A Liverpool-based personal trainer swapped the military for mindfulness after experiencing his own challenges with mental health.
Tom Simpson, is the owner of Apex Liverpool, a hugely popular health and wellness centre on Prescot Road that is now expanding and moving to a bigger facility in The Baltic Triangle.
Tom, 33 from West Derby, began boxing at just 11 years old, competing at a national elite level from age 13 to 27.
He later joined the military as a fireman and served three years of service when he began to experience challenges with his mental health. Leaving the Royal Air Force to pursue a professional boxing career, Tom started working as a part-time personal trainer to help fund his boxing expenses.
During this time, Tom says he “completely fell out of love with the sport” after facing several injuries.
He explained:
“Boxing was all I’d known and I felt like I’d completely lost my identity. Up until that point, the one constant passion in my life was being in the gym.”
During this time, Tom met renowned Liverpool entrepreneur and former MMA fighter Mark Scanlon, who later became his business partner in Apex Liverpool. Educating Tom on the importance of focusing on his mindset, Mark encouraged him to embrace this change of direction in both his career and life.
Tom continued:
“I started setting goals and improving my habits, and prioritised my personal development. I traveled the world for courses and education and became obsessed with self improvement.”
He created a gym in his parents’ garden through Covid, and once restrictions were lifted properly, opened the Apex Centre on Prescot Road. Following the overwhelming success of his signature kettlebell classes, Tom is now opening a bigger facility in The Baltic Triangle on Brick Street which will welcome its members from Monday 2nd June.
Tom said:
“This new facility is the culmination of all my life experiences; blending physical, mental, and spiritual training to help people lead strong, happy, and healthy lives in every aspect.
“Our gym will offer a variety of classes including kettlebells, women’s only classes, pilates, glutes, yoga, meditation, and breath work. Each month, we also will host group seminars where guest speakers will share their expertise on diverse topics.
“We will also provide lifting workshops for current and new members to build confidence with kettlebells, alongside meditation and emotional healing courses that aim to create mental peace, clarity, and resilience.
“Our members will also have exclusive access to a sauna and a cold plunge pool that they can book for personal use to help with recovery and relaxation.
“We’ve been working so hard behind the scenes to perfect the Apex Centre in The Baltic Triangle and we’re really excited to open our doors on Monday 2nd June, welcome our members and introduce the wider Liverpool community to our approach to physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing in the heart of the city centre.”
Mark Scanlon, co-owner of the Apex Centre, added:
“When I met Tom, I really believed in his potential as both a personal trainer and advocate for health and wellbeing. It’s been incredible to watch his journey unfold and how much he’s worked on his own mental health and personal development over the years.
“Tom has become a dear friend and business partner and I’m so proud of his success with the Apex Centre that started in Old Swan and is now expanding to a bigger facility in Liverpool’s thriving Baltic Triangle. The centre will bring together all facets of health under one roof; from dynamic classes to healthy food, a recovery room that members can access and monthly wellbeing workshops. If you wanted to focus on your overall well being – both body and mind – I’d encourage you to explore what the Apex Centre has to offer.”
The Apex Centre Liverpool has collaborated with Liverpool’s popular eatery Spitroast that’s renowned for its whole food approach. Spitroast will have its own coffee shop on site and has created an exclusive menu for Apex members that includes tasty and healthy breakfast dishes, snacks and a lunchtime menu as well as coffees and juices.
Classes are held each day at 6am, 9.30am, 12pm and 6.30pm. The full timetable can be viewed on Apex’s website.
Memberships are £149 per month with an introductory offer of £99 for unlimited classes. Memberships can be purchased here.
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