Video: No wannabe trainer...our Mel B is spicing up fitness in Northern Ireland following surge in enquiries

The future is looking strong for a Co Tyrone based entrepreneur whose gym has experienced an influx of new bookings after she received assistance from the Council led Go Succeed service.

Personal trainer and class instructor Melanie B Jones is the founder of MelFitness, where she works with members to meet their lifestyle goals, build confidence and self-esteem through a range of fitness programmes.

Originally from Zambia, Melanie moved to Northern Ireland aged 18 before raising a family and launching MelFitness in 2022.

“Coming from Africa, we grew up outdoors and were incredibly active, so fitness is something which has always come naturally to me. This coupled with raising two children on my own has taught me grit, resilience, and the true meaning of strength – which is more than how many kg you can lift in the gym,” she said.

“I wanted to use my experience and life lessons to help others tap into the belief that they, too, can do hard things. So, after the kids left school, I returned to my studies and gained personal training qualifications. Working for a number of years, I grew in confidence and that is when I decided to set up MelFitness – a space where people come to feel stronger, both mentally and physically, build confidence, and feel more like themselves again.”