What started as one-to-one personal training has grown into a social enterprise helping people across Sunderland overcome pain, improve their wellbeing and rediscover their confidence through movement, while creating a welcoming community where people can connect, build friendships and feel less isolated.
Team Dynamic Coaching CIC was founded by South Shields-born fitness coach Adam Smith after years of working with clients whose goal extended far beyond getting fitter or losing weight.
Instead, Adam found himself supporting people living with long-term injuries, chronic pain and reduced mobility, many of whom were struggling to access affordable rehabilitation and exercise support.
After seeing first-hand the difference tailored coaching could make, he began delivering community-based rehabilitation classes, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where people could improve not only their physical health, but also their mental wellbeing, confidence and social connections.
Adam said: “When I first started my business, it was all about one-to-one coaching. But I quickly realised so many people were coming to me with lower back pain, shoulder problems, knee injuries and mobility issues.
“We piloted some community rehabilitation classes and the impact was incredible. People who had been living with pain for years started moving better, feeling more confident and, just as importantly, building friendships. We realised we weren’t just improving physical health, we were improving social and mental health too.”
Originally established as a limited company in 2019, Adam turned the business into Team Dynamic Coaching CIC last year, allowing him to expand his community programmes and access to funding to support more people across the city.
To support the transition, Adam received support from the BIC through the Wear Together initiative, which helps local residents and community groups establish and grow social enterprises and co-operatives across Sunderland.
Working closely with advisers from the BIC, Adam received guidance on establishing the CIC, strengthening its financial structure, developing funding applications and building a sustainable organisation for the future.
Adam said: “It was the BIC that helped us identify what the best move was. They gave us the stability and guidance we needed to make the transition into becoming a community interest company.
“I have the BIC to lean on whenever I need advice. You go into a meeting with questions and a bit of stress, and you come out with clarity, confidence and a real sense that you’re heading in the right direction.
“I thought I could do everything myself, but you soon realise the only way you really grow is by asking for support. They’ve given us foundations that we simply couldn’t do without.”
Today, Team Dynamic Coaching CIC delivers mobility classes, rehabilitation programmes, one-to-one coaching and community initiatives for people of all backgrounds and abilities, with a particular focus on helping those living with chronic injuries, reduced mobility and long-term health conditions.
The organisation is committed to creating a welcoming environment for people who may not traditionally feel comfortable accessing fitness or rehabilitation services, with sessions tailored to individual needs and abilities.
Alongside the physical benefits, the programmes provide opportunities for participants to meet others, develop confidence, reduce isolation and improve their overall quality of life.
The organisation is also creating opportunities for new coaches and hopes to expand its community programmes across Sunderland and beyond.
Adam added: “We genuinely just want to help people. It doesn’t matter who you are, your background or your fitness level, there’s something here for you. We tailor our sessions to the individual and make sure everyone feels welcome.
“For us, it’s about much more than exercise. We want people to feel part of something, to build confidence, make connections and ultimately enjoy a better quality of life.
“I’m excited for the future because seeing people smiling, moving pain-free and enjoying life again is what drives me every day.”
Ernest Dodds, business adviser at the BIC, said: “Adam’s passion for improving people’s lives is clear to see. He has identified a real need within the community and has created a social enterprise that is making a lasting difference to peoples physical, mental and social wellbeing.
“It’s been fantastic to support Adam as he’s built strong foundations for team Dynamic Coaching CIC. His ambition, combined with a clear social purpose, puts the organisation in a great position to continue growing and reaching even more people.”
The Wear Together Initiative has received £148,638 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme which is managed in Sunderland by Sunderland City Council on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership. Learn more about the BIC’s social enterprise support here: https://www.ne-bic.co.uk/social-enterprise/