Client
Megabox Fitness, Leamington Spa
Founder: Tim Exeter

Business overview
Megabox is a coached training facility offering circuit-based boxing and functional fitness, personal training, and small group personal training. Unlike traditional gyms, Megabox does not operate an open-gym model: all training is structured, coached, and programme led.

With over 35 years of experience training athletes, including professional rugby players, Tim’s approach focuses on long-term performance, injury prevention, and intelligent programme design rather than high-volume, high-fatigue training.

The challenge

Before introducing DNA testing, Tim was already delivering high-quality coaching and structured programmes. However, he was looking for a way to:

• Remove guesswork from training decisions
  
• Better individualise training load, recovery, and progression
  
• Identify hidden risks (e.g. injury susceptibility) earlier, especially in younger athletes
  
• Support long-term performance and healthy ageing, not just short-term results
• Create an additional premium revenue stream aligned with high-quality coaching

As Tim describes it, DNA testing was about “completing the picture”: combining movement assessment, coaching experience, and objective biological insight.

Why DNA testing

Tim first explored DNA testing almost 10 years ago but found FitnessGenes’ reporting particularly valuable because it translated genetics into practical, coach-led decisions.

Key reasons for adopting DNA testing included:

• Identifying optimal training frequency for each individual
  
• Understanding recovery capacity, inflammation, and muscle damage risk
  
• Flagging tendon, ligament, and connective tissue injury risk
  
• Differentiating cardiovascular responders vs poor responders
  
• Informing supplement strategies (e.g. nitric oxide, creatine, caffeine)
  
• Adding lifestyle insights relevant to longevity and healthy ageing
  

One example Tim highlights is working with a 16-year-old athlete identified as having a higher genetic risk for tendon and connective tissue injury:

“To know that information on a 16-year-old is gold. It confirms that certain preventative work isn’t optional,  it’s essential.”

How DNA testing is used at Megabox

DNA testing is positioned as a premium, structured service, not bundled into general memberships.

Megabox offers two DNA-led options:

Core DNA package

• DNA test
  
• Comprehensive core report
  
• One consultation to interpret results and apply them to training
  

Advanced DNA package

• DNA test
  
• Core report plus additional reports over six months
  
• Multiple consultations (in person or remote)
  
• Progressive layering of insights over time
  

Advanced reports include:

• Workout preparation and recovery
  
• Healthy ageing
  
• Weight management
  
• Training response
  
• Cardiovascular health
  
• Hormone health
  
• Sports performance reports where relevant
  

DNA consultations are delivered either in person or remotely and integrated directly into programme design and lifestyle guidance.

Client uptake

To date:

• ~21 paid DNA clients (members and external clients)
  
• Approximately 70% choose the advanced package
  

DNA testing has also attracted non-members seeking assessment and programme guidance, some of whom may later convert into long-term clients.

What insights matter most

From a coaching perspective, Tim finds several DNA insights especially impactful:

• Optimal training frequency
  Helping clients understand that “more” is not always better, and that rest days can improve outcomes rather than hinder them.
  
  
• Injury risk and connective tissue health
  Particularly important for explosive training, youth athletes, and long-term joint health.
  
  
• Cardiovascular response
  Avoiding wasted training volume for poor responders and redirecting effort into strength and movement quality.
  
  
• Recovery and supplementation
  Using DNA to support evidence-based decisions around recovery strategies and supplements.
  
  
• Lifestyle and longevity
  Highlighting environmental stressors, antioxidant needs, and healthy ageing considerations.
  

Business impact

DNA testing has:

• Created a new premium revenue stream that increased monthly turnover by over 5%
• Created opportunities for secondary spend on specialist assessments
• Strengthened Megabox’s positioning as a high-quality, evidence-led coaching facility
  
• Deepened client trust and long-term engagement
• Opened opportunities beyond the gym environment
  

Tim also sees strong future potential in corporate health and wellness, using DNA insights to support lifestyle, longevity, and preventative health, even for individuals who are not regular gym users.

Why it works

According to Tim, DNA testing works at Megabox because:

• It is delivered by an experienced coach, not handed over as raw data
  
• Insights are prioritised and applied selectively
  
• DNA complements, rather than replaces, coaching judgement
  
• Clients receive structured interpretation and follow-up, not information overload
  

Looking ahead

Megabox plans to continue expanding its DNA-led services, including:

• Hybrid training programmes built around structured training blocks
  
• Broader use of DNA insights in performance and longevity
  
• Potential expansion into corporate wellness and external consultancy