For Emily Hargroves, life had always been a whirlwind—balancing motherhood with her energetic four-year-old daughter, Flori, while managing the demands of running a growing business.
Emily and her husband Chris co-founded YUZU Street Food in 2019, a thriving culinary venture located at Brew York on Walmgate, with additional outlets across Yorkshire. The hospitality industry, known for its long and irregular hours, added another layer of complexity to her busy schedule.
At the start of 2024, Emily set a bold intention: to balance her personal and professional life while prioritizing her health and fitness goals. She turned to trainer Justin Shepherd at *Definition Body Coaching* in Nether Poppleton for support, structure, and accountability—especially during challenging moments.
Established in 2014, the personal training studio serves 80 clients under the guidance of three experienced trainers. Emily embraced weight training as the cornerstone of her fitness routine, dedicating herself to multiple weekly sessions.
The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Emily has shed an impressive 3.5 stone and developed notable muscle tone through consistent, intense weight training.
Justin praised Emily’s dedication: “Emily has been an absolute superstar this past year. Successfully managing a business, family life, and a demanding fitness regime is no small feat, especially in today’s challenging environment.”
Reflecting on her journey, Emily shared: “When I started, I had no idea where to begin with weight training. Justin equipped me with the knowledge and tools to make meaningful progress both in our PT sessions and in my solo gym routines. Without the team at Definition, I’d still feel lost.”
Looking ahead, Emily expressed her enthusiasm for the future: “This is just the beginning! I’m determined to make 2025 another milestone year on my fitness journey. A huge thank you to Justin, the Definition team, and, of course, my husband Chris, for their unwavering support. Let’s make next year even bigger and better!”
To top off an already transformative year, Emily was honoured as the studio’s “Best Change of 2024,” a recognition voted for by fellow clients—an achievement that sets the stage for an exciting year ahead.
Her advice to women in similar situations? “Timing is everything. After having a baby and starting a business, you need to be 100% ready to commit to change.”
Emily added: “It’s all about the team around you. Without the encouragement and support of my family and friends, I wouldn’t have had the confidence or motivation to start this journey. They’ve played such a crucial role every step of the way.”