Faced with the opportunity to grow and offer my clients a better service, I jumped at the chance.
Even though this was a huge step, in my head I questioned how I would juggle being a single mum to two teenagers, a carer for my dad and building a business at the same time!
It was scary, but inside I knew that what I could offer would work, and if I didn't take a leap of faith, I would regret it.
For years, I had worked from church halls, a small studio in Lodge Moor and local parks, building up a wonderful group of clients, many of whom I consider friends.
With their support, referrals and excitement about moving to new, bigger premises, I was confident that my clients would continue to trust me and that I would make Kate Campbell Fitness a success.
I also had the pleasure of working with an amazing, talented and experienced group of trainers, who shared my enthusiasm for helping more clients achieve their health and fitness goals.
I'm therefore delighted that I took the risk and that my dream of having a one-stop facility catering to everyone at any stage of their fitness journey has come true.
The Small Gym with the Big Heart is our brand's soul and essence. A truly exceptional gym where everyone feels welcome, listened to and supported.
We don't just cater to or welcome one type of client, as many gyms do. We cater to all.
Over the years, I've been fortunate to work with and coach a variety of people of all ages, fitness abilities and personal goals.
I focus on teaching nutrition habits and fitness methods that work not only for short-term goals but also for long-term health benefits.
With over 20 years of experience working in the NHS and nearly two decades in fitness, I have dedicated my working life to helping others.
My core values and principles are deeply embedded in me, enabling me to support individual growth and development while creating an atmosphere where every client receives the same standard and level of professional care from my entire team.
By listening, guiding and educating in partnership with you, we go above and beyond as a team to support you through the most appropriate programme pathway and strategies, helping you achieve the results YOU deserve.
Many people ask why I left Midwifery…
The career I wanted to pursue since I was 11, when I watched a series with Miriam Stoppard that followed women and their families through a nine-month journey.
The honest answer is that I love being my own boss, in charge of my own schedule, and having the time, freedom and creativity to support others in ways that would have been impossible while working as a midwife.
Now, with the help of my team, we work hard to ensure that everyone is listened to, supported and taken care of.
And the truth is, I've not really left…
I specialise in pregnancy and postnatal fitness and wellbeing.
Baby cuddles are the best!
Created in 2007, Keep Mums Fit supports women to remain active during pregnancy and beyond, learn how to exercise safely during pregnancy, progress back to full strength post-birth and embrace the changes that occur in later life.
Women tell us they feel confident knowing they are in safe, experienced hands from the very beginning of their journey.
It's a unique relationship where my midwifery skills, combined with bespoke coaching from my team and me, allow confidence to blossom and trust to be built.
Having worked with thousands of women, it's wonderful to stay in touch with many via social media and see their fitness progress over the years.
Maintaining their love of exercise is so rewarding. Many are returning to me later in life to pursue new health and fitness goals.
This is the ultimate accolade. It's a privilege to know that when needed, my former clients turn to me again, trusting not only in the package of care that we can provide as a team, but also in the knowledge that someone who already knows them will help.
Our Keep Mums Fit motto: Fitness, Friendship and Fun.
Keep Mums Fit girls are truly inspirational!
Beyond babies – The Meno Years
The concept of the circle of life reminds us to embrace and cherish each stage of a woman's journey.
When I began my exercise career, Lucy, my youngest, was a baby, and my eldest, Hannah, was a toddler.
I was in my thirties, and my body was crying out for fitness. I wanted to sweat!
Running, aerobics, high-intensity interval training and Zumba were my routine.
Fast forward to now: my girls are grown-ups (ish); they’ll always need their mum! And my body, well, it's craving a different kind of fitness protocol.
Forget half marathons and hours of HIIT. As I go through the inevitable hormonal changes, my body needs a change of pace and more TLC, including a greater focus on flexibility, mindful movement, core and pelvic floor connection, and strength training.
Yes, I do love HIIT, but lifting heavy weights has become a staple part of my fitness routine during this period of my life.
Strength training is key to maintaining muscle and bone strength as we age, and I encourage all my female clients to embrace its benefits as we navigate life's transitions.
If the first step to start weight training feels overwhelming, then allow us to guide you.
We've added lifting classes to our timetable, and to say they are popular is an understatement! P.S our 70 year olds are lifting just as heavy as our 20 year olds. TRUE FACT!
Lifting is the NEW HIIT!
Please get in touch if you would like to learn more.
Mentorship, Education and Progression
I'm a big believer in ongoing professional development and student support.
As a mentor to my staff, Sheffield University students, and new personal trainers, I happily share my knowledge, experience, and insight into the world of health, fitness, and business, enabling them to grow, flourish, and learn independently in a safe, friendly environment.
It's a role I love, and every one of my students has welcomed the opportunity to work as a team member and develop a varied set of skills to support their ongoing aspirations and dreams.
If you know someone who would like to work in the industry, then do get in touch. I'm more than happy to chat and support.
Here is what Amy, one of our students, wrote about her time with us.
"I couldn't have wished to have met a better group of people to work with! During my time on placement at Kate Campbell Fitness, they supported me so much and gave me a life-changing experience. Everyone is so down to Earth and gives time and effort to each and every one of their clients. Thank you so much for this opportunity."
As for me…
I always have my head in a book or am taking a new course!
I love to learn and research new ways to maintain high engagement, and I've found that owning a varied set of skills is key to passing on my knowledge.
Nothing stays stagnant, and what was once the IN METHOD is now yesterday's news!
Am I the greatest TikTok or social media star?
Heck Noooo…
Shouting from the noisy social media rooftop with loud, brash, swearing, derogatory or preaching generalised statements is not my thing!
Honestly, to get my message across, I don't need to do cartwheels. Although my girls say I should!
Instead, if people like what they see, have heard great things about our gym and the services we provide, then once we connect, picking up the phone, jumping on a WhatsApp call and having a good old chat about how we can help is my preferred method.
In addition to fitness, I hold specialist pre- and postnatal training qualifications, as well as personal training qualifications.
I've also studied weight management, behavioural change, motivational interviewing, lifestyle and fitness assessments, outdoor fitness, sports massage, aromatherapy, nutrition and fitness for children and young adults.
More recently, my areas of study have included perimenopause and menopause, and I've been developing ideas for an e-book and course.
Weight loss injections are another developing area of interest, and one I'm keen to understand better so I can support clients navigating different approaches to weight management.
After all, there's always something new to learn!
