About Us
MISSION STATEMENT - THIS SH*T IS A SKILL
We believe everyone should have access to ‘real life’ strength training which is hard to find in todays market of fad classes designed to make you sweat with little put towards your own fitness journey and independence outside of those classes. ‘Train with Purpose’ is our motto. We don’t just want you to focus on what you can do in the gym, but what you can use it for outside in the real world.
We are a gym set up with the sole purpose of bringing Strength and Conditioning to the masses and empowering people with knowledge, technique and movement. At it’s very root, we want to make gym-going more accessible and informative with programmed cycles for continued improvement - there is always something more to learn. This training is for life with periodised goal setting that makes sense. The fundamentals have to be learned and practiced before they can be performed without conscious thought and under duress. It is our role to coach you, not cheer-lead from the front.
“I’ve been training at GroundWork for the past seven months and can safely say it is the best gym I’ve attended. I initially joined out of convenience, but it’s truly changed the way that I approach fitness and for the first time, rather than dragging myself to the gym out of a sense of guilt or obligation, GroundWork has made me look forward to the opportunity to train.
Before GroundWork I had mainly stuck to large group classes at other gyms where the main aim seemed to be to build up a sweat in the most haphazard (and probably unsafe) manner possible and where I was frustrated by the lack of attention paid to technique and progress. Upon joining GroundWork, I’ve been offered genuine and comprehensive strength and conditioning training for the first time, with the planned programme and attentive coaching working wonders in building confidence, mobility and strength. The small class sizes means not only that Matt, Katherine and Tim are able to keep a close eye on technique and monitor progress, but also fosters a genuine sense of community where people both push and look out for each other. Couldn’t recommend it highly enough.”
THE OWNERS
Matt Hansell
Co - Owner, Resident Trainer and Head of programming.
My goal when starting GroundWork Training was to create a space where people could learn to train effectively, safely and without judgement.
Using strength and conditioning training principles and a range of techniques, we explore what it means to ‘train’ and challenge all aspects of ‘Fitness’ and what that actually means for your life
Katherine Berlie
Co-Owner, Resident Trainer and Admin Central
I’m not here just to make you sweat - sweat is superficial, I love to make people strong!
Not just strong for the sake of numbers, that’s just ego. Strong to run without knee or hip pain, carry heavy stuff in your hands, on your back and shoulders, and feel confident in your body both aesthetically and in its capability.
Aesthetic goals are important but will never be at the detriment to movement. If the movement is good, and strong, the gains will come!
Regardless of your previous experience in training, we will always start by working out your starting point and progress it from there.
The Team
We carefully selected our team. They are not here by chance or convenience, each bring their own unique background and skillset to GWT.
Jamie Bourne - Senior Coach & Nutritionist - Personal Trainer
I love to help people enjoy training and build a stronger, fitter version of themselves through exercise and nutrition.
I’ve been the person working a desk job and struggling to get to the gym or to take control of your eating. I know how tough it can be to achieve your fitness goals when life gets in the way.
Everyone’s challenges are slightly different. So I collaborate with my clients to find a customised approach that works for them. There are no quick fixes or cookie cutter ‘transformation programmes’.
The effort you apply in the gym should bring physical and mental benefits to your whole life. I can help find a solution that works for you, and most importantly, helps you move and feel better for the long-run.
Ophelie Griffond - ROM class instructor
Ophelie started early, competing in gymnastics and travelling with the circus alongside coaches from Cirque Du Soleil.
She had to overcome many corrective surgeries and years of recovery due to several disabilities.
She now teaches her community to develop an appreciation for their bodies, learn about them, how they work, how they move and how they can unlock their potential, whether it being able to live pain-free or reach levels of performance they didn't expect to achieve.
Her mission is to get people curious and interested in functional anatomy of movement, neuroscience and the mind/body connection.
Ophelie is now a registered FRC Practitioner and Mobility Specialist.
Laura Carter - Perform & GW4 class instructor and Personal Trainer
Prior to entering the fitness industry, I was that corporate bod wining and dining at least three times a week, with little to no focus on my health and wellbeing. The last four years has taught me the importance of training for life and more importantly that life needs balance. I have found a love for training, and I love nothing more than seeing this transition in my clients when they work with me.
Functional fitness has transformed my life, I believe strength training is a building block to improving your primary fitness foundations as well helping to aid fat loss and more importantly maintaining that weight loss.
I work with clients with the aim of not only transforming their aesthetic goals but also building healthier lifestyles, habits and foundations for an improved and happier life
Karim Djidel - Perform Class instructor and PT
You only have one body, let’s take care of it.
In life, when you look at it, all it really comes down to is your health. Without it, nothing is enjoyable. You can’t take care of the things you do or the people you love. The two main facets here are your mental health and your physical health. That’s where I help you.
I’ve always trained, coming from a sport background. Having dealt with all sorts of difficult injuries, I love to see my client getting better, happier, more confident. The the same things that’s helped me and thousands of other people. There’s no magic to it really, Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete. I will help you to set realistic targets, measure progress and adapt the training program to your needs to reach to reach your goals and with my support and motivation, you'll be able to push yourself further than you thought possible. My clients have seen amazing results, But ultimately you’re the one that make the change, so it’s on you.
Berni Szabo - Personal Trainer
Being physically active has always been part of my life since childhood and a primary source of my wellbeing, and as a working professional, I struggled to devote as much time as I wanted to my passion, which really affected my mental health.
After many years of working as a Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach, I have learnt that approaching fitness, health and wellbeing in a holistic way, is the key to long term improvements and a balanced lifestyle.
Through my experience of living with ADHD, and continuous education around how to live a fulfilling and balanced life with it, I have helped many clients to build a great foundation for their fitness, health and mental wellbeing.
I am passionate about Coaching you to overcome your psychological and practical barriers, to build a healthy and balanced lifestyle that works for you and is sustainable.