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When Barry Curtis left the British Army’s Royal Engineers, he wasn’t just looking for a career—he was on a mission to bring the discipline, resilience, and camaraderie of military life into the fitness world. Today, along with his brother Craig, he’s the driving force behind Curtis Bros Fitness, a thriving gym in Lanark, Scotland, that’s not just about lifting weights but lifting people up.
In this exclusive interview for Veteran Magazine, Barry tells us about his journey from service to self-employment, the values that shape his business, and how Curtis Bros Fitness has become a hub for veterans and civilians alike. From overcoming challenges to building a community, Barry’s story is a testament to the power of determination and teamwork. Read on to discover what fuels his passion and his advice for veterans looking to get back into fitness.
1. How has your military experience influenced your approach to fitness coaching?
My military experience has been absolutely paramount in shaping my approach to fitness coaching for many reasons. The number one aspect I’ve taken from the military is discipline.
Discipline manifests in various ways, such as my punctuality, which builds trust and respect with my clients. When guiding clients on a weight loss journey, discipline is essential for making sacrifices with food. Instilling this mindset in my clients is something I attribute directly to my military background.
As a gym owner, I’ve successfully managed a team of personal trainers and reception staff for many years. I credit this to my experience working within military teams, which helped me develop the skills to manage diverse personalities and overcome challenges effectively.
2. What unique benefits do you think veterans can gain from joining Curtis Bros Fitness?
The first benefit is a 25% discount on membership, which is always appreciated. More importantly, our gym ethos is centred on being family-friendly and welcoming. Any veteran joining us would quickly feel at home.
Although I’m no longer in the military, my gym and its members have become my troop or squadron, if that makes sense. Veterans would benefit from our no-nonsense but friendly attitude, and the environment is ideal, with 20% of our current members also being veterans.
3. For veterans who might feel out of practice, what advice would you give for getting back into fitness?
Getting back into fitness after a break can feel challenging, but with a focused and gradual approach, veterans can regain their strength and confidence. Here’s my advice:
1. Start slowly and progress gradually
• Begin with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling to rebuild cardiovascular endurance.
• Incorporate basic bodyweight exercises (e.g., press-ups, squats, planks) to improve strength.
• Gradually increase intensity, duration, and frequency to avoid injury.
2. Create a routine
• Schedule regular workouts—start with 2–3 sessions per week and build up.
• Balance cardio, strength training, flexibility, and mobility exercises.
3. Tap into your military discipline
• Use the structure and determination you developed during service to stay consistent.
• Track progress using fitness apps or planners to stay motivated.
4. Celebrate small wins
• Recognise and reward yourself for progress, no matter how small, to build momentum and confidence.
4. Are there specific exercises or routines you recommend for veterans who have physical limitations or injuries?
For veterans with physical limitations or injuries, I strongly recommend booking a consultation with a personal trainer. This ensures a tailored programme is designed to suit individual needs and provides the best chance of making progress safely.
5. How do you think fitness impacts mental health, especially for veterans?
Fitness has a profound impact on mental health, particularly for veterans. It improves mood, reduces anxiety, and provides a sense of purpose. Exercise releases endorphins, combats stress, and fosters a positive outlook. For veterans, fitness can also restore the camaraderie and structure they may miss after leaving the forces.
6. How important is nutrition in your fitness programmes, and what approach do you take?
Nutrition is a cornerstone of any fitness programme. It directly affects energy levels, recovery, performance, and overall progress. My approach is to instil discipline by holding clients accountable. I provide personalised nutritional plans tailored to each client’s goals, whether they aim to build muscle, lose fat, or improve endurance.
7. What would you say to veterans struggling with motivation when it comes to health and fitness?
I’d remind veterans that motivation is fleeting, but discipline is enduring. As veterans, they’ve already mastered discipline in challenging circumstances. Fitness isn’t about feeling motivated all the time—it’s about consistently showing up.
I’d also encourage them to:
• Join veteran fitness groups or find workout partners for camaraderie and accountability.
• Break fitness goals into smaller, manageable steps to maintain focus and momentum.
8. How do you foster a sense of community within Curtis Bros Fitness, and why is it important for veterans?
I foster a sense of community by creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Our ethos is to make members feel part of a family from the moment they walk through the door.
This is vital for veterans, as transitioning to civilian life can feel isolating after leaving the close-knit bonds of military life. Curtis Bros Fitness becomes a new squadron, offering the camaraderie and support they might be missing.
9. Are there any common misconceptions about fitness or health that veterans should be aware of?
Yes, there are several misconceptions, such as:
1. “I need to train as hard as I did in the military.”
• Fitness goals may change post-service. It’s okay to scale back intensity and focus on restorative fitness rather than pushing to extremes. Consistency matters more than intensity.
2. “If I’m not sore, it wasn’t a good workout.”
• Soreness isn’t an indicator of progress. Effective training is about improving strength, endurance, and mobility over time.
10. What’s next for Curtis Bros Fitness, and do you have plans to expand your reach to more veterans?
We’re 13 years in, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far. My main focus remains on maintaining the success of our gym in Lanark, which is our core business. Additionally, we’re building on our recent success with functional fitness competitions in Gibraltar.
11. How do you tailor training programmes to suit all fitness levels?
We start with an in-depth consultation to understand each client’s fitness goals, current abilities, and limitations. This is followed by a short fitness assessment to determine their starting point, allowing us to create a personalised plan suitable for their needs.
12. What role does goal setting play in your fitness philosophy, and how can veterans set realistic goals?
Goal setting is fundamental because it provides focus and motivation. For veterans, it can also help recreate the structure they were used to in the military. I encourage them to:
1. Set clear, achievable goals.
2. Break goals into smaller milestones to maintain progress.
3. Celebrate successes, no matter how small.
Goal setting isn’t just about fitness—it’s about rediscovering purpose and proving that progress is always possible.
