army I returned to a sport which I started at 15 whilst living on the Isles of Scilly, Cornish Pilot Gig Racing, which has seen a huge increase in competitors in recent years. During my time in this sport, I have attained four World Championship titles. The rowers today are more professional in their attitude to training, and train throughout the year – it is in the winter months that I now provide training for several Gig Clubs in their “off season preparation”, some of whom have consistently come in the top three places over the last eight years of competition.

Not long after leaving the Army I returned to full time education at Exeter, to study Sports Therapy and after twelve months, qualified as a personal trainer with the International Institute of Sports Therapists, also acquiring my British Amateur Weight Lifting award.

I then worked as an instructor and manager at local gyms and health clubs in Cornwall, where I have built up my experience as a personal trainer and sports therapist.

It was in 2004 that I created Fitness-Matters personal training and the business has grown and became an established one. It seemed only a natural progression to open Stringer’s Gym, where I could offer a high quality service, working with a team who had the same strong desire to teach and provide a professional, personal service to our client base. I feel very privileged to be able to work within such a team.

STUART WILLIAMS

TIA MALLINDER

TOM WALLIS

KAYLEIGH VIVIAN

I have always had a passion for fitness and competed in athletics from a young age until college, where I still maintained my enthusiasm. For over 5 years I have worked in the health and fitness industry, whilst completing a degree in BSc Health and Fitness, alongside completing the YMCA Level 2 and 3 in Advance Fitness instructing and various fitness class training.

Upon completion I left Cornwall and spent a year personal training around the Berkshire area, to gain more experience, working with a wider population, improving my client diversity. Also it allowed me to practise new techniques, with new equipment and teach a variety of group exercise classes including: Spinning, Pump Fx, Circuits, Kettlebells, Boxfit, Legs Bum and Tums, and Balance and Tone.

In particular I specialise in fat loss, body conditioning, sculpting and toning, nutrition and weight management and core conditioning. As well as educating you to the science behind your movements so you understand the importance of the work you’re doing and why you’re doing it!

I believe every session should be challenging yet enjoyable to help you stay motivated and get results!!

JAMES SCOTT-STRINGER

I Studied Water sports at college and am currently studying Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Portsmouth, which means when I am home I can help out with dad and the team at the gym. I am a coach in Windsurfing, Sailing and Kayaking and like to stay fit by regularly partaking in a range of sports from Gig Rowing and Boxercise to Running and Spinning.

My passion for sport stemmed from Rowing at a young age and I can’t remember not being able to row. This led specifically onto Cornish pilot gig rowing where the drive to compete and succeed began.

My love of the sea made my choice to do a course in water sports very obvious and I proceeded to gain qualifications in all the disciplines that were available to me. In 2007 competing in the pilot gig world championships my crew achieved second place in what was to be the closest final in the history of gig rowing. I was fortunate and honoured to be in such a strong crew and was lucky enough to row with my own dad, who was, undoubtedly, the foundation and reason for my passion in rowing and sport in general.

Following my enthusiasm for water sports I decided to use these transferable skills and apply them to snow. This meant living in a French ski resort for four months, working and snowboarding almost every day. Picking the sport up quickly I received the award for most improved snowboarder, arriving a complete beginner and leaving a vastly improved and accomplished snowboarder.