When Peter Eggleston first joined fit20 Exeter as a personal trainer in 2019, few could have imagined the journey ahead. Franchise owner, Duncan Attwood recently promoted Pete to General Manager of both the Exeter and Torquay studios. We caught up with Pete to hear about his journey, vision and how fit20 is transforming lives across Devon, one 20-minute session at a time.
Devon Business News talks to the new General Manager of fit20’s Exeter and Torquay studios
Devon Business News: Congratulations on your new role. It’s been quite the journey for you?
Peter Eggleston: Thank you! It’s been incredibly rewarding. I started as Duncan Attwood’s first personal trainer just six months after fit20 Exeter opened in 2019. I was working as freelance PT and had just moved to the area six months prior so was looking for new challenges. To now be leading both studios as General Manager is a huge honour. It has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally and I’m incredibly grateful to Duncan for giving me this opportunity.
Devon Business News: All fit20 trainers go through stringent training, but let’s talk about the uniqueness of the fit20 training approach. What sets it apart?
Peter Eggleston: The precision and safety of our strength training is what makes fit20 different. It’s just 20 minutes once a week, but the results are powerful. We work with people from all walks of life whose strength and confidence is transformed through our method. The testimonials speak for themselves, from joints that have been strengthened to reduced pain and greater mobility.
Devon Business News: Getting fit in just 20 minutes per week is an extraordinary claim that seems to go against everything most gym goers believe? What do you say?
Peter Eggleston: It’s surprising how many people still think fitness can only happen if you’re in the gym regularly for a couple of hours at a time. However, that is no longer the case. You can get fit in one short session per week through the advances in technology and our proven scientific method which is known as Minimum Effective Dose Training. – See Pete Eggleston weighs in on fit20 and sceptics who question our method.
Devon Business News: I guess people only really understand the fit20 process if they try it out for themselves.
Peter Eggleston: Exactly, which is why we offer free trials in all our studios. Our strength training method is unique. It’s high-intensity but low-frequency and only once a week. That’s a game-changer, especially for busy people. But what really sets us apart is how accessible our training is. We help people who might be turned away by traditional gyms, those with health challenges, older clients or even teens who need something safer and more effective.
Devon Business News: You mentioned a remarkable story about a boy with complex health challenges?
Peter Eggleston: Yes, he came to us with a medical condition where It seemed nothing could be done to increase his muscle mass. However the boy’s father was convinced that strength training would make a huge difference. We were reluctant to train him due to his age however his dad insisted and now brings him into the studio weekly. The results have been extraordinary. This is the beauty of what we offer. Because of the safety and precision of our training, we can work with people of all ages helping them build muscle, improve function and regain independence.
General Manager of fit20 Exeter and Torquay, Peter Eggleston with happy client, Al Gibson, marking Al’s 100th training session with fit20 Exeter.
Devon Business News: That’s incredible. How does that tie into your wider vision as General Manager?
Peter Eggleston: It reinforces everything I believe in. Strength training isn’t just about muscles. It’s about confidence, mobility, and quality of life. My vision is to drive growth across both studios while keeping our values strong, empowering people, supporting the team and expanding responsibly.
’20 new studios in 10 years’ – Pete Eggleston
Devon Business News: So how do you see the future of fit20 in Devon?
We want to hit 200+ members in Exeter and 150 in Torquay by year’s end. Torbay is already been recognised as the fastest-growing new franchise in fit20 UK history.
We’re also exploring new locations and I would like to see 20 new studios in the next 10 years. This is a massive goal but a vision myself and the team are working towards. Given the growing popularity of the training and the phenomenal growth we have seen to date, we believe this is achievable.
So really, we’re just getting started here at fit20 Exeter and fit20 Torquay. Devon has a vibrant and health-conscious community. Our goal is to show people that they don’t need to spend hours in a gym each week to see results. With fit20, they can build long-term strength and resilience with just 20 minutes a week. And we’re here to support them every step of the way.
Devon Business News: Final question, what’s the one message you’d like readers to take away?
Peter Eggleston: That strength changes everything. Whether you’re a busy professional, retired or a young person facing challenges, fitness and strength training can transform your life. And at fit20 Exeter and Torquay, we’ve built perfect environments for that change to happen.
To learn more or book a free taster session at fit20, visit fit20exeter.co.uk or fit20torquay.co.uk.
Devon Business
We support local entrepreneurship and help companies get noticed in the Southwest of England. Our Devon Business Directory lists local service providers and highlights businesspeople across the region. We blog about businesses that are making a difference, recognising business leaders and sharing success stories. We also look at marketplace trends and ways to increase productivity.
