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Introduction
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I possess a strong fitness background, I enjoy all types of sport and the conditioning that accompanies them. I have played rugby since the age of 10, growing up in the Scottish borders that is instilled into you from a young age. I have had a long career in Scottish club rugby have played for both Gala and Watsonians over a number of years making almost 300 first XV appearances. I also ran the strength and conditioning programmes for both of those clubs.
I first started lifting weights in 2001 at the age of 14 and I have lived in gyms ever since(literally). I still lift 3-4x per week even to this day (although slightly less weight compared to my hayday!). What first began as a means of improving rugby performance became a way of life for me. My love for training eventually materialised into more serious strength and conditioning and at the age of 17 I started more structured training with top coaches. Over the years I have gained some invaluable information and experience through some world class coaches and thousands of hours spent in various gyms.
My passion for sport and exercise shaped my further education. I studied Applied Sports Science at the University of Edinburgh and graduated with a Bachelors Degree. This has given me excellent knowledge Anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology and S&C. I constantly strive to apply this knowledge into to my sessions to allow my clients to get the most out of personal training.
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After University, I moved to Australia to play rugby where I played in the Queensland Premiership. I also gained vital experience working in the fitness industry.
In 2009 whilst in Australia I suffered a serious knee injury. At one point I was told I categorically I would never
play again or perform any kind of lower body weights. In 2010 I tried a new type of surgery and underwent a
lateral meniscus transplant from a cadaver. I was the first documented person to ever make it back to high
end contact sport after having a complete lateral meniscus replacement. I have seen first hand the importance
on Strength and conditioning in overcoming injuries.
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More about Martin
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I love training and its something I will always do for the rest of my life. I’ve lifted 3-5x per week since the age 2001 with my only real time off having been for surgeries or major injuries (there’s been a few! Thanks rugby haha!).
I have tried all types of training over the years, you name it, ive likely tried it! From 5x5 to german volume training and powerlifting. I’m proud with some of my fitness achievements, I’ve bench pressed 180kg, squatted 200kg, deadlifted 240kg, seated barbell pressed 120kgx3, done a weighted pull up with 70kg, power cleaned 130kg, curled an 80kg barbell for 3 reps amongst other things. Ive been a 115kg bodyweight and I’ve been 100kg shredded. I’ve literally done it all.
I stopped playing rugby in 2021 and I no longer have the reason to carry as much bulk or be as heavy. I’m in the process of leaning down I’m currently 88kg, probably the lightest I have been since I was 17. I’ll always lift weights as a staple of my routine but I am currently enjoying some other methods of training. I have recently tried a solo hyrox and completed a half-marathon, I have also broken 20 minutes on a 5k run! I have a new found respect for runners and other types of training! I plan on doing another couple of hyrox competition and I may be daft enough try a marathon in the near future!
The reason I tell you this is because I am astounded by the amount of coaches and PT’s who do any training themselves, it baffles me! I believe you should practice what you preach. How can you coach others if you have not been there and done it yourself!?.
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The fitness industry is saturated with "cowboy PTs", and we live in a fitness culture where anybody can do a 6 week course to become a personal trainer. it is important you pick a trainer who has the qualifications, experience and know how to help you transform your physique and achieve your goals. My applied experience, combined with the qualifications and knowledge in the theories underpinning exercise allows me to provide you with the best possible plan to achieve your goals.
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Fitness Proficiencies
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Strength & Conditioning
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Muscle Gain
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Weight training for beginners
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Bodybuilding
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Weight management and fat loss
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Core Stability/Abs
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Nutritional Planning
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Incorporation of S&C for Rehabilitation and injury prevention
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Hyrox Style training
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