REACH Wellness is delighted to have supported Darren Bettison Wellbeing Services for the development of its new personal training studio in Mansfield. Located in a former betting shop, DBWS was established during the coronavirus pandemic/ lockdown and officially opens its doors to clients in May 2021.

At 11 years of age Darren was diagnosed with anklosing spondylitis (inflammation causing back and hip stiffness) after contracting salmonella leaving him hospitalised for six months. This acute illness significantly impacted his own health and wellbeing into his 30’s. Darren subsequently required medical intervention including regular autoimmune injections. However, the positive outcome was that this unfortunate experience gave Darren a personal interest in health and fitness. Darren decided to become a certified personal trainer and started to grow his client base, followed by studying for a qualification in biomechanics coaching and sports massage therapy. This gave Darren opportunity to further develop his skills and knowledge as a trainer.

After working at Fitness Flex/Your Space for three years and with the onset of the 2020 pandemic, Darren had to take his business online. “This gave me the push I needed to progress my business,” he added. “When the ideal premises became available it was time for DBWS to establish their own facilities and take more control over their own destiny. “One of my first calls in December 2020 was to Jeff at Reach Wellness to inform him that I had secured the premises.

DBWS includes conventional equipment that you would expect to see in a personal training studio including a range of dumbbells 12-36kg with adjustable benches, free weights and olympic bars, 3 x Escape Decks, Life Fitness Treadmill, IC7 Bike, Power Rack, Concept 2 Rower and Ski Erg. There is also a treatment room for sports massage and therapy services.

Jeff personally provided a detailed site survey and presented a concept for gym facility including plan layout and design that exactly met my objectives and budget. Indeed Reach Wellness provided consultancy and advice on all of our equipment. It was great to trust in Jeff’s experience and knowledge as a reliable fitness industry professional. The key decision was to install Reach Wellness’ Solid Infinity System; a patented wall mounted / space saving functional training solution to allow open floor space for small group training in the 110-square metre facility,” added Darren. SIS is amazing and my clients and me already love using it. In addition, I will be able to continue a ‘hybrid approach’ of online training from the same space and mitigate against any further business restrictions in future.

It is clear that Darren has earned a fantastic following and support from his local community that will no doubt ensure DBWS’s continued success now operating from his new business premises. It is rewarding for Reach Wellness to support DBWS through the pandemic with the project development and indeed a privilege to share the journey together both now and in the future.