A YOUNG entrepreneur has launched an online review service in a bid to “create a more transparent and trustworthy fitness industry”.

Harvey Platt, 23, created My Fitness Advisor and is being supported by the Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme.

His creation is an online hub where people can review gyms, personal trainers, yoga classes and fitness events.

It has been launched in the Bournemouth area with around 115 listings and more than 60 reviews.

The Ringwood-based entrepreneur came up with the idea after struggling to find mediation classes to help with the pressures of his final year at university.

He said: “I was working in Val D’Isere when the coronavirus pandemic struck and returned to Ringwood just as the French borders closed.

“Lockdown gave me the opportunity to work on my business idea and I was able to spend all my time developing the platform.

“Local people can now search for a service or leave an honest review about their gym, trainer or other fitness professional. This means it will benefit both the service provider and those looking to find a fitness service that meets their needs.

“As well as giving people the bigger picture of what a fitness service provides, I’m trying to combat the bias of social media and the misinformation we all have at our fingertips.

“The fitness industry seems to be at the heart of misinformation, with people and organisations selling quick fixes claiming to solve all your fitness issues. However, with fitness, quick fixes aren’t possible.

“This has led to the mission of myfitnessadvisor.co.uk to help increase the trust and transparency of the fitness industry.”

Details listed for each service include prices, contract lengths, qualifications, social media links, class timetables and the type of facilities each service may have.

Mr Platt has based the review criteria on issues he believes users care about, including value for money, cleanliness, range of equipment, availability of equipment and spaces, and an overall rating. Personal trainers are rated on friendliness, value for money, results, motivation and exercise safety as well as an overall rating.

My Fitness Advisor has also been accepted into the University of Bristol’s New Enterprise competition, which sees 21 start-ups compete for £35,000 and business support.