AYO WILLIAMS | CLUB MANAGER
Ayo attained a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science at The Nottingham Trent University. Whilst studying he continued his interest in martial arts and went on to learn Yawara Ryu Ju-Jitsu, and competed in K.S.B.O. Limited Rules Fighting Tournaments at National and International level. Throughout his studies, Ayo became more interested in Fitness Testing and Biomechanics which he investigated further in the research and development of his dissertation. He extended his skills further by undertaking a course in Sports Massage Therapy.
He pursued a career in Health and Fitness, setting up as an independent Personal Trainer in North London and co-running a Sports Therapy Clinic before joining Matt Roberts. He has continued to increase his knowledge; continually reading, researching and developing new ideas, and obtaining further qualifications from the American College of Sports Medicine and Premier Training International. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. His training techniques are a hybrid of the various styles and knowledge he has acquired over the past decade, and he often incorporates specially adapted sport related coaching ideas, and some of the martial arts skills that he has learnt to provide fun, varied and results orientated sessions.
Ayo has completed various hikes, assault courses and marathons over the last few years. More recently, whilst travelling across South America, he found a new passion in Rock Climbing. He continued to climb upon his return to the UK, but this year has switched his attention back to distance events and completed the Marathon des Sables (a 150 mile race across the Moroccan Sahara) in April 2011.
STUART BALKHAM | SENIOR TRAINER
Having loved and competed in all kinds of sports from an early age, Stuart decided that the natural path for him was to be involved in the field of sport and exercise. With this in mind, Stuart attended and graduated from Brunel University with a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science.
In his time at Brunel he gained a keen interest in the physiology and biomechanics of the human body. He also realised a passion for health and fitness that prompted him to gain the CYQ Personal Trainer Award upon completion of his degree.
Since joining Matt Roberts, Stuart has enjoyed being able to use his knowledge to aid clients in reaching their goals, varying from weight loss to strength conditioning, as well as specialist areas such as the rehabilitation of injuries.
Stuart has always been a keen footballer, having competed at School, YTS and University level. He is also a big football supporter, and has held a Southampton FC Season Ticket for the last 10 years. His other sporting interests lie in Cricket and Rugby. He also regularly plays golf on weekends. As part of the Matt Roberts team, Stuart is now training for the demanding Tough Guy Challenge.
DAVID VILLALONGA | SENIOR TRAINER
David understands fitness and exercise as an important path to improve the quality of their life. His friendly, infectious personality and good communication skills help clients enjoy and understand the training sessions at all levels.
He has always been interested in health sciences and wellness, practising different sports such as: football, volleyball, rugby and basketball. He believes in the use of different training methods to achieve people's goals and he will combine them to make sure his personal training sessions are efficient, effective and safe.
In 1998 he studied for a Bachelor in education of sport (BSe) and specialised in health sciences at the University of Barcelona (BSc). The needs of the individual, and indeed, the fitness industry as a whole are constantly changing, and in David stays abreast of these changes by constantly updating his knowledge, studying various techniques from Pilates to Yoga.
David has worked for prestigious fitness companies and resorts in Spain as a personal trainer and in 2007 he decided to continue his career in the UK.
ALAN FOLEY | SENIOR TRAINER
Alan’s early sporting interests lay in basketball, playing competitively both at university level and in the Sussex Men’s League. He began weight training to improve his performance, which developed an interest in the fitness industry leading him to complete a Premier Personal Training Diploma in 2002.
Alan has gained vast experience over the last few years in endurance events, including the Longmynd Hike (50miles, cross-country, in 14 hours) and several marathons. He uses this together with his knowledge of strength and conditioning to help his clients to successfully attain their goals.
Alan has always been particularly interested in the rehabilitation of sporting injuries. He has worked closely alongside the physiotherapy team at Matt Roberts with many of his clients, and is currently taking his own knowledge to the next level by studying a part time degree in Physiotherapy at London South Bank University.
