Where did it all begin?
13 years as an Australian Navy Clearance Diver taught me what it meant to put mind over matter and push myself past the threshold of my own resistance. Whilst equipping me with a sense of strength, it didn’t provide me with the skills needed to train my body the way it was crying out to be trained. Once I’d discerned this difference, my whole attitude to fitness changed.
Whilst stationed in Afghanistan with the Army in 2011, I became obsessed with Kettlebell training and CrossFit, consuming knowledge through any means possible and consulting fitness literature as my bible. I soon developed an understanding of movement, strength, and conditioning, eventually focusing on barbell, bodyweight, and kettlebell programing. An appointed unit training instructor, I aided soldiers in physical training – occasionally training 200+ at once – and channelled my newfound knowledge into these routines, recruiting fellow soldiers as personal training guinea pigs.
It soon became apparent I was both improving their physics and increasing their range of motion, and if I could minimise damage resulting from intensive military training, the possibilities for how I could improve everyday individuals were boundless. With this epiphany came a new-found passion.
A week back from service, in 2012, saw the doors to my first studio open. Embracing the military ethos ‘no pain, no gain’, this mantra was fast adopted by clients but I’m happy to report it’s a notion I’ve since steered away from. Fitness shouldn’t be a chore; each body is different and responds best when challenged outside its comfort zone. With this new and improved approached, I grew from one personal training client to 50+ in just 6 months. Growth was the word, with new staff coming aboard whilst my own training continued, adapting to new techniques and regimes as my knowledge evolved.
I’ve since spent 5 years travelling extensively to learn from the best in every field, from South Africa to Singapore, Hungary to the USA and beyond. It’s crucial to remain informed if your methods are to stay ahead of the curve!
Where are we now?
With half a decade, 7 incredible personal trainers and a thriving admin department under our belt, we’ve not only created revolutionary fitness programs, but an entirely new workout experience. The development of Adaptive Strength (formerly Box33) gym has been a team effort – we’re a community – and we’ve helped hundreds of members achieve healthier lives.
Through shared knowledge and a solid plan of action, Adaptive Strength (formerly Box33) sees members through to their initial goals and beyond, implementing ongoing plans to endow them with sustainable health long term.
I’ve designed gyms to install confidence – too often, gyms can be intimidating, with clientele hogging equipment and worshipping the mirrors. We cater to middle-aged individuals committed to better health rather than the self-appointment bodybuilder crowd. We pride ourselves on providing a safe, comfortable atmosphere for women seeking a gym that offers broad and unbiased fitness programs, without the need for female-only, segregated facilities
Adaptive Strength (formerly Box33) specialises in movement ‘re-education’, exercise therapy and progressive strength training. If you’re looking an exciting path to achieve your health goals, we encourage you to embrace the alternative and attend any of Adaptive Strength (formerly Box33)’s training centres. See for yourself the entirety of where this fitness path can take you, and share in the insight I’ve gained from my journey.
