“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
― (Possibly) Mark Twain
I love hearing people talk about how much they love their job. Earlier today, I had one of those chats with Hywel Smith, a 27-year-old man from Cwmbran.
He started his personal training and online coaching business – Hywel Physique- in April 2024. Since becoming self-employed, he’s helped over 120 clients.
After leaving Croesyceiliog School, he began a ten-year career with a Bristol-based logistics firm. He quit his role as manager in August 2024 to go all-in on his new business.
It’s a decision he has no regrets about taking, telling me: “I don’t feel like I’ve worked in over a year.”
‘You train flat out anyway’
Hywel said the idea to become a personal trainer came from a friend who told him: “Why don’t you train people? You train flat out anyway.”
He said helping people improve their confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of the job, and he hopes to one day support teenagers in building their self-esteem through fitness.
“I’ve always been really passionate about fitness, from both a physical and mental perspective, so pursuing my own personal training company was a logical fit for me in terms of starting my own business,” said the former world kickboxing champion.
Hywel now trains more than 100 clients, most of them in Cwmbran, and has expanded his services to include virtual coaching for people in London, Liverpool, Manchester, and is about to start helping someone in Australia.
He said: “Being virtual is beneficial for so many reasons. It allows my clients to communicate with me regularly and lets me share training tips at my convenience and for them.
“It also allows me to access a wider range of individuals looking to take that first step into their physical fitness journey and this is something I’d really like to continue to build on as I develop the company.”
As well as health and fitness support, Hywel also runs a boxing class for men and women at Legacy Gym in Pontypool for people who “want to learn, throw some punches, but are scared of boxing gyms.”
Business Wales
He credits Business Wales for giving him the confidence to take the leap. He reached out for support following the death of a close friend and fellow athlete, and was paired with adviser Graham Harvey, who helped him plan and launch the business.
Hywel said: “When I reached out to Business Wales, I was looking for encouragement, and Graham gave me just that.”
Graham Harvey, Business Wales adviser, said: “Hywel came to me with a fully formed idea, he just required assistance in how to get it off the ground. He’s very passionate about helping people achieve their goals and I believe he has the right attitude to take his business nationwide, especially due to his virtual training element.
“Hywel’s success proves that many entrepreneurs can and are turning their ideas and drive into viable, scalable businesses. Sometimes all that is needed is strategic advice and access to resources, both of which are readily available here in Wales through our team.”
The Welsh Government funds Business Wales. For more information, call 03000 6 03000.
Contact Hywel Smith
You can message him on Instagram @hywel.physique, email [email protected] or call +44 7534440958