From Struggle to Strength: My Journey from Addiction to Becoming a Personal Trainer

Firstly, let me introduce myself. My name is Stuart Morris and this has been my journey into turning my life around and becoming a Personal Trainer and Pro Powerlifter.

For much of my early life, I felt lost. I didn’t know who I was or what my purpose was, and to cope with the confusion and pain, I turned to drugs. What started as an escape soon became a vicious cycle that took control of my life. I didn’t recognize it then, but the drugs became my crutch, numbing me from the emotions that I didn’t know how to process. At the time, it felt like the only way to survive.

I was caught in a storm of self-destructive habits. I lost friends, I lost trust, and most importantly, I lost myself. The drugs took me places I never wanted to go. I hurt those around me, and most days felt like I was existing rather than living. It was a dark period where I felt trapped in a never-ending cycle of highs and lows.

But even at my lowest, I knew something had to change. The tipping point came when I realized I was on the verge of losing everything. I had a choice to make: I could continue down the destructive path or fight for a new life.

I chose to fight...

These experiences fuel my drive to help others push past their limits and achieve greatness in their fitness journeys so whether your goal is to shed weight, build strength, or compete at an elite level, I’m here to provide expert guidance, unwavering support, and a plan tailored to your success. Let’s make it happen!

The road to recovery wasn’t easy. I faced my demons, slowly pulling myself out of the darkness one day at a time. What helped me most was discovering my new found love of fitness. It started small—taking walks, doing basic weight training etc but it was enough to make me feel something positive again. Over time, I grew stronger physically, and with each workout, I found my mind becoming clearer as well.

Fitness became my sanctuary. It wasn't just about building muscle or losing weight; it was about rebuilding my life, one rep at a time. I began to appreciate the discipline, the structure, and the sense of accomplishment that came with every small victory. For the first time in years, I felt like I had control over my body and my mind again.

As I got deeper into fitness, I realized I wanted to share this feeling with others. I wanted to help people who were struggling with their own battles, just as I had. I decided to become a personal trainer, to use my experiences to guide others toward a healthier, more empowered life.

The journey to becoming a personal trainer wasn’t instant—it took time, education, and hard work. I earned my certification and started working with clients, many of whom had their own struggles. It was a powerful experience to see others transform, not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. Helping someone push through a tough workout or achieve a fitness goal felt like a victory in my own journey, too.

Today, I’m no longer the person I was. I’ve learned to embrace my past, not as something to hide or be ashamed of, but as a testament to how far I’ve come. Being a personal trainer isn’t just about teaching people how to lift weights or run faster; it’s about showing them that transformation is possible—no matter how difficult the path might seem.

My story is one of redemption, strength, and growth. I went from being trapped in addiction to being in control of my life, helping others do the same. Fitness was the key that unlocked my potential, and I now dedicate my life to helping others find their strength, both physically and mentally.

It’s been a long journey, but the person I am today is one I can finally be proud of.

During this time, I also found a new passion for Power Lifting. I found myself surrounded by the right people who pushed me further than I thought I could ever go and it wasn't long before I signed myself up for my first competition.

It was January 2023 and I enter the Nottingham Strongest 110kg Deadlift Class. To say I was nervous was an understatement but again, surrounded by the right people spurring me on and helping me with my training I turned up and walked away with 1st Place!! By doing this, I was now qualified for the European Championship over in Ireland.

I was now determined more than ever to win and, supported by my friends and family, I trained the hardest I ever have done, to the point that I felt the best I had done in my life. I arrived in Ireland and gave it my all. Walking away a broken but more importantly with the win!! I was crowned 2023 WPC European Cup Deadlift Champion. The feeling was immense and has since given me the fuel to train and compete in further competitions. I've gone on to win several little events aswell as the 2024 WPC British Deadlift Championship.