James Smith
Group Business Development DirectorHello! My name is James and I have been working in the fitness industry since graduating from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2009. My journey started with Virgin Active as a Fitness Coach, transitioning into a full-time personal trainer, and then I became the PT Manager for one of the most successful clubs in the group, managing a team of 18 Personal Trainers while also delivering 25-30 sessions per week.
After 5 years with Virgin Active I shifted towards the supplier side of fitness to gain more experience and build my network and reputation across the industry. Over the last 10 years I have worked for brands such as Technogym and Speedflex and have now returned to the world of Personal Training to help grow all aspects of the YPT business.
Sports, fitness and physical challenges have been consistent throughout my life, I still regularly play competitive Cricket, Golf, and complete running challenges of all distances from 5km to Ultra Marathon.
Interesting Fact
During my time at University, I worked with the Yorkshire County Cricket Club Strength and Conditioning team where I helped young up and coming players at the time such as Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow with their fitness and had the privilege of taking Michael Vaughan and Matthew Hoggard for hill sprints around Headingley.
