Dave Wolffe has a winning formula.

The one-time Bermuda league footballer who leveraged a lifetime journey of health and exercise into a fitness and wellness business, says it is all about enriching the quality of people’s lives.

Fit4Life is led by Dave Wolffe, who proclaims: “Exercise and nutrition are vitally important for sustainable living and longevity.”

In an island of just 21 square miles, too many Bermudians cannot seem to get enough exercise, so in 2017 he opened a boutique gym on King Street, near the corner of Front Street.

But those pursuing health goals know that diet is a crucial part of the equation. Yet, so many rely on outside help. The food takeout business is booming in Bermuda.

In 2019, Mr Wolffe opened a side business to the gym, Stay Ready Meals, offering health-specific food, prepared for his clients.

Slowly, he turned his hobby into sustainable businesses.

“We saw the need to offer a service. We had a ready client base. We just needed to tap into it. Preparing meals — healthy meals — like it was fast food, was a natural.

“When we started there was no one else we could find who was providing that service. There was definitely a need. And since then others have started.

“But I think there still is a space for others to get involved. This provides meals that are healthy, delicious and convenient.

“Our meals are freshly made Monday and Wednesday and can be picked up directly or delivered to your office, your home or anywhere on the island.

“We have set meals. We can’t reconfigure them completely, but do allow for some customisation. Some people want vegetarian dishes and others may want more protein.“

The protein variety includes salmon, steak, snapper and chicken breast.

The pandemic slowed the growth of Stay Ready Meals, but Mr Wolffe was certain he was on the right track. With the island now trying to get past the pandemic, he is taking it up a notch, with island-wide delivery of the meals.

He said: “Things have been getting back to normal. People are back at the gyms and back in their offices, so we are prepared to do more than we did over the pandemic months, and yes, things are picking up.

“We’re also offering meals to other gyms, promoting them to places around the island who have clients who want to be able to get their workout in, and take some food when they leave.”

The meals are absent of gluten, dairy, sauces or cheese, but are seasoned with herbs and spices. The macros are listed on each container.

His daughter, Jordan, joins him in the business as do some six staff, including chefs.

Mr Wolffe is well known for playing football for PHC, right up from the bantam and junior ranks. Then for a couple of years he was with North Village. After that, he was Robin Hood captain for many years.

When he stopped playing football, his singular focus was to age well. He hit the weight room and became heavily involved in physical fitness,

He said: “I stopped playing football when I was about 40. I’m 51 now, but probably smaller and fitter than my playing days.

“I’ve been trying to tell people that to do what you need, you have to combine both aspects — training well and eating well.”

His corporate work is extensive. The two businesses work with the Argus Group, CG Insurance, Amlin, Aspen and Arch Insurance.

“We continue to build wellness partnerships at the corporate level, providing the services valuable to their employees, including lunch and learns, seminars, training programmes. They also buy my meals.”