Laura Smith

CrossFit Volentia is a community-focused fitness business based in Rugby, Warwickshire. We provide professionally coached group fitness, strength and conditioning programmes and specialist classes for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. Our aim is simple: to help people become fitter and stronger to live longer, happier lives, whatever their starting point. From complete beginners to experienced athletes, children to older adults, we create opportunities for people to enjoy exercise, challenge themselves and achieve things they may never have thought possible. What makes Volentia different is the combination of high-quality coaching, a strong community and the culture we've worked hard to create. These three elements are equally important to our success. Our coaching ensures every member receives the guidance, attention and support they need to progress. Our community creates friendships, encouragement and a sense of belonging. And our culture brings everything together, creating an environment where people feel welcome, valued and motivated to keep showing up. We're proud to have built a business where people don't just come to exercise. They come because they enjoy being part of something, because they feel supported and because they're seeing genuine improvements in their fitness, confidence and wellbeing. Ultimately, we believe great coaching gets people results, but it's the people and the culture that make those results sustainable.

We're so proud of the team at CrossFit Volentia. We're lucky to work alongside an awesome group of people who are not only brilliant at what they do, but genuinely care about the people they coach or support. One of the things that makes us proudest is how much our team has bought into the ethos and culture of Volentia. They share our passion for great coaching, they want to keep learning and improving, and they're just as invested as we are in helping our members achieve things they might never have thought possible. Every coach brings something different to the team, whether that's their knowledge, experience, personality or energy. But what brings us all together is a shared belief in what we're trying to achieve. It's not just about delivering a great workout. It's about knowing our members, understanding what matters to them, celebrating their successes and supporting them when things get tough. It's about making sure everyone who walks through our doors feels welcome, valued and part of something. As business owners, Nick and I know that we couldn't create the environment we have at Volentia without the people working alongside us. We want our team to feel supported, valued and proud of the work they do, and we love seeing their enthusiasm for developing their skills and becoming even better at their jobs. We're incredibly grateful for our team. They're a huge part of what makes Volentia such a special place, and we genuinely couldn't do what we do without them.

My journey in the fitness industry began over 17 years ago, and it’s an industry I’ve loved ever since. It’s also where I met my husband Nick, when we were both working in a gym together! Over the years, I’ve worked as a Personal Trainer, Fitness Manager, Regional Manager, Head of Sales and Head of Fitness (and a few other roles thrown in for good measure!). Every role has taught me something different and helped prepare me for where I am today. But nothing quite prepares you for running your own business! In 2025, I joined Nick as Co-Owner of CrossFit Volentia. He was already involved in the business, and when his business partner and Volentia’s founder, Nicola, decided to retire, it felt like the right time for us to take the next step together. Volentia already had a strong ethos and an established community. We wanted to build on those foundations, bringing our own experience, ideas and energy to its future. Since then, we’ve worked hard to grow the business and develop a team and culture we’re genuinely proud of. Of course, there’s another big part of my life: being a mum to our two young children. Juggling school runs, family time and the constant demands of running a gym isn’t always easy. Some days I feel like I’ve got it all under control; others, not so much! I’m learning that I can’t be everywhere or do everything, and that making time for the people who matter most is just as important as giving the business my all. What keeps me going is how much I love what we’re building. I’ve always believed great businesses are built around great people, and that’s at the heart of Volentia. I’m proud of the journey that’s brought me here, and while we’ve achieved a lot already, I still feel like we’re just getting started!