GERAINT LEWIS | PERSONAL TRAINER & BIOMECHANICS SPECIALIST
Gez gained his undergraduate degree (BSc Hons) in Physiology from Cardiff University, where he specialised in Exercise Physiology, Sports Nutrition and Biomechanics. He is an accredited Sports Performance Analyst having studied Performance Analysis and Enhancement of Sport to Masters level at the Cardiff School of Sport. Gez has also completed the Premier Training International Masters Diploma in Personal Training and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the N.S.C.A.
Gez works as a performance enhancement specialist and is dedicated to applying cutting-edge science for optimal athletic development. He has trained with, coached and analysed some of the most talented athletes in the U.K from a wide variety of sports including triathlon, golf, tennis, track and field and professional team based sports such as football and rugby. His primary focus with all the athletes he works with is peak performance and injury prevention.
Gez's academic background as a physiologist and performance analyst combined with the practical experience of coaching real world athletes provide him with the applied knowledge to ensure his clients receive the best possible conditioning strategies whilst maintaining optimal health and body composition.
Along with his Personal Training role within Matt Roberts, Gez is responsible for the Biomechanical Analysis and Physiological Performance testing service which is now available at all of the Matt Roberts clubs in London. His extensive academic and practical background is well suited towards the application of these skills which will enable the clients he works with to follow a truly individualised training programme and thus reach desired goals.
Gez's personal athletic background has seen him train and compete with athletes of the highest calibre including those that have reached Olympic finals. Whilst Gez may never reach an Olympic final himself he practices the same training methods that are applied to all of his athletes allowing him to reach true physical potential.
CAMELIA CIOBANU | PERSONAL TRAINER
Camelia's unshakeable belief in the power of exercise is her biggest strength when it comes to motivating her clients.
After obtaining her Physical Education Diploma, Camelia qualified as a Personal Trainer with both the American College of Sports and Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association, as well as acquiring several other industry recognised fitness qualifications. Functional exercise plays a great part in her training and is one of her specialist areas.
She believes in each of her workouts as being a result of a winning battle that is both external and internal, which goes beyond training, expanding into personal motivation, desire for health and self-confidence.
She is a keen long distance runner and continues to take part in long distance events and races.
CARL RAGHAVAN | PERSONAL TRAINER
Having qualified as a Personal Trainer in 2005, Carl has been an established trainer at Matt Roberts Mayfair for over half a decade. His genuine drive to improve and expand his knowledge has seen incredible results for many of his clients, and recognition from his peers for the innovation of his sessions.
Carl has participated in a huge range of sports and active hobbies, from childhood up until the present. Constantly learning, and challenging both body and mind has made him extremely adept at picking up new skills. His ability to absorb and pass on these concepts have helped to make him an excellent coach.
Carl has trained a wide variety of clients with goals ranging from fat loss, strength development, muscle building and rehabilitation work to ultra-endurance event goals.
A few of Carl's most interesting sports and hobbies include Basketball, Breakdancing, Rock-Climbing, Snowboarding and the Indonesian martial art called "Penchak Silat." A vast array of variety and skill signify true passion and appreciation for different forms of training.
His current training goal to compete in his first Powerlifting competition; this has come from his organic love for strength based training in the gym.
His travelling thirst is taking him to Texas in summer 2012 where he will meet one of his favourite strength coach authors, Mark Rippetoe. His mantra regarding training and learning comes from Bruce Lee, and is to “...absorb what is useful and discard what is useless”.
CARLY DERRAVEN | PERSONAL TRAINER
Sport and Fitness has been a part of Carly's life from a young age; she lists Athletics as one of the major influences on her as she was growing up. This path eventually led her to complete a Higher National Diploma in Sport and Leisure, followed by a Sports Science Degree at University. Her ability as a winger in Rugby shone through during her studies, where she progressed to international standard, playing for Wales, whilst simultaneously adapting her knowledge and enthusiasm to earn coaching qualifications in Rugby.
