Steve Matthews, founder of Verara
Steve Matthews is the founder of Verara and a health coach who has spent 20 years helping people aged 40 to 65 feel stronger and more energetic. He boxed for England and also boxed professionally, now takes part in IRONMAN races, having completed IRONMAN Leeds, has reached the summit of Kilimanjaro, and runs Verara from Crosby, Liverpool.
Where it started
Long before Verara, there was the boxing ring. I boxed for England, and I also boxed professionally.
Over the last 20 years I've coached people aged 40 to 65. Most of them didn't need a radical overhaul. They needed to know where they stood, and a few simple habits they could actually keep. Verara puts everything I've learned into one simple method across five pillars: movement, nutrition, sleep, mindset and heart health.
Verara's mindset content is created with Clinical Psychologist Dr Heather Boland, and Registered Nutritionist Nick Wall shares nutrition expertise and content as our nutrition specialist. I create every 28 day plan. You can meet them both below.
I founded Verara here in Crosby, Liverpool, because feeling strong, sharp and energetic in your 50s, 60s and beyond should be the rule, not the exception.
Meet the team
Verara brings coaching, nutrition and psychology together, so each of the five pillars is looked after by someone who knows it well.
Steve Matthews
Founder and health coach
20 years coaching people aged 40 to 65. Steve boxed for England and professionally, and now takes part in IRONMAN races.
Dr Heather Boland
Mindset specialist, Clinical Psychologist
Dr Heather Boland is Verara's mindset specialist. She is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), registration number PYL042011, and her work draws on compassion focused therapy. At Verara she helps you understand the patterns behind how you respond to stress, so change feels doable rather than forced.
Check her registration on the HCPC register.
Nick Wall
Nutrition specialist, Registered Nutritionist
Nick Wall is the Verara team's nutrition specialist, sharing his expertise through Verara content and member sessions. He is a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) on the Association for Nutrition register, registration number 11131, in public health nutrition, with 13 years of experience in nutrition. He holds a BSc in Sport and Exercise Physiology and an MSc in Food and Nutritional Sciences. He was named Nutrition Specialist of the Year 2020 and Public Health Nutritionist at the Nutrition Graduates Awards 2023. He has worked with Team GB and Italian Olympic athletes, has worked as lead nutritionist for Regency, has appeared on the BBC and MTV, and has worked with clients in 65 countries. His approach is balance, not restriction: no calorie counting, no food weighing and room for the foods you enjoy.
Check his registration on the Association for Nutrition register.
Hear from the team
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Hear from members
Joe Garrett is a Verara member. In this Short he talks with Leanne Campbell about breaking a takeaway rut.
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Listen to the Verara podcast
The Verara podcast is hosted by broadcaster Leanne Campbell, with conversations about ageing well for people over 40. Hollie Fitzmartin is a featured guest, and Steve Matthews joins Leanne to talk about starting at any age. Watch the full episode with Hollie Fitzmartin on makeup after 40 on YouTube.
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Steve at a glance
- 20 years coaching people aged 40 to 65
- Founder of Verara Ltd, UK health coaching across five pillars
- Boxed for England
- Former professional boxer
- Takes part in IRONMAN races, including IRONMAN Leeds
- Reached the summit of Kilimanjaro
- Based in Crosby, Liverpool
Local roots, online coaching
Verara is based in Crosby, on the Sefton coast north of Liverpool. Coaching is delivered online, so members can take part from anywhere in the UK.
Verara Ltd is registered in England and Wales, company number 17152423. You can check the company record on Companies House, and follow Verara on Instagram and YouTube.
Ways to start
Free Longevity Score
Free
A short quiz that gives you your Verara Health Age and a clear picture of where you stand across the five pillars. No payment and nothing to cancel.
About the Longevity ScoreFounding Membership
£49.97 a month
Ongoing coaching across all five pillars, including your personal training plan. Direct Debit, no contract, cancel anytime.
About Founding MembershipEmployer wellbeing pilot
£1,199
A Discovery pilot for about 12 staff over roughly 8 weeks, each with a Verara Health Age score and a personal plan.
About the pilot