In this episode, we sit down with David Steele, owner of Project Strength & Fitness in Edinburgh and a long-standing member of the Gym Owner Network. 

David opens up about the realities of extreme weight loss, the mindset shifts required to change his life, and the early insecurities he faced entering the fitness industry without the “typical” trainer physique. He walks us through the highs and lows of opening a gym during the COVID pandemic, navigating the chaos of the wrong business model, freelancer challenges, burnout, and personal hardship.

The conversation dives deep into what truly drives sustainable success: ownership, vulnerability, consistency, and behaviour change. David reflects on how joining the Gym Owner Network gave him clarity, direction, and accountability—helping him move from survival-mode revenues to a structured, scalable business and a more balanced life.

This episode is an honest, raw, and inspiring story about resilience, leadership, and what’s possible when you commit to showing up fully—for yourself, your team, and your community.