From Overweight Truck Driver to Fitness Inspiration – Steve Griffiths Retires

“I was a 21 stone lorry driver, smoking 40 cigarettes a day, eating unhealthily, eating too much and drinking every night”, says Steve.

Talk with Chase Leisure Centre Fitness Instructor, Steve Griffiths for just a few moments and it’s hard to comprehend his back story. The lean, upbeat and energetic 60-year-old is the polar opposite of how he describes his former self.

The popular fitness instructor retired earlier this month after 12 years working for Inspiring healthy lifestyles; inspiring countless members of the leisure centre to live healthier, happier lives. But back in the early noughties Steve was clocking up the miles in his lorry; sat sedentary for hours on end, eating junk food at roadside cafes, and chain smoking two packets a day. His personal fitness journey began in 2010 with the realisation that he wasn’t even fit enough to coach a junior football team.

Steve quit the cigs, joined Rugeley Leisure Centre and once he’d hit 15 stone set his sights on completing an Ironman. In 2011, after passing all his exams, Steve began work as a qualified fitness instructor. And he hasn’t looked back since.

Natalie Cadwallader, Fitness Coordinator for Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, said: “Steve’s personal and professional journey is truly inspirational. He is the embodiment of someone truly transforming their lives through exercise – a journey which has benefited not just his personal health but also his career path. I know he will be greatly missed by his work colleagues, and everyone at Inspiring healthy lifestyles would like to thank him for his hard work and dedication to supporting others to live healthier, happier lives.”

Over the years Steve has taught Les Mills The Trip, Les Mills Body Balance, WFC (Strength & Conditioning program), Circuits & Battle Fit. He is also a Personal Training with the most clients. A keen road biker in his spare time, Steve is now focusing on qualifying for the Great British triathlon in his age range for 2025.

Steve said: “Working for IHL has been a ball! So much fun. There have been so many positive changes during my twelve years here. The highlight for me has been working with Natalie Baker (Fitness Coordinator). She has taught me so much and I have evolved as an instructor because of her. Natalie was the one who pushed me to become a group exercise instructor.

“I will miss the customers the most. Such a wide range of people, all with different needs, ages and life stories.”

You can watch an interview with Steve here.