Unfortunately, her playing career was cut short by a knee injury, which sidelined her for a considerable time, and all but ended her competitive hopes. She has, however, through dedication and self-motivation worked her way back to full health and fitness over the last couple of years. Carly understands the difficulties and frustrations of returning to fitness, and draws on her personal struggle to deliver an empathetic yet motivational style of training that gets the best out her clients.
Carly's qualifications specialise in Strength Training, Advanced Circuits for different goals and Sports Psychology, and her experience in personal training to date has allowed her to adapt and use this knowledge to help a range of people achieve diverse goals. Carly's skills, personal experience and love for health and fitness make her a well rounded and enthusiastic trainer.
SAM TOMKINS | PERSONAL TRAINER
Sam was a keen sportsman as a youngster, playing football and rugby and representing his county and region in the latter. This love of sport was the reason behind his Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons) from the University of Birmingham.
Having decided to continue to play competitive team sport throughout his time at University, it was rugby that led Sam out to New Zealand. Whilst living there, he decided to pursue a career in Health and Fitness, and obtained the relevant qualifications required to become a Personal Trainer. On his return from New Zealand Sam worked in a gym in Kensington, London, before deciding that concentrating on one-to-one personal training was the best way to get results and so joined the Matt Roberts team.
Sam suffered a serious knee injury, which cut short his rugby career and required knee reconstruction in 2007. The aftermath of this injury have meant a change in the direction of Sam’s training, with triathlons becoming the main focus. Having started out in triathlons in 2009, he has taken great strides forward in both fitness and technique and has completed 2 ironman races since. In August 2011 Sam was selected to represent Great Britain at the ITU Long Distance World Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada at the beginning of November 2011.
The long and patient rehabilitation from knee surgery has made Sam appreciate the struggles that people suffer when training, and his training always finds the perfect level between effectiveness, progression, and rehabilitative elements where required. His time and wide experience from New Zealand to the UK, and from group Rugby coaching to specialised one-on-one work has made Sam a well-rounded trainer who is expert at identifying and helping clients achieve their goals.
DOMINIQUE MOORE | PERSONAL TRAINER
Dom has been extremely physically active throughout her life; as a youngster always preferring to run around climbing trees than to sit indoors. Whilst at school she was a keen long distance runner, a passion which has stayed with her into adulthood. Having decided to forge a career in Health and Fitness, Dom began studying with the Australian Institute of Fitness and became a Master Trainer in 2005. She updates her knowledge continually, most recently completing the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist course. Dom is also trained to use Kettlebells and is a registered Kickboxercise teacher.
Dom has been a keen climber for the last year, has progressed rapidly and finds it a great compliment to her gym programme. Dom has always enjoyed exercise and believes as with every thing in life if you are doing something you enjoy you will work harder stick at it longer and achieve. “Exercise should be fun... let’s find something you enjoy doing and with a little guidance and a lot of hard work we'll get you your results”.
ABIGAIL GUNN | PERSONAL TRAINER
Abigail has a strong passion and enthusiasm for fitness and enjoys helping others achieve their fitness objectives. Her struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet as an adolescent led her to develop an organised plan of exercise for health gains, which was her first foray into the fitness world. She began training as a teenager in musical theatre, and went on to work as a professional dancer and performer in the West End and worldwide. The intense physical demands of her work encouraged her to take the importance of good posture, mobility and muscular conditioning seriously.
Abigail’s interest in the specifics of physical improvement, coupled with her talent for one-to-one instruction led her to qualify as a Personal Trainer, where she quickly built a loyal client base. Naturally enthusiastic, her sessions, no matter the goal are always, fun and energetic with plenty of variety. Her background has given her plenty of experience in creating strength based calisthenics circuits, and this, coupled with her knowledge of strength training and weight management techniques helps make her an extremely well-rounded trainer. Her attention to detail ensures that every client receives all the help they need to reach their potential.
