Garage Transformation Stories
The Personal Trainer
Emma Jones, personal trainer
For many personal trainers, finding the perfect space to train clients can be a challenge. For Emma Jones, founder of Emma Jones Fitness in Leicestershire, that space was right at home - in her garage.
Cold in the winter, lacking storage, and restricted by an outdated up-and-over garage door, Emma knew she needed a change. That’s when she entered Garolla’s garage transformation competition in November 2024 - and won. What started as a simple home gym has now evolved into a fully equipped, high-end garage PT studio, allowing Emma to take her business to the next level.
In this transformation story, we take a closer look at how Emma turned her garage into the ultimate personal training space, the challenges she overcame, and the impact it’s had on both her business and her clients.
How it all began
Emma’s passion for fitness began after having children, when she struggled to find time for the gym. Determined to make exercise more accessible, she started working out at home and later discovered fitness classes that welcomed parents. Realising how many others faced the same barriers, she became a personal trainer to help people, especially women, incorporate fitness into their lives.
What started as community-based classes soon evolved into Emma Jones Fitness, where she now specialises in resistance training and one-on-one coaching. But as her client base grew, she needed a dedicated space that reflected the quality of her training.
The challenges of training in a garage
While Emma had been using her garage as a training space, it wasn’t ideal. The old up-and-over garage door restricted storage, limited headroom, was lacking in security and let in the cold - making winter workouts uncomfortable. The space lacked insulation, and without a side entrance, every session required fully opening the garage door, losing heat and privacy. Emma knew she needed a change. Upgrading her garage would not only enable her to enhance her clients’ experience but also give her a professional, high-end studio that reflected the quality of her coaching. That’s when she came across Garolla’s Garage Transformation Competition aimed at at-home business owners and decided to enter.
Bringing the vision to life with Garageflex
The competition prize included a Garolla roller garage door, and a garage fitout worth £5,000 from Garageflex. This meant Emma could finally create the perfect personal training space, but she needed expert help to make the most of her garage. That’s where Garageflex came in. Specialising in bespoke garage transformations, they worked closely with Emma to design a layout that would maximise storage, insulation, and functionality - while maintaining a sleek, professional feel.
The transformation included:
✅ A Secured by Design Garolla Titan electric garage door - Freeing up 25% more space for shelving and working out.
✅ A new side door – Allowing clients to enter without opening the main garage door, improving privacy and heat retention.
✅ Insulated walls and a loft hatch – Keeping the space warm and energy-efficient, even in winter.
✅ Smart storage solutions – Creating extra room for fitness equipment while keeping the space clutter-free.
✅ A durable new floor, modern cladding & mood lighting – Enhancing both the look and feel of the studio, making it more inspirational for clients.
With Garageflex’s expertise, Emma’s garage went from a basic home gym to a fully equipped, high-end PT studio!
Taking Emma’s business to the next level
When the work was complete, Emma was blown away by the results. Her once cold and cluttered garage had been transformed into a modern, high-end PT studio that truly reflected her brand. Clients immediately noticed the difference, praising the warmer, more inviting atmosphere, the improved layout, and the professional finish.
Beyond aesthetics, the transformation has taken Emma’s business to the next level. With a fully optimised space, she can now offer a better training experience, attract more clients, and grow her brand in ways she never imagined.
Client reactions and Emma’s final thoughts
The response from Emma’s clients has been overwhelmingly positive. Many were amazed at how spacious, warm, and high-end the studio now feels. Some even said they feel more motivated and comfortable working out in the new space.
Emma believes the transformation has fast-tracked her business growth by five to ten years. She now has a professional studio that reflects the quality of her training services, helping her attract new clients and offer an even better experience to those she already works with.
Looking back, Emma says entering the Garolla competition was one of the best decisions she made. The combination of Garolla’s secure and stylish roller door and Garageflex’s expert garage transformation has given her a space she’s truly proud of - a space where both she and her clients can thrive.
