Why Kate Thorpe brought fit20 to Glossop after her own health transformation
When Kate Thorpe first discovered fit20, she never imagined she would one day be opening her own studio. fit20 Glossop is officially open, bringing calm, science-backed strength training to the heart of the community and marking a powerful new chapter in Kate’s journey.
Kate’s path to fit20 was shaped by both her professional background and her personal health story. After a 20-year career in law, she retrained as an integrative psychotherapist and coach, driven by a lifelong passion for helping people live happier, healthier lives.
Yet despite her strong belief in a “healthy mind, healthy body” philosophy, Kate admits that exercise had always been a struggle.
“I’d tried gyms, classes, personal trainers, nothing ever stuck,” Kate explains. “It was either too time-consuming, too intense, or just didn’t feel right for me.”
That all changed following an NHS health check in her early 50s, which revealed pre-diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity, a moment Kate describes as a wake-up call.
How Kate found fit20
Through networking, Kate already knew Niri Patel, Managing Director of fit20 UK and Matt Appleby, Studio Owner of fit20 Stocksbridge, who spoke passionately about fit20. Sceptical but curious, she decided to give it a try.
From January 2023, Kate travelled weekly for her fit20 training sessions and quickly began to notice changes.
“The strength gains were incredible, but it was the knock-on effects that surprised me most,” she says.
“Everyday tasks became easier. I had more energy. I could finally play a full 18 holes of golf and enjoy it.”
Two years on, Kate has lost 16kg, dropped two dress sizes, reversed pre-diabetes, improved her cholesterol and regained confidence in her body. Just as importantly, she’s built physical resilience that supported her through a period of intense personal stress and caring responsibilities.
“Those 20 minutes a week kept me going when life was really hard. I don’t think I’d have coped without it.”
From member to Studio Owner
For Kate, becoming a fit20 franchise owner felt like a natural extension of her work as a therapist.
“fit20 perfectly complements my mental health work,” she explains. “What happens to your body affects every part of your life, your confidence, relationships, work and happiness. Strength gives people options.”
Opening fit20 Glossop allows Kate to offer a physical health solution to people who, like her, never felt served by traditional gyms.
“This is for the people who think exercise isn’t for them. I’m living proof that, with the right solution, everything can change.”
Supported every step of the way
Kate credits the fit20 UK team and fellow franchise owners for making the transition into studio ownership smooth and supported.
“It’s like having all the benefits of being self-employed without the isolation,” she says. “The support, training and marketing expertise are exceptional and it genuinely feels like a family.”
Now open on High Street West, fit20 Glossop is welcoming members who want to build strength for life, safely, privately and sustainably.
fit20 continues to expand across the UK, with opportunities available for those interested in bringing the concept to their local community.
Find out more about becoming a fit20 franchise owner.