A MAN who refused to be deterred by the recession in his quest to start up his own fitness business is urging others to take the leap.

Sam Feltham, 26, has had such success with the boot camp training sessions he set up in a Mile End church in November he is now looking to franchise the business out.

And the East Ender, from Driffield Road, reckons there is no better time to get your own idea off the ground.

He said: “There are so many different companies you can set up on no money at all. All you have to have is an idea and the willingness to work.

“In my experience of trying to get my foot in the door for an interview, it’s not great out there. It’s a better opportunity than ever to start up your own business.”

Before he branched out into the morning and evening classes, Mr Feltham was working for gym chain Fitness First.

He explained: “It was ok but I wasn’t really feeling satisfied and the money wasn’t great. I decided I didn’t have anything to lose.

“I started looking into coming up with a business plan which allowed me to teach health but was affordable too.”

The fitness expert, who is also a former snow boarding instructor, set up a website for his class, Smash the Fat, and approached Father Brian Ralph at St Barnabas Church, in Grove Road.

He was given use of the church on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings and Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

The late sessions are now full with 20 clients and the morning sessions are gaining popularity.

Mr Feltham is also looking for Level 2 REPS qualified trainers to start more classes.

The East Ender said: “I set myself an aim to have the sessions full up by April.

“It has been more difficult than I thought but working for yourself is brilliant. I’m firmly set on this now.”

A free trial week is taking place at the church from Monday (February 28).

Go to bootcampeastlondon.com to register.