To mark the 10th anniversary of Feel Good Week at the idyllic Hillside Beach Club in Turkey – where each day is thoughtfully designed to recharge body and mind. We caught up with online coach and celebrity trainer Bradley Simmonds. Back for a second year of workouts, wellness, and waterfront downtime, Bradley shares what he packs in his gym bag, the Hillside Beach Club sweet treat he can’t resist, and how the resort gives him the space to prioritise his own wellbeing even while helping others transform theirs.
How did your collaboration with Hillside Beach Club come about?
I first visited Hillside two years ago and instantly fell in love with the place. I’d never been to Turkey before, but friends had told me how special Hillside was – and they were right. Their focus on wellness, recovery, and nutrition aligns perfectly with mine. I’m running two full-body classes during Feel Good Week, and it’s great to be part of it again.
For someone starting their fitness journey today, what are three simple but effective tips you’d give them?
Invest in a coach. They’ll teach you form, avoid injury and keep you accountable.
Get the right gear. Feeling good in what you wear boosts motivation.
Surround yourself with inspiration. Whether it’s joining a great gym or booking a wellness-focused getaway like Hillside Beach Club, the right environment can kickstart your journey.
What does your ideal post-workout meal look like? While you’ve been at Hillside Beach Club, have any dishes stood out as favourites?
It depends on the heat! I usually go for high-protein Greek yogurt mixed with whey, creatine, honey, strawberries, banana, and a bit of granola – simple and effective. I always train first thing in the morning to start my day right. At Hillside Beach Club, my go-tos are the grilled lamb, steak, salad, and houmous – clean, protein-packed choices. But I do treat myself to the white chocolate, Biscoff, and fresh strawberry cheesecake. It’s dangerously good, and I have to be disciplined not to go back for more.
You’ve helped so many people transform their lifestyles – what’s been one of the most memorable client journeys for you?
With over 500 online clients and 15,000 subscribers, I’ve helped a lot of people over the years. One client who really stands out is a mum of five, including one child with autism. Despite her hectic schedule, she made it happen. She followed my guidance on workouts, supplements, and nutrition, lost a stone, and gained strength and energy. She’s a perfect example that with the right mindset and support, anyone can do it – even from home.
What’s always in your gym kit bag – any surprising essentials we might not expect?
I always pack electrolytes to rehydrate after a sweaty gym session. A massage gun helps loosen tight areas before training, and resistance bands are essential for glute activation before heavy deadlifts. I also bring grooming products that don’t disrupt testosterone levels – what you put on your skin matters, as it’s absorbed directly into the bloodstream. I stick to brands that are clean and healthy. Oh, and I’m a big fan of Alo at the moment for activewear – my tripod comes everywhere for filming. It keeps my subscribers motivated.
You’re known for high-energy HIIT workouts – how do you adapt to each client?
During the lockdown period, people came to me mainly for HIIT workouts. But over time, I’ve shifted towards promoting a more balanced approach – combining strength training, high-intensity sessions, and low-intensity cardio. Every client is different, and their goals really matter. For example, if you’re going through menopause, daily HIIT isn’t ideal. Strength training is essential to build muscle and support bone density, while incorporating some high-intensity work helps release endorphins. It’s about training smarter, not just harder.
How do you personally stay motivated and avoid burnout?
Coming to places like Hillside Beach Club help. I relax with massages, sauna, and time offline. Moving to Dubai also gave me more structure – mornings are for me before the UK wakes up. I now have time to workout first thing, walk my dog, train, then get into work. That balance has been key.
If you weren’t in fitness, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Definitely still in sport – either as a personal trainer or football coach. I’ve been passionate about it since I was a kid.
What role does mental wellbeing play in your training philosophy and do you practise any mindfulness or recovery techniques?
Mental wellbeing is one of the five health pillars I live by – alongside physical, emotional, social, and financial health. When your physical health is in check, your mental wellbeing often improves too. But it’s not always that simple. If someone’s struggling mentally, the best thing they can do is talk to someone, identify the root cause, and work on a solution. Personally, if I’m feeling stressed, I’ll go for a run – or if it’s really intense, I’ll hit a boxing class. And when I truly need to reset, I book a weekend away and switch off my phone.
Quick-fire round: favourite cheat meal, go-to training tune, and current fitness obsession?
Cheat meal: Shake Shake burgers in Dubai – a regular treat with my partner.
Training tune: All My Love by Elderbrook – it’s on my running playlist.
Fitness obsession: HYROX! I’m training for my first race in Rome this September. What better place than the home of gladiators?
What have you enjoyed the most at Hillside Beach Club ‘Feel Good Week’?
Honestly, having the time to focus on myself. As a coach, I’m always giving to clients, so it’s a treat to relax, swim, enjoy the spa and just breathe. It’s rare I get to do that.
Hillside Beach Club’s second Feel Good Week of the year is now open for bookings, taking place from 5th–12th October. The exciting wellness lineup will be revealed soon.
Nightly rates at Hillside Beach Club start from £175. Rates based on two people sharing a standard room on a full board plus basis*. Activities during Feel Good Week are free-of-charge and subject to availability. For more information visit hillsidebeachclub.com/en
*All meals are included and drinks consumed during meal times.
Hillside Beach Club, Belen Cad. No:132 Kalemya Koyu, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla
