Boxworks, an extension of Engine Shed made up of 20 shipping containers, is home to a number of companies but one of the more unexpected is The Warrior Programme; a personal training gym right in the centre of Temple Quarter! We spoke to founder and Head Warrior Amy Newton to find out more.

What is The Warrior Programme (TWP)?

We help people who want to get stronger, more confident and tone up, but who feel intimidated by the gym and don’t know where to start.

Describe the business in 3 words.

Strong – empowering – unique.

How long has the business been going?

We’re in our fourth year.

Why did you decide to set up TWP?

I’m passionate about the benefits – for mind and body – that weightlifting has, and I wanted to share that and make it more accessible. There is a lot of personal training around, but a lot of it isn’t great as there’s no focus on the client as an individual. Often standard plans are given to everyone, with a lack of interest in sessions and lack of empathy. I wanted to change that.

Tell us a bit about some of the clients you’ve worked with?

Our number one, best success story is Sue who came to us after a double mastectomy due to breast cancer and an intense reconstruction operation. Today, Sue is lifting 95kg and feeling SO much more confident. Her story was featured in a surgeon’s paper as an impressive recovery, a good amount of which she credits to me and TWP – a wonderful honour.

We’re also currently working with Sash Acheson, a professional England and Bristol rugby player, helping her to lose body fat and build/maintain muscle, with the goal of potentially competing in a bodybuilding competition in future.

What other projects are you involved in?

I’ve recently collaborated on a project with Red Bull to inspire people to get out and about in Bristol on their lunchbreak. The video gives ideas for ways to be active in a short amount of time and just using bodyweight.

How many people are there in your business?

There are 4 of us altogether – me, plus 3 other personal trainers.

What are your plans for the future of the business?

To continue to grow; working with more clients personally and seeing our online programme accessed by greater numbers.

Ultimately, I would love to franchise The Warrior Programme to help other personal trainers who have the right training skills and ethos create businesses they can be proud of.

Photos by Simon Thomas

Why have you chosen to work in Bristol Temple Quarter?

The location in Boxworks for us is brilliant. Close to all the major transport links and to the city centre. A lot of our clients are office-based, so this is ideal.

What do you want to see happening in Bristol Temple Quarter in the near future?

It would be good to see more development with more young independent businesses, and maybe a few more great coffee and cake shops too!

What advice would you give to a business starting out in Temple Quarter?

Don’t forget about the marketing methods that seem obvious sometimes. We’ve had some fantastic results from just putting up a few small signs!

You can find out more about Amy and the Warrior Programme online and on Instagram.

Photos by Simon Thomas