A COACHING EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER, BLENDING PERFORMANCE, PURPOSE & LIVED EXPERIENCE TO PUT YOU, THE HUMAN, 1ST.
ABOUT
If you're here, you're probably already spinning a lot of plates. Business. Family. Life. You're driven, committed, and take care of everyone else, but your own body and headspace often come last.
Human 1st was created to help you change that.
Founded by Dave Tilston, a Royal Marine Commando, firefighter, yoga teacher, martial artist, parent and coach, Human 1st blends decades of hands on experience with a measured approach to training and wellbeing. Everything here is built on real practice, lived experience, and respect for the process.
This isn’t about hacks, pressure to perform, or chasing numbers. It’s about mastering the basics, learning how to move with intent, and building a body and mindset that supports the life you want to live, not one that breaks when things get busy.
Whether it’s 1 to 1 coaching, retreats or consultancy, our goal is simple:
To help you reconnect with your body, manage stress, and train in a way that builds strength, clarity and long-term resilience, physically and mentally allowing you to achieve at the very highest of level both at work, home and for you.
When you prioritise yourself, even a little, everything else gets better.
OUR VISION
1. RECONNECT
We believe real strength isn’t just physical, it’s how you interact with your body, your mind, and those around you. Through coaching, education and honest conversation, we help you move better, think clearer, and live more intentionally.
2. CLARITY
In a world obsessed with hacks and short cuts, we slow things down. We teach you how to master the basics with quality, patience, and purpose, so your body doesn’t break when life gets busy.
3. LEADERSHIP
We don’t preach theory. We live it. Everything we coach is built on real-world practice, time in the trenches, and deep respect for the process. Because longevity, adaptability and self-awareness are skills worth investing in.
DAVID'S BIO
David is a highly experienced movement coach and former Royal Marine Commando, with a unique background spanning military service, firefighting, yoga teaching and high-performance coaching. He works with busy, high-performing individuals, often business owners and executives, helping them rebuild strength, mobility and clarity so they can thrive in both life and work.
Importantly, David is also a husband and father, which fuels his belief that health, training and success should support your lifestyle, not compete with it. His approach is built on decades of lived experience and a deep understanding of how to apply strength, mobility and mindfulness in real life.
David has trained extensively across disciplines, including strength and conditioning, hand balancing, yoga, mixed martial arts, functional movement and breathwork. He also runs in-person retreats and delivers consulting support for businesses, providing education, systems and coaching that support both performance and long-term wellbeing.
The decision to create Human 1st came after working with hundreds of clients who were spinning multiple plates, feeling disconnected from their bodies, or burnt out by generic fitness solutions.
David is on a mission to simplify training, strip back the noise, and provide clear, honest coaching that helps people feel strong, capable and grounded again physically and mentally.
Katy S
"From Blue Disability Badge to using the punching bag.
I was in agonising pain 24 hours a day, 2 years of Physiotherapy did very little. My health care providers wanted to use invasive treatments and surgery.
David guided me through the process of exercising by inspiration, knowledge and so many wins. I now enjoy many hours exercising, swimming, gym, hydrotherapy pool and much more.
I am thoroughly enjoying my life and no longer take or need my anti inflammatory pain medication. My health care providers agree I am a different person.
Now the next problem is what exciting thing can I plan for my 70th birthday?
David Tilston thank you so very much."
Tom M
"Working with David over the last 6 months has been transformational for me. Not just in physical progress from previously being told I needed surgery and unable to do a single press up to now being able to now enjoying strength training, cycling, movement and handstand progression.
But also mentally, working with David helps you understand more about yourself, to learn the whys and reasons for your progression and help build a stronger overall base of knowledge and wellbeing.
David’s knowledge is second to none and you can see his passion for fitness, well-being and movement! He genuinely cares and backs you to reach your goals!
Thanks David 👍
Linda A
"Apart from being a thoroughly all round very nice person David is very skillful and thorough in his approach to body mechanics.
When I first started with David I was post a leg break and crushed ankle and had great difficulty going up the stairs at the front of my house, I would take each step one by one resting in some cases.
I now take my front stairs in one quick stride even with shopping bags. I have less pain and more strength and I don't feel weak.
Going forward I know I will gain more and more strength and flexibility as time goes by.
I recommend most highly the benefits that working with David brings.
Thank you David!"