Her previous training focus was improving her 10k time, and having taken 20 minutes off her personal best over the first half of 2010, she is now training towards increasing her 6-rep-max in the Olympic Lifts.
ALEX KING | PERSONAL TRAINER
Alex is a talented rugby player from New Zealand, (currently playing semi-professionally for Old Freemen’s RFC in Surrey) who brings his own brand of freshness and enthusiasm to the team. He was ‘brought up’ on sport, playing basketball, rugby and touch rugby from a very early age. Through both school and university he trained in various Rugby academies, improving his skills and getting excellent exposure to first-class teaching techniques. A genuine interest in performance enhancement led to Alex studying ‘Sport and Recreation’ to degree level, majoring in coaching, at Auckland University of Technology.
Upon leaving University he qualified as a personal trainer and began working in Sydney, Australia, specializing in weight loss at a women’s outdoor fitness club. He excelled in this role, putting his strong knowledge of nutrition to good use, as well as directing focused and dynamic exercise classes.
Alex has represented both his province as well as his country at Touch Rugby, and passed on his experience in his next role which was Head Coach for a senior girls touch team, back in Auckland. He successfully managed the team for three years, taking great pride in the improvements seen under his tenure.
Alex is a well rounded, popular trainer who gains a great deal of personal satisfaction from achieving results with clients. Whilst his sporting background has given him an understanding of rehabilitation due to the injuries he has suffered through high-level rugby, his previous employment and studies have given him a wealth of knowledge regarding the achievement of weight loss, and the motivational tools to help clients achieve the goals they seek.
MARIANNA KEPICOVA | PERSONAL TRAINER
Marianna has practiced a wide range of sports from a very early age, and has been playing tennis regularly for over 15 years. It came naturally to her to study physical education at university and following her courses, worked as a qualified nutritional adviser For the Military Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic.
In 2002, she moved to London and discovered a passion for Beach Volleyball and competed on the English Volleyball Association beach volleyball tour at national level for several years. She was awarded "Most Improved Player of the Year" in 2006, by fellow beach volleyball competitors. Her enthusiasm for trying out new disciplines in sport drove her on to train for and compete in the New York Marathon in 2008. She maintains her passion for endurance sports and has her sights set on an Olympic distance triathlon in the 2012 season.
Marianna strives to keep her knowledge updated and qualified as a Certified Exercise Coach at the CHEK Institute in 2010. She gained invaluable experience working as a Personal Trainer and Outdoor Group Exercise coach in Kensington, west London.
She believes that training and nutrition are the key factors for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Marianna’s sessions focus on improving self-confidence, achieving agreed goals and having fun.
SAM COLGATE | PERSONAL TRAINER
Sam has both dedication and zeal towards applied sport and exercise. He completed a BSc (Hons) in Strength and Conditioning Science at St Mary’s University in London. During his time at university he gained his Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach Status through the UKSCA and is currently working towards furthering still his knowledge and practical application.
Having reached a high level in the pole vault (top 5 in the UK as a junior) and Olympic Weightlifting (British Universities and College Champion 2011), he has applied his practical and academic experiences into coaching various elite sports. His natural enthusiasm and attention to detail have seen him achieve great results working alongside teams and individuals in Championship Rugby, Track and Field and various endurance sports.
Sam has 4 years of solid performance and Strength and Conditioning coaching behind him, and is constantly devising exercise techniques and regimes for both his personal training clients and athletes. He believes that applying theoretical and practical science into training in fun and exciting ways leads to better and more effective results in physical goal achievement, injury prevention and quality of performance.
JAMES LUSH | PERSONAL TRAINER
James’ love of sport and fitness started at a very early age. Like many others, he played numerous sports and games throughout school and college, taking particular interest in cricket - playing at youth county cricket level for 3 years as a gifted All-Rounder. He also played Hockey at a county level for West Sussex. He completed his degree in Criminology and Sociology but it was his love for people and teaching that led him to do the Premier Training diploma. Since then he has gone from strength to strength, training a broad range of clients with goals ranging from ACL rehabilitation to a Paralympian fencer; from weight/lean muscle gain to helping a client lose 10 stone (63.5kg) in a little over 8 months.
