Inside the local studio that’s redefining fitness in rural Wexford

In the heart of Ballygarrett Village, LB Health Fitness & Wellbeing has become much more than just a place to work out — it’s a local hub of energy, encouragement, and community connection…

Latoya Byrne, the owner and founder, has been a familiar face in the local fitness scene for over a decade.

Latoya’s journey began long before her studio opened its doors. Ten years ago, she started running circuit classes in the Ballygarrett GAA Complex. It became a move that would later spark the creation of her own dedicated fitness space:

“I originally started Circuit Classes in Ballygarrett GAA Complex 10 years ago this coming January, but in February 2020 I opened LB Health Fitness & Wellbeing,” she said.

Reflecting on her motivation and the ethos behind her business, Latoya shared that her love for movement began early in life through sport and study. She explained that fitness has always been deeply personal to her:

“I’ve always had a real passion for health, fitness, and wellbeing — it’s something that’s been a big part of my life from a young age. Growing up, I was heavily involved in Gaelic football and soccer, which really sparked my interest in how the body works and how to get the best out of yourself physically and mentally.”

“After completing my Leaving Cert, I went on to study a BSc in Sports Science & Health, and also became a qualified Personal Trainer and Pilates instructor. I then spent five years working as a PT in Gorey, where I learned so much about working with people, understanding their goals, and helping them achieve lasting results. Seeing clients transform — not just physically but in their confidence and mindset — is what really drives me. That passion for helping people is what inspired me to take the leap and open my own business.”

“Now, we offer a wide range of services including Personal Training, Circuit Classes, Small Group PT, Pilates, and Men’s-Only Classes. We also love building community through events like Pilates on the Beach & Breakfast mornings, and Pilates & Facials nights — it’s all about making fitness enjoyable, social, and sustainable. For me, it’s not just about workouts — it’s about creating an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and proud of what they can achieve,” she told Wexford Weekly.

Like many small business owners, Latoya’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She opened her doors just weeks before a global pandemic and like many others in all walks of Irish society, it was a time that tested her adaptability and resilience.

“One of the biggest challenges I faced as a small business owner was launching my business just before COVID-19. It was an incredibly stressful time, but I knew I had to adapt quickly to keep things going. I decided to move my services online and started offering live virtual workouts, which really helped me stay connected with my clients and keep the business afloat. Another challenge has been our location — we’re based in a small rural village rather than a town.”

“This can make it harder to attract new customers and access certain resources, like staffing, as sometimes in the countryside people don’t see you as a business. On top of that, like many small business owners, I’ve had to manage multiple roles at once — from marketing and customer service to accounting and planning. It’s been challenging, but it’s also taught me a lot about adaptability, problem-solving, and resilience,” she said.

When asked about the rise in fitness culture in Ireland, Latoya believes it reflects a broader and more positive shift in how people view health. She noted how fitness has evolved from being image-focused to being about overall wellbeing and connection.

“In recent years, there’s been a huge shift in how people view health and fitness. There’s far greater awareness now — people of all ages are getting involved in some form of exercise, whether that’s gym classes, running clubs, or community activities like parkruns. What’s really inspiring is that fitness is no longer seen as something only for weight loss or elite athletes. It’s become much more inclusive and holistic.”

“People are exercising to build strength, boost their mental health, socialise, and be part of a community. We’ve also seen growing awareness around the benefits of staying active later in life — for example, how regular exercise can help prevent conditions like osteoporosis and support overall independence and wellbeing in older adults. Overall, I think the conversation around fitness has become much more positive, supportive, and community-focused, which is really encouraging to see.”

Latoya added that exercise impacts every part of life — physically, mentally, and socially.

“Exercise has so many benefits — physically, mentally, and socially. It helps improve cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and bone density. It also reduces the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Mentally, it’s a powerful way to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost confidence. And socially, it brings people together — whether through group classes, team sports, or community events — which can really enhance a person’s sense of belonging and motivation.”

LB Health Fitness & Wellbeing now operates out of its own private studio in Ballygarrett — something Latoya takes great pride in. She said her goal was always to create a comfortable and empowering space for all fitness levels.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is owning and running my own fitness studio, in Ballygarrett Village. It’s tucked away in a lovely private setting, which gives it a really welcoming and personal feel. I wanted to create a space where people of all ages and fitness levels could come to feel comfortable, supported, and motivated — and that’s exactly what we’ve built. We offer both one-to-one personal training and larger group sessions, and it’s been amazing to see the community grow around us. What started as just a dream has turned into a real local hub for health, wellbeing, and connection,” she told Wexford Weekly.

Running the studio full-time, Latoya’s typical day starts early and ends late, filled with energy, laughter, and dedication from her clients. She described a busy but rewarding daily routine that reflects the heart of her business.

“Our studio is a full-time fitness facility, and it really comes alive from the crack of dawn. A typical day starts bright and early at 6 a.m. with either a class or a personal training session. From there, the morning is a busy mix of one-to-one sessions, buddy workouts, Pilates, and circuit classes — there’s always great energy in the place! The afternoons follow a similar rhythm, with a steady flow of personal training and group sessions right through until we close at 9 p.m. In total, we run around 17 classes a week, all of which are delivered in-house.”

“We’ve chosen to keep our sessions face-to-face rather than online because we’ve found that in-person training creates a stronger sense of accountability, motivation, and connection. It’s not just about the workout — it’s about the social side too. Our clients really enjoy coming together, supporting each other, and having a laugh while working hard. That community feel is what makes our studio special,” she told Wexford Weekly.

From early morning classes to community events on the beach, LB Health Fitness & Wellbeing has become a symbol of what local business can achieve — bringing people together to feel stronger, healthier, and happier.

In a small North Wexford village, Latoya’s passion continues to inspire others to move, connect, and thrive, one class at a time.