Simon Darius

Simon is perhaps one of the most qualified, experienced and knowledgeable fitness professionals in London. He graduated with a degree in Physical Education from Manchester University in 1988 and a Masters Degree in Sport & Exercise Science from Sheffield University in 1991. Further to this he added a Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification from the NSCA and a Health and Fitness Instructor certification from the ACSM.

In 1992 Simon began working in the gym at Lambton Place Health Club (now BodyWorksWest) in Notting Hill and in 1999 became the club's Fitness Manager. He continued in this role at the club managing gym, studio and personal training until the summer of 2014.

Simon is an accomplished sportsman. He played football for his county (Middlesex) while at school and for Hanwell Town FC as a young man. While at university he continued his football career but also played basketball and many other sports including tennis, badminton, boxing, cricket and karate. After university Simon took up running and triathlon. In triathlon he has competed at every distance from sprint to Ironman and in 2006 he finished 23rd in the UK half ironman (70.3) championships against over 400 of his contemporaries. In running he has competed in road races from 5k upwards and has run 10 Marathons including 5 London Marathons.

Since the very beginning of his career over 25 years ago Simon has taught classes, not through necessity but through enjoyment and continues to do so today with no sign of stopping.

My group cycle sessions simulate the changes of pace, gradient and intensity that you might experience if you were out on a training ride with a team of cyclists. Some sessions will involve more climbing, some more flat and others a varied mixture of the two. You'll get to ride intervals of varying speed, duration and distance. You'll get to take your turn on the front of the pack taking the pace and you'll even get to participate in a bit of friendly racing, all to a soundtrack of grown up deep house, electronica and drum & bass selected and mixed by yours truly.

So if you're a cyclist who wants a no nonsense realistic session to supplement your own training or a regular gym goer who wants the best cardio session available, then why not give one of my rides a try. Just don't expect any dumbbells, jumps or push ups on the bike;-)