I’m Helena Shirley, founder and director of Vitality Health and Fitness, which I launched in January 2014. I have always been passionate about sport, exercise and healthy living and am committed to helping people achieve their own health and wellness goals.

I’ve worked in the health and wellness industry for over 25 years, including 15 years as Marketing Director for Technogym – The Wellness Company, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious brand of health and fitness equipment.

My Personal Health & Fitness journey – how I got to where I am now:

I was inspired six years ago, to do a personal training course (while I was taking a career break in order to spend more time with my family) so I could directly help people improve their life through physical activity and good nutrition. I felt passionate about enabling them to feel stronger and fitter within themselves and feel more confident about the way they look.

I have always been passionate about sport, exercise and healthy living and have been involved in competitive sport from a young age – both as a regional gymnast and national tennis player. I have also been a member of gym throughout my adult working life, regularly challenge myself to  running or triathlon events and appreciate first hand how regular physical activity, good nutrition and a positive mindset have improved my own personal wellbeing.

Following the personal training course I did in 2013, I set up Vitality Health and Fitness in 2014, with my own Personal Training Studio, and have developed a variety of group training sessions in and around Maidenhead.

Since 2015, I have also successfully set up and co-ordinated 10 Wellness Retreats in Spain for 12-15 guests and these are now a biannual event.Based in the mountains near Valencia, these unique weekends provide an ideal location for running, hill walking, yoga, meditation, strength training, core conditioning and exercising in the cooler months of May and September. Good nutritious food, educational talks on a variety of health and wellbeing topics, beautiful scenery, and a clean, peaceful and relaxing environment, provide clients with a true wellness experience.

I am constantly updating my knowledge and qualifications. In 2018 year I completed a Sports Yoga Course and am employed by Evo Triathlon Club in Berkshire to provide weekly yoga sessions for their athletes as well as coaching a GB Triathlete. I also work with a number of netball clubs and academies in the South East.  Sports Yoga incorporates whole-body flexibility, functional movement and core training for people who regularly participate in sport.

My PT clients enjoy the tailored and individual approach I provide and I aim to make them feel relaxed and unintimidated at my own personal training studio. Most of the clients who started training with me over five years ago are still training with me today which is testament to the kind of service I offer.

I pride myself on always coming up with new ideas, designing new fitness programmes, creating new healthy recipes and researching the latest health and fitness trends. I like to provide my clients with the most relevant and up to date information and research relating to their health and fitness needs.