Tom Simpson opened up about his journey from boxing to mindfulness ahead of new gym launch
Tom Simpson and Mark Scanlon(Image: Apex Centre)
A Liverpool personal trainer has made the transition from military life to mindfulness after facing his own mental health battles. Tom Simpson, the brains of Apex Liverpool, a health and wellness centre located on Prescot Road, is now taking the business to new heights by relocating to a larger venue in the Baltic Triangle.
The 33-year-old, from West Derby, took up boxing at the age of 11 and competed at a national elite level until he was 27. His journey led him to join the military as a fireman, where, after three years of service, he encountered difficulties with his mental health.
Choosing to leave the Royal Air Force in favour of a professional boxing career, Tom began working as a personal trainer to support his boxing pursuits. However, during this period, Tom admits he “completely fell out of love with the sport” due to a series of injuries.
The business owner said: “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.”
It was during this challenging time that Tom crossed paths with well-known Liverpool entrepreneur and ex-MMA fighter Mark Scanlon, who would go on to become his business partner at Apex Liverpool, and his partner and local businessman David Ayem.
Tom Simpson while he was a member of the Royal Air Force (Image: Tom Simpson)
Mark taught Tom the significance of mindset, urging him to welcome this new direction in both his professional and personal life. Tom added: “I started setting goals and improving my habits, and prioritised my personal development. I travelled the world for courses and education and became obsessed with self-improvement.”
During the Covid pandemic, Tom converted his parents’ garden into a gym and later launched the Prescot Road venue once restrictions were fully lifted.
Following the popularity of his signature kettlebell classes, Tom is now set to open a larger facility on Brick Street. The facility will start welcoming members on Monday, June 2.
Friends-turned-business-partners Tom Simpson and Mark Scanlon(Image: Apex Centre)
Tom added: “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.
“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, 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.”
The gym will offer a variety of classes, including kettlebells, women’s only classes, Pilates, glutes, yoga, meditation, and breathwork. Each month, it will also host group seminars where guest speakers will share their expertise on diverse topics.
The team will be providing 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”.
The Apex Centre community(Image: Apex Centre)
And finally, members will have exclusive access to a sauna and a cold plunge pool that they can book for personal use to help with recovery and relaxation.
Mark Scanlon, co-owner of the Apex Centre, said: “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.
“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.”
The Apex Centre Liverpool has teamed up with Spitroast. The eatery will operate its own coffee shop within the centre and has crafted an exclusive menu for Apex members featuring nutritious breakfast options, snacks, a lunch menu, coffees, and juices.
Classes are available daily at 6am, 9.30 am, 12 pm, and 6.30 pm. The full schedule is accessible on the Apex website. Membership fees are set at £149 per month, but there’s a special introductory rate of £99 for unlimited classes. Memberships can be secured online.