James is REPS (Register of Exercise Professionals) Level 4 accredited, having completed further studies in weight management, specialising in diabetes. This focused on the many facets relating to weight loss including the social, psychological as well as the nutritional. James has excellent experience and know-how in helping clients change their life patterns and mentality during the weight loss phase, and he has proved that he can adapt those skills to help across a range of goals.
He has a natural ability at building rapport with people, creating a positive, motivating session in a confident and friendly manner. This has helped him become very successful in helping clients reach their goals allowing them to strive to be the best they can. He uses many functional training techniques and also enjoys using his boxing to add fun and variety to his sessions.
James believes exercise and a healthy living are essential to a happier life and his sessions have the broader aim of helping to achieve this. He builds the confidence of his clients in every session and strives to maintain that positive feeling that their goals are being reached.
SARA NICOLE | PERSONAL TRAINER
‘I believe exercise should make you feel good, whatever level you choose to pursue’.
Sara’s passion for health and fitness led to a degree in Sports and Exercise Science and upon graduating, a career in gyms and personal training.
Following her graduation, she gained valuable experience working in small gyms in Suffolk. Having relocated to London she continued to diversify her client base by working in women’s only gyms, Power Plate studios and a Luxury Health Club. These venues gave her the opportunity to learn new skills, develop her personal training, work with a wider range of clientele and allowed her to determine where her next step would be.
Sara’s passion lies in helping others to improve their fitness, motivation and self esteem. She is a keen runner, having completed two half marathons and aiming towards a marathon. Other than running she enjoys yoga, cycling, functional training and dancing.
Sara is particularly interested in nutrition, health and cooking and, where possible provides advice to improve clients’ dietary choices and habits. She enjoys preparing her own meals at home using fresh ingredients on a largely vegetarian based diet. In addition Sara spends time creating new recipes and finding healthy yet enjoyable alternatives for those struggling with their diet whether the goal is weight loss, handling a specific allergy/condition or optimally fuelling a specific sports training programme.
She is constantly trying to better herself by trying new training ideas, training with others, setting herself fitness goals (“…be marathon ready, learn to dance and perfect my pull ups!”) and researching, especially in the field of nutrition.
Sara has an energetic, knowledgeable and encouraging approach, providing a challenging yet achievable session to bring clients quickly and safely to their goals. Always flexible with her approach, she prides herself on being creative in order to increase client satisfaction, adherence and success. Sara loves training clients of all levels and relishes a new challenge!
AMILLE GLEGG | PERSONAL TRAINER
Amille brings a wealth of high profile and international experience to the team, having worked as a trainer across the world in Spain, Hong Kong, Australia, and the Middle East. As a talented youngster, Amille competed at national level in both the 400 metres and Baseball. His passion for movement and his infectious enthusiasm made Fitness a natural career choice. Since qualifying as a personal trainer with the Business and Technology Education Council and Premier Training International in 2006 he has continually taken himself out of his ‘comfort-zone’, sought fresh challenges and always strives to increase his knowledge.
His insight and coaching skills enable his clients to achieve a wide range of goals. During his time in Spain, he gained huge experience in designing and delivering circuit and kettlebell classes, and improved his boxing and ‘Cross-Fit’ training alongside a top Mixed Martial Arts coach/practitioner. He was a popular trainer for over a year at London’s Royal Automobile Club, before resuming his travels. Whilst in Australia, he created and taught group exercise classes, worked with physiotherapists to facilitate rehabilitation, and trained a competitor on ‘Dancing With The Stars’.
On returning to London, Amille specialised in Fat Loss and Strength Training, and has studied nutritional practices to achieve these goals. His work both with and as a Fitness model, as well as success with a wide range of individuals of different ages, has enabled Amille to produce noticeable and lasting results in the shortest possible time.
