Our Story
How It All Started
Our journey began with personal transformation, not business plans.
Tina started Space to Thrive after her own lifestyle change transformed everything. Running became her lifeline through difficult times, leading to better mental health, increased energy, and a completely new outlook on life. But it wasn't just about getting fitter – it was about discovering how powerfully connected our minds and bodies really are.
Her doctorate in health psychology and behaviour change gave her a deep understanding of why people struggle to make lasting change, and what actually works. Her research into environmental psychology revealed how crucial our surroundings and support systems are for wellbeing. . This unique combination of personal experience and academic understanding showed her that true health isn't just about exercise or nutrition in isolation – it's about bringing together mental and physical wellbeing.
Working in the NHS reinforced this belief whilst also revealing how much misinformation exists around nutrition and health. She got frustrated seeing people given advice that simply didn't work – advice that ignored the psychological side of creating lasting change.
Her own experience of running marathons and competing in HYROX gave her first-hand understanding of the mental side of training, the discipline, the doubt, and what it actually takes to keep going when it gets hard.
Matt had always wanted to be a personal trainer. It was never a question of whether, just when. Years of family commitments and work meant the dream stayed on hold. When COVID created the space to finally make it happen, he didn't hesitate.
Since then he's gone on to complete triathlons, ultramarathons, marathons, open water swims, and HYROX - not to prove a point, but because he genuinely loves the process of taking on something hard and figuring out how to get there.
What makes us different? We understand that lasting change happens when you address both mind and body together. While other services might focus purely on workouts or diet plans, we know that your environment, mindset, and support system are just as important as the exercises you do or the food you eat.
This is why we call it 'Space to Thrive' – because we create the right physical and mental space for real, sustainable change.
Why We Do What We Do
It's Personal for Us
We've been where you are.
Our own transformations taught us
Our Mission
What Makes Us Different
We Create Safe Spaces
We Focus on You, Not Us
We Build Relationships
Meet the Team
Dr Tina Robson Health Coach & Co-Founder
Background
UK Approved Health Coach and NHS-trained expert in nutrition and metabolic health
Doctor of Psychology with a specialism in health behaviour change
Understands what it takes to create lasting lifestyle change, having transformed her own health through running, consistency, and mindset work
Combines her psychology background and health coaching expertise to help clients build lasting habits, manage their energy, and create sustainable change that fits around real life.
What drives her
“I want people to have access to proper health information and support, not the generic advice that rarely works in real life.”
Tina blends her psychology expertise and health coaching approach to help clients understand why change feels hard, and what to do about it. Whether it's building sustainable habits, managing energy around a busy life, or finally feeling in control of their health, she provides the tools, support, and accountability to make it stick long term.
Coaching strengths
Behaviour change and habit coaching for long-term results
Metabolic health, nutrition, and type 2 diabetes support
Mindset and psychological approach to sustainable change
Helping people feel in control of their health and energy
Holistic support around lifestyle, recovery, and routine
Matthew Robson Personal Trainer & Co-Founder
Background
Qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer (Level 4 Strength & Conditioning in progress)
Competed in triathlons, ultramarathons, marathons, open water swims, and HYROX - he trains the way he coaches
Specialises in strength, performance, and hybrid training
Based at Forge Fitness, Darlington, with online clients across the region
What drives him
"I love helping people realise they're capable of more than they thought, especially when they're training for something that feels just out of reach."
Matt brings personal experience of endurance and hybrid events to every client he works with. He understands what it takes to train consistently, perform on race day, and keep showing up when motivation dips. His coaching is straightforward, performance-focused, and built around getting real results.
Coaching strengths
Strength and performance development
Hybrid and event-focused training (HYROX, running, endurance)
Programming for athletes and performance-focused clients
Building training habits that deliver consistent results
Our Approach
For Personal Training
For Health Coaching
For Both
Looking to the Future
Our dream is simple: to have our own dedicated space where we can offer retreats, workshops, and even more comprehensive support for people wanting to transform their health.
But right now, we're focused on helping the people discover what it feels like to truly thrive.
Why Choose Space to Thrive?
Evidence Based + Personal Experience
Confidence Building Framework
Genuine Partnership
Ready to Create Your Space to Thrive?
Whether you're interested in personal training, health coaching, or not sure which would help most - let's have a conversation.
We offer free taster sessions and discovery calls because the right fit matters more than a quick sale.
Get in touch and let's see how we can help you create the changes you've been thinking about.
