Leigh Broadway Katie Louisa Wellbeing gym is opened

Personal trainer Katie Collins has launched her new venture, Katie Louisa Wellbeing, after noticing a shift in gym-goers’ habits.

The 37-year-old, who became a personal trainer ten years ago after being made redundant from her airline cabin crew job, has shifted away from offering weight loss-focused bootcamp classes in favour of a more holistic approach to wellbeing.

Entrepreneur - Katie Collins, 37, at the launch of her new fitness studio (Image: Katie Collins)

She says focusing on her own wellbeing has helped her to overcome the poor mental health she suffered after splitting up with a long-term partner.

“I wanted to focus on helping women like me with children who struggle to get to the gym and are focusing on their wellbeing, rather than losing weight,” the mum-of-two explained.

“I’ve realised lots of people are struggling with their mental health and training, but getting out and exercising really helps. I feel more like a therapist now and not just a personal trainer.”

The Leigh resident has also “ditched the scales” because she thinks focusing too heavily on weight loss is “not good for people’s mental health”.

Wellbeing - the new venture has been well supported by Katie's clients (Image: Katie Collins)

The business owner, who is originally from Hertfordshire but moved to Leigh a decade ago, has also partnered with other female entrepreneurs who offer services, such as meditation and yoga from her studio.

“Lots of local businesses are collaborating, which is really nice,” she said.

“I think a lot of people are focusing on the wellbeing side. Two years ago you wouldn’t have had a meditation class at the gym.”

New - inside Katie's studio in Leigh Broadway (Image: Katie Collins)

At her studio, which is above the Meredith Clinic beauty salon at the former Home estate agents, Katie offers one-to-one personal training sessions where youngsters are welcome to join in.

Her two children, Harry, five, and Freddie, four, have been enjoying the new gym and often train with their mum.

She added: “I do a live workout every morning at 6am and they get involved. They love it. My older son is so used to me training every day and he now goes boxing four times a week.”

Despite the studio being “girly and focussed on women”, Katie says she’d “never turn anyone away”.