Every gym has a story, and we’re so excited to share ours. LIFTD Gym isn’t just a place to workout; it’s the culmination of a journey filled with challenges, growth, and a shared vision. Here’s how it all began.
Two Different Starting Points
Tim and Steph, the co-founders of LIFTD, come from very different fitness backgrounds. Tim grew up immersed in sports, eventually playing rugby in his home country of New Zealand. Steph, on the other hand, had a more hesitant introduction to fitness. She would occasionally visit the gym, but like many, she felt out of place and unsure of what to do. Her workouts were limited to the spin bike and cross trainer, all while stealing glances at the weightlifting area, wondering if she’d ever feel confident enough to step in.
The Beginning of a Shared Journey
Tim’s career path led him to become a personal trainer in Melbourne, Australia, where health and fitness were part of the city’s culture. This is where their paths crossed. After a year of dating, Tim finally convinced Steph to step into the gym properly.
It wasn’t an easy start for Steph—she wasn’t naturally athletic or strong. In fact, during her first attempt at bodyweight squats, she found herself sitting on the floor (not by choice!). But something clicked. Over time, she discovered that the gym could be her after-work escape, a place to unwind, learn, and grow. As her confidence and skills improved, she decided to become a personal trainer herself.
A Season of Change
Life took a new direction when Steph and Tim moved to England. At the time, Tim had shifted away from personal training and was deeply involved in rock climbing, even becoming a climbing instructor. Meanwhile, Steph was building her PT business. However, the world changed with the onset of COVID-19. Tim’s climbing gym shut down, and Steph had to pivot quickly, moving her business online after filling up her one-on-one Personal Training calendar.
When gyms finally reopened, Steph found her way to what would later become LIFTD. Coaching in that space reignited her passion. She thrived in the community atmosphere, connecting with people and helping them achieve their goals. Tim returned to his climbing roots, but Steph knew she had found her professional home.
The Opportunity of a Lifetime
The chance to take over LIFTD came at an unexpected time. Tim was in New Zealand caring for family, and Steph was questioning whether full-time coaching was her long-term path. Despite the uncertainty, they jumped at the opportunity. LIFTD already had an amazing foundation, but they saw the potential to shape it into their shared vision—a dream they had discussed years earlier in Australia.
The Vision for LIFTD
At LIFTD, our mission is to make health and fitness accessible for everyone, regardless of experience, background, or age. We want to create a gym that members look forward to visiting multiple times a week—a space that’s welcoming, supportive, and full of energy.
We know lifting weights can sometimes feel repetitive, but it’s the community that makes it worthwhile. It’s about the familiar faces, the laughs, and the shared triumphs that make every session more enjoyable. In a world where many now work from home and crave connection, we strive to provide a place where people feel like they belong.
For us, LIFTD is more than just a gym. It’s a sanctuary for stress relief, a hub for building friendships, and a platform for personal growth. We take this responsibility seriously, and we’re committed to making every member’s experience a positive one.
So there you have it: the story of how LIFTD came to be. Whether you’re new to fitness or a seasoned pro, we hope our journey inspires you to join us and become part of the LIFTD community.