Ger Conroy has spent more than 20 years in the fitness industry. What started with a job as a fitness instructor eventually grew into three commercial gyms, a fitness academy and a community of more than 2,000 members. But the journey began with a simple passion for fitness, a willingness to help people and a decision to take a risk despite not knowing exactly where it would lead.
The Challenge
Before opening his own business, Ger spent eight years working in a commercial gym. Although he knew he wanted to become a personal trainer, self-belief was initially a major obstacle.
“I didn’t believe I was going to be able to market myself correctly.”
Eventually, Ger decided it was time to take the leap. He was starting a family and knew that if he didn’t make the move, he might never do it.
He began working as a personal trainer while teaching classes, using his energy and passion for helping people to build relationships with members.
One of the first ideas that helped him stand out was an eight-week challenge. Rather than simply selling personal training sessions, Ger gave people a clear programme that included training, meal plans and measurements.
The response was immediate.
“People just went for it straight away.”
The Strategy
Build Relationships Before Selling
Ger’s approach was centred on helping people first.
He focused on being present in the gym, speaking with members, answering questions and making people feel welcome. Looking back, he believes that genuine care and passion were major reasons his client base grew.
“People actually just like honesty. They like the way you care.”
That philosophy continued when Ger opened his first studio.
Start Small and Make the Most of What You Have
In 2014, Ger opened a 1,000-square-foot studio. He didn’t have much money to invest in the space and initially had only a few kettlebells, including equipment borrowed from a friend.
Rather than waiting until everything was perfect, he started promoting the gym through his personal Facebook profile.
For the first class, he was nervous that nobody would show up.
Eight people did.
“Eight people showed up. That was it.”
From there, the studio continued to grow.
Ger focused heavily on how classes were structured, demonstrating that a relatively small space could accommodate a large number of people when the sessions were organised effectively. At one point, he had 48 people in a boxing class in the 1,000-square-foot space.
Expand When the Opportunity Makes Sense
The next stage came when an adjoining space became available.
Ger’s business had grown to the point where the original premises were becoming overcrowded, with classes, personal training and multiple trainers operating in the same small space.
The adjoining space eventually became a commercial gym, and the business continued expanding.
In 2016, Ger opened his second location. Around a year and a half later, another opportunity led to a third location in Ratoath.
The Results
Ger’s growth over the years has been significant.
He has now spent more than 20 years in the fitness industry, starting with a small PT studio before expanding into three commercial gyms and a fitness academy.
His first studio opened in 2014, followed by his second gym in 2016 and a third location around 2017–2018.
By 2026, Ger had more than 2,000 members across his three gyms. Membership starts at around €40 per month, with higher membership options also available.
One of his gyms was also voted Best Gym in Dublin by the public and its members after being open for around 18 months.
His fitness academy has also qualified a few hundred people over approximately nine years.
However, for Ger, the numbers aren’t the only measure of success.
His gyms have been built around creating an environment where members know each other, feel comfortable and help newcomers feel welcome. He deliberately focuses on community rather than trying to compete solely on price.
“We just want to make sure that everybody knows your name. Everybody feels comfortable, everybody feels welcome.”
A Business Built Around Community
One of the clearest examples of Ger’s philosophy is the free personal training session offered to new members.
The idea came from his own experience as a teenager. After joining a gym, Ger felt too nervous and insecure to ask for help. He eventually stopped going and let his membership go to waste.
When he opened his own gym, he wanted to make sure other members didn’t have the same experience.
Now, new members receive a free personal training session so they can meet the team, learn what to do and feel part of the community.
“I don’t want anybody to feel like that going into a gym.”
This focus on creating a welcoming environment has remained central to Ger’s approach as the business has grown.
Words from Ger Conroy
Ger believes that helping people and genuinely caring about their experience ultimately creates business growth.
“We’re not doing anything special. But we were. We are just caring about people.”
His advice for other fitness entrepreneurs is straightforward: don’t be afraid to ask for help, learn from people who have already achieved what you’re trying to achieve and stay focused on serving people.
“Whatever you’re trying to do, surround yourself with people who’ve already done it. You learn from them.”
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