DCG Success Stories

CrossFit competitor and gym head coach Dom Horton already knew a lot about fitness training before he enrolled on Derby College Group’s sports courses. 

But, the 19-year-old, who also runs his own PT business, found that going to college gave him the edge he needed to become ‘a really good personal trainer’.  

Dom, who has a converted gym at his home in Ashover, is also head coach at Fit Missions, a functional fitness gym in Bakewell. 

He said: “I had a little bit too much weight on me when I was about 14 – I was the big kid at school – so my parents got me into CrossFit at the gym where I’m now head coach. 

“I did the Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction followed by the Level 3 Personal Training at Broomfield Hall, which I really enjoyed.  

“Because I’d started coaching just before I went to college, I already knew a fair amount about it, but my courses gave me the extra 1% to become a really good PT.” 

While at DCG Dom became firm friends with fellow student, Moorways Sports Village personal trainer Lewis Meszar, and the pair now plan to open their own gym in Derbyshire next year. 

While Dom liked enhancing his PT skills on the course, one of the best parts of college for him was the rapport he had with his teachers. 

He added: “I loved Ben and Paddy, our tutors. Lewis and I got on so well with them and we were excited to go in everyday to see them and have a laugh with them.”  

Dom has run his own home-based PT business, Tenacity Fitness, for about a year, and coaches people of all ages and fitness levels. 

He’s also still into competitive CrossFit and trains for events when time allows.