ABOUT | Claire Marsh UK

ABOUT ME

Hi, my name is Claire Marsh (nee Hamer).

I'm a fitness athlete, coach and mentor. Along with my husband, I own and manage The Box Portsmouth which is a specialist fitness facility for CrossFit and dance enthusiasts.

I have had a love of sport and physical activity since I was born (pretty much!) and have three decades of experience in various competitive sports.

I'm passionate about sharing the wealth of my knowledge and experience to help others achieve their absolute best.

As a teenager I represented Wales as an artistic gymnast at the XV Commonwealth Games. In my twenties I performed as a dancer at various high profile events including the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony. In my thirties and to this day I enjoy competing as a CrossFit athlete.

From helping toddlers learn the basics of movement to developing world champion athletes I have trained hundreds of people of all ages and abilities to achieve their desired fitness and sporting goals.

Alongside my sporting endeavours I also have a degree in European Management Science and spent several years working as a chartered management accountant.

ABOUT ME

My Mission

MY MISSION

I dream of a happier and healthier world where we live a fulfilled, enjoyable life through the freedom of movement. Where physical activity, pursuits and adventures are the best and most looked forward to part of everyone’s day.

It is my aim to encourage and inspire ALL to fulfil their true mental and physical potential. Through teaching others to use fitness as a mechanism to unlock personal potential, build confidence and improve self esteem and to then transfer these skills into other aspects of life.

My Story

MY EXPERIENCE

In my Teens

In my 20s

Commonwealth Games Gymnast

From age 7 to 16 I trained extensively in the sport of Artistic Gymnastics. I competed in many international competitions for Wales and travelled to many different countries to do so. One of those was the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada (aged 14) where I finished 15th overall and 5th on the floor exercise. Towards the end of my gymnastics career I was also a member of the British Development Squad. I thoroughly believe that this immersion into sports from a young age helped to develop my positive mindset and set me up for a lifetime of physical movement enjoyment of all kinds.

University Sports Competitor

I spent four years studying European Management Science (with French) at the University of Wales, Swansea. During my time there I tried out a number of the Universities sports and dance club. The main one I settled on was running where represented the University on several occasions. I also spent a year in Bordeaux (although I'm not sure wine tasting is classified as a sport!)

Chartered Management Accountant

Following my university years I moved on to study accountancy. I became a trainee accountant with the BBC and then moved on to become a management accountant for several years at IBM. Various job moves within these two companies brought me to Portsmouth.

Founded Hip Hop Dance School - Streetforce DC

During my years working with IBM I met a colleague called Dave Terrill who was a keen dancer. Together, in 2007, we set up a hip hop school called Streetforce DC which rapidly grew in numbers. It was here that I came to realise my passion for helping others develop in the field of fitness and movement.

Trained European & World Champion Dancers

Streetforce DC grew from strength to strength. We regularly took our dancers to European and World Street Dance championships as well as organising many other performances for major organisations such as Calvin Klein and Bench Clothing.

Produced Hip Hop Dance Show - Menace 2 Move

Through various local partnerships and collaborations I produced and co-choreographed my first hip hop theatre show, Menace 2 Move. This was a sell out show which we repeated later on in the year. In later years I have also organised and produced other large scale dance shows including a hip hop theatre play based on Disney's Jungle Book called 'Jungle Buck' and Streetforce DC's 10 year anniversary show.

Dance Performer at Various Events

As well as teaching dance to others I myself performed on numerous occasions. This alongside growing a streetdance school led me to move to being part time in my accountancy role. Notable highlights in my personal dancing career involve training in Los Angeles and performance at the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony.

Opened The Box Portsmouth

A growing want to help more people develop their confidence and health via movement led me to train to become a personal trainer in 2012. I then left my accountancy role to undertake a PT position at Pure Gym Portsmouth. It is here where I met my future husband, Carl Marsh. Within 6 months of meeting we opened our fitness facility, The Box Portsmouth (June 2013).

Launched Speciality Fitness Classes

Through our facility, The Box Portsmouth we have set up multiple fitness classes so that we can help all ages and abilities with their health and fitness journeys. Soon after opening I trained to become a CrossFit Kids instructor and also collaborated with local organisations to set up our parent and child speciality classes.
I became a mum in 2017 and really benefited from these classes too :-)

Set Up The Claire Marsh Foundation

I was awarded the Inspirational Sports Woman of Portsmouth in 2019 at The Pamodzi Creatives Inspirational Women Awards. This is an annual awards ceremony celebrating the hugely talented women in Portsmouth. In 2020 I used this platform to launch the Claire Marsh Foundation. See link below for further information.

Launched Youth Fitness Awards Programme

Pulling on my experience of coaching fitness to children across the years and also having taught fitness in a number of schools I decided to launch a youth fitness level awards programme in 2022. This programme aims to recognise various stages in a child's fitness progression over time and awards them at different levels.

9 years as a CrossFit Athlete

Alongside my work as a coach, fitness centre owner and manager I also compete regularly as a CrossFit athlete. I have competed both in the UK and abroad. I have taken part in the CrossFit Open for 9 years and often finish in the top 10% worldwide for my age category.

CLAIRE MARSH UK

ABOUT ME

MY MISSION

MY EXPERIENCE

In my Teens

In my 20s

In my 30s

In my 40s

CONTACT ME

If you need any further information:

Email: info@clairemarsh.uk

Tel: 07971 755579

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