A fitness influencer and trainer from Co Armagh will be remembered for “changing a lot of lives” following his death.
Geoff Gates, who ran his coaching business in the Lurgan area, died this week at the age of 47.
He offered personal fitness guidance, including his Limitless weight loss programme, and in recent years had reached new audiences through influencer content on social media.
The trainer shared images of his own weight loss and well-being transformation to inspire clients, and was well-known among the Co Armagh fitness community.
He promoted his Limitless programme during the Covid lockdowns in 2020, encouraging people not to let the restrictions prevent them from reaching their fitness goals.
Geoff Gates guided clients through fitness and weight loss journeys . PICTURE: GEOFF GATES/INSTAGRAM
He encouraged techniques including meditation, and led clients through nutrition overhauls, while also offering advice in posts relating to overcoming addictions.
In recent weeks Mr Gates had been promoting an upcoming book on his social media platforms based on his Limitless programme, described as a “lifestyle overhaul to rebuild your body, rewire your mind, rise from rock bottom and become a force of nature”.
Maciek Borc, who runs BODYfit personal training in Lurgan, told the Irish News: “I first met Geoff over 10 years ago, when he worked in the same gym I attended.
“He really helped me at the start, and he was a really great fella.
“I saw how his influence had grown on social media, and I have heard people say so may positive things about him and what he achieved.
“There’s no doubt he changed a lot of lives for the better, and he will be missed by a lot of people.”
Others to pay tribute online include Lurgan musician Declan McKerr, whosaid in a post: “This lad wouldn’t never pass ye (sic) in the street without a conversation and was always interested in how you were doing. God bless Geoff Gates.”
A friend Gary Hamilton said: “Have Just no words for this, gutted, rest easy my friend.”