Words by Thierry Macquet
Three years on from when he made the bold decision to open a top-notch studio on London’s South Audley Street, Henry Barratt, who was totally unknown among the rich and famous, is now considered THE private trainer of the Mayfair crowd. A rather impressive feat since it is well known that this is one of the most difficult communities to infiltrate.
Henry, the owner of One: Personal Training studio, is nowadays on first name terms with celebrities, politicians, business tycoons and royalty, and he has big plans to open other studios across the globe since his clientele are compulsive travellers.
We met for a drink at 5 Hertford Street, where many of his clients are regulars, to discuss his impressive rise in London’s most exclusive postcode.
How did you end up becoming a personal trainer?
After finishing my career early in professional rugby, personal training seemed a logical move based on my passion for health and fitness, intertwined with my knowledge of rehabilitating injuries – having had many over the years when playing rugby. In this instance, I must say that my personal life experiences have influenced my choice of career, apart from the fact, of course, that I have always been a sports addict!
You have always been a sporty person. Can you tell us a bit more about your career in the field from a young age?
It all started at Marlow Rugby Club, aged five, where I developed a passion for rugby, the feeling of running free, agility, evasion, it was a freedom, a place where I felt I could be 100 per cent me, no care in the world. That passion grew and from an early age I knew that this was the career for me, I would give it absolutely everything to get to that place.
Winning became an exciting feeling that I wanted more of, like a kind of addiction in a way. Marlow RFC led to the Dragon School in Oxford, followed by St. Edwards School, also in Oxford. Then Harlequins RFC beckoned, winning the Young Player of the year award aged 19 in my first professional season. England U19 and U21 with two world cups, finishing with a season at the Cornish Pirates and London Wasps where I then retired from the rugby world.
The move to central Mayfair must have been a big step forward. Tell us more about what prompted you to do so.
Having my own premises was always the goal right from the outset. I had looked at many projects over a 10-year period, very ambitious ones, raising money through my clients, one of which was a beautiful 8,000 sq feet former restaurant in St. James, which sadly didn’t come to fruition, but maybe that was a blessing being pre covid. I was introduced to a property agent in 2021 who, within a week, sent me an off-market premium space which is now our current studio, it was an easy decision, the right location, a manageable size (1,000 sq ft) and an extension of what I was already doing.
I had written so many business and financial models, I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve and how to do it. I was well prepared.
You are already referred to as ‘The’ private trainer of the richest square mile of London, mixing with socialites, high profile businesspeople, celebs and royalty. Tell us more about it? Did it come to you naturally?
Being discreet, modest and hard working has come from my upbringing, so it is the only way I know. Playing rugby with your childhood heroes, you must grow up quickly and you get accustomed to being around well-known people. I am not someone who gets ‘star struck’, I treat everyone the same even if I know that in the world I evolve in nowadays, there is a certain protocol that needs to be respected. I will address an ambassador as ‘Your Excellency’ and a Royal person as ‘Your Highness’, even if many insist on being called by their first name once we have done a few sessions.
But what about the other side of Henry in his day-to-day life; the married man with two children? Is this new step in your career not making you lead a kind of ‘double life’ where private and public have no association whatsoever?
I love spending time with my wife and two children and so home life is something I take great pleasure from, a complete leveller where you must be present with the family; especially the children who are still young and need their father more than ever. Work is a passion and something I work hard at, but I consciously try to create the balance of work and home life. Work is left at the front door when I get home, and the fact that I have a loving wife and great kids makes it a very easy thing to do.
What is the unique ‘Henry Barratt’ approach which makes you stand apart from others?
Primarily, my team and I are trainers who care for our clients, we work hard to understand their personalities and provide our training in a very discreet, private space. Everyone needs something slightly different, and we are aware of that. I have created a philosophy of training; move better, get stronger, which runs through the whole company, it encompasses all elements of movement and strength, whether you are 20 or 70. I can honestly say that we have a very ‘couture’ approach instead of pushing ready made programmes to our clients in general.
One: Personal Training is becoming a name, and you now have a solid team with you. Any plans to expand further nationally, if not internationally?
Absolutely, our vision is clear, ONE:PT studios in international cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Dubai and Sydney. The fact that we are based in Mayfair will make this process easier, since many of our clients already have second homes or friends in other major cities of the world and have been the first to ask us to open satellite studios globally. However, as the founder of One: Personal Training, I will make sure that the future teams that we have overseas have the same ethos and ways of working as we do in Mayfair. Every studio will have to share the same DNA as siblings do even if there will, of course, be flexibility with cultural and regional differences.
How do you see personal training evolving in future, since the public is now not only looking for a perfect body, but also a real balance between their physical and psychological wellbeing?
It is a space that is just beginning, the health benefits of working out are incredible, both physically and psychologically and it still isn’t recognised as a form of ‘treatment’ for all sorts of physical and mental ailments. When doctors start prescribing training for depression or trauma or disabilities, then we are making progress. The feeling of the strength and power I developed in my early twenties, feelings of ‘superpowers’ was euphoric, I must admit. If we can tap into a small part of that, humans will grow and develop in their health and wellbeing. In essence more and more people will start to explore personal training and find the training that suits them best, and this will become a lifestyle since it will be tailor made to each and everyone’s needs.
You tend to be a very private person, with a very low-key public image on social media and shying away from product endorsement. Is this approach in tune with your high-profile clients?
The studio is based on discretion and privacy where clients can come and enjoy an element of calm and escapism. We are very respectful of their privacy, and this is something that we will not budge on. A physical trainer sometimes becomes a sort of counsellor, and many of our clients share very private things with us about their life and it would be insulting for my team and I to share any of it with the outside world, more so when a few of them are very high profile and often scrutinised by the media.
In a few words, what are your most valuable tips to your clients in this rat race, ever-changing world which we live in?
Keep your head and eyes up, see properly what is around. Do not get disconnected with the world. Slow down on a regular basis, the temptation is to race through life to complete tasks and reflection is key. And stay close to mother nature, as she will take good care of you when you need it the most.
Training is the most important part of the day, prioritise this at all costs. Many people do not see training as a must, and I always say that it is as important as going to work or even feeding yourself. Do not treat it as a matter of less importance.
Aim to move to five days a week, weight training, running, walking, Pilates, yoga, this will keep your metabolism high and promote better decisions around food. Most people who adhere to this lifestyle are more productive and happier, and I strongly believe that the aim of every human being on our planet is to be a happy person!
