About Us
Health and Wellness
A Personal Journey Behind ION BODY
Strength For Life
On 28th January 2019, my father's life changed forever after a serious cycling accident. Airlifted to hospital by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, he began a long 30-week period of recovery and rehabilitation.
As his son, and a personal trainer with over 30 years of experience, I was determined to support his recovery in every way possible. I began searching for solutions that could help rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence.
What started as a personal mission to help someone I cared about became the inspiration behind ION BODY. It shaped a belief that strength is about far more than fitness — it is about independence, recovery, and quality of life. Every cloud has a silver lining, and this became ours.
As his son, and a personal trainer with over 30 years of experience, I was determined to support his recovery in every way possible. I began searching for solutions that could help rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence.
What started as a personal mission to help someone I cared about became the inspiration behind ION BODY. It shaped a belief that strength is about far more than fitness — it is about independence, recovery, and quality of life. Every cloud has a silver lining, and this became ours.
Building a Foundation in Health and Wellness
With over 30 years of experience in health, fitness, and wellbeing, my career has always been focused on helping people become stronger, healthier, and more confident.
Before ION BODY, I founded Martin Shaw Fitness, growing the business from a single trainer into a team of six coaches delivering thousands of training sessions across Leeds and the surrounding area.
Over the years, we worked with people of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to those looking to improve performance, while also delivering corporate wellbeing programmes and group exercise initiatives.
These experiences created the foundation for everything that followed and reinforced a simple belief: strength has the power to change lives.
Before ION BODY, I founded Martin Shaw Fitness, growing the business from a single trainer into a team of six coaches delivering thousands of training sessions across Leeds and the surrounding area.
Over the years, we worked with people of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to those looking to improve performance, while also delivering corporate wellbeing programmes and group exercise initiatives.
These experiences created the foundation for everything that followed and reinforced a simple belief: strength has the power to change lives.
Discovering EMS —
A Turning Point
During my search for ways to support my father's recovery, I discovered EMS (Electro Muscle Stimulation) training.
Wanting to understand the technology for myself, I booked a session and experienced it first-hand. The level of muscle activation, strength development, and efficiency immediately stood out. As someone who had spent decades in the fitness industry, I knew this was different.
The more I learned, the more I realised EMS was not only effective for rehabilitation and recovery, but also for building strength, improving muscle tone, enhancing conditioning, and maintaining long-term physical function.
I invested in my first EMS system to support my father's recovery, but it quickly became clear that its benefits extended far beyond rehabilitation.
Wanting to understand the technology for myself, I booked a session and experienced it first-hand. The level of muscle activation, strength development, and efficiency immediately stood out. As someone who had spent decades in the fitness industry, I knew this was different.
The more I learned, the more I realised EMS was not only effective for rehabilitation and recovery, but also for building strength, improving muscle tone, enhancing conditioning, and maintaining long-term physical function.
I invested in my first EMS system to support my father's recovery, but it quickly became clear that its benefits extended far beyond rehabilitation.
A Family Business
Built on Experience
ION BODY is more than a business — it is a family journey built on a shared passion for helping people improve their health, strength, and wellbeing.
With over 30 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, a BSc (Hons) in Sport & Exercise Science, and numerous professional qualifications, I have dedicated my career to helping people improve their strength, movement, and quality of life.
Samantha, my wife, brings a wealth of experience from her career as a professional dancer, aerial acrobat, and teacher. Her understanding of movement, coaching, and helping people build confidence plays a key role in the ION BODY approach.
Over the years, ION BODY has continued to evolve, bringing together a growing network of experienced coaches, health professionals, and specialists who share our commitment to helping people move better, feel stronger, and live healthier lives.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: helping people build strength for life.
With over 30 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, a BSc (Hons) in Sport & Exercise Science, and numerous professional qualifications, I have dedicated my career to helping people improve their strength, movement, and quality of life.
Samantha, my wife, brings a wealth of experience from her career as a professional dancer, aerial acrobat, and teacher. Her understanding of movement, coaching, and helping people build confidence plays a key role in the ION BODY approach.
Over the years, ION BODY has continued to evolve, bringing together a growing network of experienced coaches, health professionals, and specialists who share our commitment to helping people move better, feel stronger, and live healthier lives.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: helping people build strength for life.
Why Strength Matters With Health and Wellness
At ION BODY, we believe strength is the foundation of life. Strength is not just about fitness — it is a key factor in long-term health, independence, and quality of life as we age.
From around the age of 30, we naturally begin to lose muscle mass and strength, a process known as sarcopenia. If left unaddressed, this decline can affect balance, mobility, joint health, and overall physical function, increasing the risk of pain, injury, and reduced independence in later life.
Maintaining and improving muscle strength plays a vital role in supporting the joints, protecting the spine, improving posture, and enhancing everyday movement. It also supports metabolism, energy levels, and recovery from physical stress.
From around the age of 30, we naturally begin to lose muscle mass and strength, a process known as sarcopenia. If left unaddressed, this decline can affect balance, mobility, joint health, and overall physical function, increasing the risk of pain, injury, and reduced independence in later life.
Maintaining and improving muscle strength plays a vital role in supporting the joints, protecting the spine, improving posture, and enhancing everyday movement. It also supports metabolism, energy levels, and recovery from physical stress.
ION BODY Today
What began with a single EMS machine and a desire to help my father recover from a life-changing accident has grown into a dedicated strength, recovery, and wellbeing business.
From our first small studio, ION BODY has evolved into a purpose-built health and wellbeing centre in Garforth, Leeds, supported by a growing team of experienced professionals. As demand for our services increased, we expanded further by opening a satellite studio in Leeds city centre, allowing us to support even more people on their health journey.
Today, we combine EMS Training, Ice Bath Training, and Group Exercise to create a structured approach to building strength, improving recovery, and supporting long-term health.
Everything we do is built around our three core pathways: Strength For Life, Transform For Life, and Recover For Life — helping people move better, feel better, and live stronger for longer.
Improve Your Health and Wellness - Book An EMS Trial Today
Trial sessions let you experience the power of Electro Muscle Stimulation - a full-body, low impact workout that strengthens & activates your entire body.
- Introduction to Electro Muscle Stimulation
- 1 to 1 EMS personal training
- Get started - Only £30
Book An
Ice Bath Induction
The Ice Bath Induction teaches you how to dip safely & effectively to improve health & well-being.
- Induction to ice bath training
- Issue ice bath card
- Get started today - Only £30
Get Started With a Group Exercise Class
We run group exercise sessions over a set period. Please enquire to find out when our next course starts.
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find us at
PHONE NUMBER
07512 769315
LOCATION 1
EMS 1-to-1, 2-to-1, Ice Bath & Group Exercise
Garforth Leeds Studio:
7 Long Meadowgate,
Leeds,
LS25 2BX
LOCATION 2
EMS 1-to-1
Leeds Centre Studio:
12 Park Place,
Leeds,
LS1 2RU
