Dr Paul Bedford has over 20 years experience working in the fitness industry, including role​s​ as a gym instructor, personal trainer, fitness manager and club manager. ​ ​He has a master's degree in exercise and health behaviours, and a PhD from the London Sports Institute. The aim of ​his​ PhD research was to identify interventions in a gym environment to increase adherence. The study increased average participation from 6 months to 13 months. ​He then went onto ​develop a training programme to assist retention that has now been delivered to 25 operators, involving nearly 93 facilities.