ABOUT US
Meet The Team
Our team of trainers and fitness coaches are here to support and guide you on your way to achieving a healthy lifestyle....whether that's by creating exercise routines, correcting form, nutritional advice, motivation or just a good chat to keep you company while you train. No matter what you need, rest assured we will be able to help you reach your long term goals.
Ed Shaw
Owner & Personal Trainer
Ed has been immersed in the fitness and health realm since childhood. Driven by a deep passion for sports, he has competed at a high level in cricket, hockey, and racquets, making it a seamless transition for Ed to assist others in reaching their aspirations.
His traditional personal training sessions evolved into a strong interest in remedial exercise, where Ed now focuses on movement-based rehabilitation. By tailoring his training methods, he has built a diverse client base, including individuals affected by chronic injuries and conditions such as Parkinson's, MS, and cerebral palsy.
Dave Gainford
Owner & Personal Trainer
As a gifted footballer, David began his pursuit of an Extended Diploma in Football (Performance and Excellence) at Hartpury College. However, an unfortunate injury prevented him from completing the course. During his recovery, he discovered a newfound passion for fitness training, which led him to qualify as a Level 3 Personal Trainer. In February 2020, he partnered with Ed to establish Peak Fitness & Lifestyle.
Specializing in strength and conditioning, weight and circuit training, David is well-known for cultivating strong relationships with a diverse clientele, offering unwavering support and guidance throughout their fitness journeys.
Izzy Lane
Personal Trainer
Izzy is a Level 3 qualified Personal Trainer, Exercise Referral and Rehabilitation Specialist with more than 8 years experience. After being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at 19, Izzy began exercising to support her health, and this is what drives her passion to work with people to improve their health and fitness. She is a keen triathlete, and has a number of clients who she has helped to achieve running and triathlon personal bests - from beginners to GB athletes.
Benefitting from qualifications that include adapting exercise for adolescence, pre/post natal and cancer rehabilitation Izzy works with a wide range of clients (including those looking for weight loss, to build strength or for guidance on weight training) and sessions with her are fun, varied and designed to keep exercise interesting and effective.
Ben Howard BSc, MSc
Personal Trainer & Physiologist
Ben joined the team in August 2023 after managing and training at a Fitness and Lifestyle gym in Oxford for three years. He has obtained a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science and an MSc in Exercise Physiology from Loughborough University. He has always been passionate about helping others become the fittest and healthiest versions of themselves.
As a registered member of The Academy for Healthcare Science as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Ben can work with all individuals of all ages and abilities. He now specialises in working with individuals with clinical needs, such as cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, musculoskeletal, or metabolic diseases. This includes, but is not limited to: cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis.
Ben has previously also coached talented young athletes, including International standard footballers in the Oxford United F.C Women Academy.
Veronica Whelpley
Personal Trainer
Veronica is a strength and performance coach who delivers evidence-based, highly individualised coaching. Her approach focuses on building strength safely and progressively, improving movement quality and supporting long term health and resilience. Her programming is designed for people who want to maintain muscle as they age, move better in everyday life or continue performing at a high level in sport or training without burning out or breaking down.
Alongside coaching, Veronica competes in weightlifting and has achieved multiple first-place podium finishes. This first hand experience underpins her deep understanding of structured training, intelligent progression, and how well-designed programs support joint health, performance and longevity when applied correctly. Education and consistency are central to her coaching, so clients not only train with purpose they understand why they're doing what they're doing.
Kate Hovey
Personal Trainer
Kate is a Personal Trainer specialising in supporting pre and postnatal clients and mid-life women with exercise and nutrition. She feels passionate about teaching women that through regular movement they will better equip themselves to navigate through key life stages such as pregnancy, birth, motherhood and/or menopause
Kate has always used exercise and sport to support her own mental and physical health and feels passionate about helping women gain the confidence to move their bodies and exercise.
With a young family of her own, Kate understands the challenges and time constraints of everyday life. She is focussed on encouraging her clients to eat well and exercise efficiently to help improve their energy levels, grow mentally and physically stronger so they look, feel and perform at their best.