Hi!
I’m Matthew (Matt), owner and head coach at The Fitness Club Docklands!
Education and experience
I have a bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sports Science and graduated with a letter of commendation from the Faculty Dean. I had originally commenced a Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology before falling in love with personal training and withdrawing half way through. This is not a decision I regret, with now over 8 years’ experience as a personal trainer, I enjoy every aspect of my job.
I crave the best from education as I feel this is what my clients deserve; I have a special interest in helping clients on the hypermobility spectrum (hEDS and HSD) as well as those experiencing lower back pain
I've studied low back pain rehabilitation and management in a 3 day intensive with world renowned low back pain researcher Prof Stuart McGill. An insightful course and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I enjoy applying this knowledge to help manage clients pain and help them to move towards pain free movement.
I have completed Level 1 & 2 of Dr Ashton Wilson's hypermobility course, who is helping to pave the way in the world of hypermobility awareness and treatment. I am fortunate enough to have been working with hypermobile clients for several years now and have been able to assist them in understanding how their bodies behave and how to train safely while working towards their fitness or health goals.
Training Philosophy
If I had to put it simply or catch-phrase it i think 'train curiously' sums it up well.
I think we should be curious about training: Why do this exercise? Why do I feel this exercise here? Why can't I feel this exercise where I'm meant to? Why do I keep experiencing this injury?
Curiosity sets the foundation for the learning and developing a deeper understanding of your body. We then use this knowledge to figure out what works for you and why, to make better informed decisions on training.
Education is important to me and it's something that I like to bring into sessions - educating clients on the ins and outs of training. I am still as passionate as day one about learning how the body moves and I try to impart this passion and knowledge onto my clients. My goal is to help my clients grow to a point where they no longer feel like they 'need' a coach, but rather 'choose' to because they see the value in having one.
Training with me means you will never have the exact same program as someone else, unless you've discovered how to clone yourself (if you have, let me know how!). Every single individual is different, we can share goals, but it is our experiences, history, genetics that shape us and make us who we are, so why should our training be the same?
Outside the gym
Apart from being Coach Matt, I am a dedicated partner to Eryn. Eryn is a hypermobile person with hEDS, so I have experienced first hand the challenges that symptomatic hypermobility can present.
Outside the gym, you will find me chilling out at the ice rink over the river as a recreational figure skater (competing could be on the cards), falling off the bouldering walls or indulging in some anime and video games with our 3 cats; Luffy, Merlin and Percy.
Come swing by the gym for a chat to see how I can help you with your fitness goals, I'm looking forward to meeting you!