This weeks LDNER made the leap from champion wrestler to fitness entrepreneur. Meet Keith McNiven, founder of Right Path Fitness and also GB and England champion titles in freestyle wrestling under his belt. (You can read all about our journey through 6 weeks of personal training with them here). Find out about how Keith can help you achieve your personal fitness goals.
Where do you live in London and what do you like about the area?
I live in East London. It has a great vibe and there are loads going on right on your doorstep. You’ll often find me at London Fields, having an early morning run, getting competitive on the ping pong tables or grabbing some food for a barbecue in the afternoon with some friends. I’m from Leeds originally and it reminds of Headingley where there is a relaxed feel and students mingle with families and young professionals. All converging down the local park, chilling out and having a good time.
After competing for GB and England as a wrestler was it always your plan to go into personal training?
Not really no. After many years of competing, I did something completely different by working in social care. I got another perspective on the world and with a section of society that are often misunderstood. But, I always kept up with my own training. Competing at national level trains you in such a way that the discipline never really leaves you, and I always felt my happiest in the gym.
What would you say your most popular programmes are at Right Path Fitness and why?
It’s definitely our transformation plans where you work out on a one to one basis 3-4 times a week for 6 or 12 weeks. The reason they are so popular is that big changes can be made in a short time. For many people, that intensity and the individual focus on them and their particular goals drive them further with their fitness than they’ve achieved in years, if ever. It can be a means to an end for a big event, but they are best used as a re-set for a new and healthier lifestyle.
How do you see Right Path Fitness expanding?
We’re in the process of sourcing the perfect East London studio but we’ll still offer clients the option to train where it best suits them. Having our own dedicated studio will just give us that extra flexibility and the opportunity to offer a variety of classes to complement our personal training. As our lives get busier and more hectic, I also see the online coaching side of the business developing.
Describe your perfect day in London.
I’m in my thirties now so when I get a day off, I’m after a more relaxed day! I’ll head out with my girlfriend and our two dogs for a wander down to Broadway Market or Victoria Park. For a nice healthy brunch, I like Raw Duck in Hackney. Their salmon, seaweed, avocado and egg rice bowl or salmon on sourdough says weekend to me- I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! On Sundays, we’ll head to the flower market on Columbia Road, get a bite to eat, have a look around and soak up the atmosphere.