The Excelsior team believe in memorable and motivating learning and development experiences. We bring everything we’ve got to each and every session that we deliver. We’ve a wealth of experience and expertise from the health and fitness industry to draw upon as well as our own personal energy and enthusiasm.
Unlike most trainers, we utilise the latest insights from the science of learning and human behaviour, to drive the kind of lasting change in your business that will take you way past any preconceptions you may have about us or our approach. You’ll see this in action if you ever happen to catch an Excelsior presentation. We have years of experience presenting globally on a variety of topics that lead our industry forward in its thinking.
By extending our knowledge and interests in this way we are able to bring a level of perception to our work that would otherwise not exist. For you, this translates into a unique approach tailored to the exact needs of your business and the ability to unlock the competence and confidence required in your staff for competitive advantage.
So, whether you require consultancy and development services, assistance becoming an independent registered education and training centre, need great CPD workshop content or you simply want to engage your customers with creative space development and programming, we have the experience to deliver exactly what you need.
Our extended team have been hand picked by us for sharing the same holistic, dynamic approach to education that we have, as well as for being outstanding teachers, learner-focused mentors and subject matter experts in their own right. They all inspire and challenge us and bring something extra to the Excelsior table that encourages our own growth and development too.
We are dedicated to driving the highest standards in education, training and development, the delivery of simply outstanding on-going learning and the disruption of typical approaches, for true leadership and revolution in our category
Andy Phillips
Development Manager
Andy has developed his skills and knowledge in training through years of working with some of the world’s best fitness professionals, athletes and strength coaches.
Having represented some of the largest brands in the world including; Holmes Place, Fitness First, David Lloyd Clubs, Life Fitness & Hammer Strength, Escape Fitness and Be Military Fit supporting the development of hundreds of trainers globally.
His energetic and engaging personality enables Andy to communicate well with individuals and groups whether that’s with strength and conditioning coaches, health and fitness trainers or team leaders.
Did you know When Andy was 15 & 16 years old he travelled around the North of England arm wrestling in bars, pubs and clubs!
Keith Smith
Trainer / Tutor
A skilled educationalist and trainer with extensive experience in the creation and delivery of courses, workshops and seminars. Keith has been delivering education and training in the industry for over 20 years and has presented on most continents in this time.
During this time, he worked for almost 15 years as a tutor and assessor for the YMCA and for over 6 years has been a Global Master Trainer with both the Life Fitness Academy and more recently the Cybex Research Institute.
Keith’s experience when developing others, at all levels from beginner to executive, is one of his greatest talents, for example with the Life Fitness Academy external trainer network where he has been in charge of communication, to the network, across the globe.
Keith is driven to ensure that the learner/student has the knowledge, skills, confidence, and behavioural awareness, to be successful. This comes from his passion for creating positive, comfortable learning environments, that allow the individual learner/student to develop, to their full potential.
Did you know Keith’s last CPD was on ‘Learning to be a Stand-Up Comedian’ – true story!
Andrew Holland
Trainer / Tutor
Andrew has worked with the development of people and teams for over 30 years focusing on the psychology of human behaviour and performance. He served for over 26 years in the Royal Navy as a Physical Trainer, predominantly in leadership roles.
Since leaving the Royal Navy in 2014 Andrew has worked with companies of all sizes from Multi Nationals to professional sports teams as well as both small and medium sized businesses helping them to improve their Leadership skills, with a bias towards the interaction between employers, employees and their relationships with their customers coupled with the need for a sustained and profitable business model. He worked as a Senior Associate Trainer with Cybex International and Life Fitness. Motivated and enthusiastic to deliver coaching and training that is both engaging and meaningful, Andrew works hard to ensure he creates a learning environment that allows the individual to take what they desire from any training.
Did you know Andrew was part of a Mountaineering expedition in Kyrgyzstan where he was part of the summit team to be the first to summit a 5,000 metre peak very close to the Chinese border!
Becky Rock
Performance Lead
With circa 30 years of industry and leadership role experience, Becky has a range of interests and skills, including dance, exercise to music and advanced fitness instruction.
Over the last decade, her focus has been on rehabilitation, working with older adults and Pilates. This has enabled Becky to enhance her one-to-one and group training abilities; she has integrated her learning into her specialist relaxation and mobility classes.
Did you know In her late teenage years through to her early twenties, Becky represented England in the Baton Twirling world championships in both team and solo events; in the solo event, she once achieved fourth place.
Will Toon
Development Executive
Will joins the development team, completing an honours degree in Business Management & Marketing and working as a marketing executive in a national manufacturing organisation. With a passion for people, Will has an energetic and engaging personality, which, combined with his love for sports, fitness and strength training, make him an asset to the team.
Did you know Since the age of 12, Will has competed in competitive karting, achieved his Gold Duke of Edinburgh, and volunteered for over three years as a scout leader.
Chris Rock
Founder
For over six years, Chris worked in leadership roles, focused on international education and business development with both, direct and distribution businesses.
He has developed and managed teams globally and was responsible for the growth of tens of freelance educators, who deliver education and training for the various brands he has represented.
Prior to these experiences, he was with the University of Bristol where he worked alongside the Sports Medicine Clinic assisting in rehabilitation programmes for individuals and groups alike. He also utilized his knowledge of strength and conditioning to work with the university’s sports teams and high-performance athletes.
Did you know Chris also worked for two Police Constabularies, for over four years where he concluded his service as Police Tutor and a Detective Constable.
