03 Sep 2026
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Mark Ludlow, The Life Changing Health Coach, a qualified personal trainer who lost 10 stone on his journey to better health – see https://markludlowpersonaltrainer.com/
Do you ever Google yourself?
I do occasionally. Being self-employed, having an online presence is an important part of marketing my business. My weight-loss story has appeared in places including Men’s Health, The Sun, The Independent and LADbible, sometimes without me knowing. There’s also an Australian journalist called Mark Ludlow – I like to think we’re the two most famous Mark Ludlows! Most recently I Googled myself to see whether an interview I’d done with British GQ had been published. It had, and I was really pleased to see they’d used me as the expert throughout their article on losing belly fat.
What’s your worst habit?
My wife would probably say eating something without asking if she wants any. I have a habit of saying, “I assumed you wouldn’t want it,” which apparently isn’t the same thing as actually asking her.
What’s your favourite meal?
Fried chicken. I’ve got my eye on Chicken George, which has recently opened locally. I’ve heard great things but haven’t tried it yet, so that’s next on the list.
What makes you laugh?
I’ve always had a childish sense of humour. Toilet humour made me laugh as a kid and my four-year-old daughter seems to have inherited it, so I’m getting to relive that now – responsibly, of course! I also love observational comedians like Peter Kay and Michael McIntyre.
If you could offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Follow your passions, don’t just follow convention, and work hard. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, which explained a lot about difficulties I’d had with education and conventional careers. I eventually found something I loved and built a career around it. I wish I’d understood that about myself earlier.
What are you most proud of?
Probably the life I’ve built. There were periods when I struggled with my mental health, education and finding a career that suited me. I now have my own business, an amazing wife, two lovely children and live somewhere I love. The older I get, the more I realise none of those things should be taken for granted.
Which day of your life would you most like to relive?
My wedding day at St Michael’s Manor in April 2021. Covid had postponed it several times and we eventually went ahead with just 15 official guests. It was a beautiful sunny day just as lockdown restrictions were easing, and everyone was simply so happy to be together again.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
At about five I apparently wanted to be a robber! Thankfully, by my late teens I wanted to manage a leisure centre. I then spent years working in completely different industries before eventually coming full circle and building a career in health and fitness in my 30s.
Where’s your favourite place to eat in St Albans?
Probably Tabure. The food is always really good quality and beautifully made. If we want somewhere for a slightly more special meal out, that’s probably my first choice.
Dogs or cats?
Definitely dogs. I’ve got a six-year-old red Cavapoo called Buddy. He fits into St Albans perfectly – I think owning some variation of a fluffy poodle cross might actually be compulsory in St Albans.
