GET TO KNOW OUR OWNER AND HEAD COACH - Exercise Physiologist Jason
In order to trust us, you’ll need to get to know us and find out what drives our passion and commitment to guide and inspire individuals on their journey to personal growth, fitness, and well-being. Our diverse and skilled coaching team brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to every session, fostering a supportive environment that empowers our community. From Exercise Rehab, Sports Science, Olympic Lifting, CrossFit and Strength and conditioning specialists our coaches are skilled technicians dedicated to helping you surpass your goals, discover your potential, and cultivate a lifelong love for health and fitness. Meet the faces behind the motivation, the architects of your fitness journey – your coaching team ready to champion your success.
My CrossFit Beginnings
• Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became interested in CrossFit?
I had always grown-up playing sports and being active, from Football (Soccer) to Skateboarding to Rugby Union and Touch Rugby I have never not led an active lifestyle or strived to achieve the best in any sport I’ve tried. Along with all these sports inevitably came many injuries to follow, which piqued my interest in both sports’ performance and injury management. Whilst studying my sports science and exercise rehab degrees I was lucky enough to be placed on a practicum placement at Essence Gym and Fitness in Claremont with Dan Williams (Current Owner of ROM and where Coach Gabi also works). Dan introduced me to my first ever Crossfit workout (A variation of the hero WOD Murph) and ever since then I have been hooked!
• What inspired you to open up MVMT Hub?
After finishing my degrees, I started to work as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist for various Vocational Rehab/Pre-Employment companies, think workers compensation claims, and found it soul sucking and the exact opposite of why I got into this field. I was also still bartending weekends as that was providing more joy to my life. However, burning candles at both ends led to me feeling burnt out and I found myself questioning what I was doing. I took a gap year to live in Canada, travel Europe and when I came back my friend from skateboarding/rugby days Dylan had just finished his degree. We found out that he had had a similar epiphany with regards to the kind of work most Exercise Physiologists get into and we decided it was time to work with people to provide healthier lives and prevent injuries form occuring in the first place!
Though a MVMT Hub style gym was originally the idea, life threw us a great opportunity that we couldn’t say no to, we opened our first gym “Coogee Beach Fitness Club “ in 2013. Holding true to our principles of training and health but run more as a Boutique studio gym, we hustled building the business to a strong position where we revisited the idea of a CrossFit style space.
2 Years later in 2015 Mvmt Hub was born!
Coaching Style, Highlights and Staying ahead of the Game
• How would you describe your coaching style?
Direct and Supportive. I like to make sure every member always feels like they are getting the most out of every session, whether that is specific to improving movements or skills, sports performance or just leaving feeling like they got a great workout and took care of their health.
• Can you share a memorable moment or achievement in your coaching career?
Hard to nail down one thing but the top three, in no order are. Seeing our PR board full after every Test week. Watching people achieve things they never thought they could. Having people tell me how their personal lives have improved thanks to the training i.e. being able to go hiking on holidays when they used to avoid those activities
• What do you find most rewarding about coaching?
Watching people reap the rewards of their consistency and effort to their training/health.
• How do you approach nutrition and wellness in your own life?
Mon to Fri I adhere to a strict, some might argue boring diet. But for me during the work week it’s all about maintaining my training and recovery needs whilst also performing my Coaching/Business admin duties. The weekend is all about life enjoyment, Sundays are always a rest day and I let loose. Still conccious of what/how much I am eating but not to the point where I beat myself up.
• How do you plan to evolve or grow as a coach at MVMT Hub?
I love staying up to date with the science of human physiology to make sure our members are getting the best body management as possible. I also keep an eye on other program models out there, picking and choosing, things that resonate with my beliefs for health and fitness.
One thing for me is to make sure the Hub both caters to both Health and Performance, making sure that whilst doing the same training, whoever comes through our doors feels like their individual needs are met.
Community and Culture
• What do you think sets MVMT Hub apart from other CrossFit gyms?
I believe my background in Sports Science and Exercise Rehab offers a different perspective into the training methodology and principles applied to the programming. It also allows us to help manage any potential injuries that may arise. I’m proud to say we have inherited many athletes from various training backgrounds and have helped them continue or restart their training where they thought they had to “retire”.
How would you describe the community at the MVMT Hub and how does it impact a members gym experience?
Friendly, welcoming, supportive, socially competitive. We all get pushed to find the best within ourselves and have fun at the same time!
• How do you contribute to building a positive and inclusive environment at the gym?
I like to get around to EVERYONE in class at least once if not twice, from both a professional coaching perspective for feedback and also just to check in on them on a friendly note.
• What challenges have you faced in your fitness journey and how have you overcome them?
Injuries, I have a laundry list of injuries that have come through playing such high impact sports. Reminding myself of the bigger goals and bigger picture has always helped me stay committed to my rehab and training routines. Every injury has built more resilience for the next one or any life challenge and reminds me that it can all be overcome if you’re willing to put in the work.
Advice to Members
• Top tips for people looking to start their Crossfit/Health/Nutrition journey?
Build a strong foundation! Get the basic habits in first and build strong habits.
It’s a lifelong endeavour and skipping steps only leads to injuries and burnout.
Find a knowledgeable coach and supportive group of likeminded individuals to support your needs and goals.
Click Here for More Tips for Beginners!
• What do you believe people should search for in a CrossFit coach? *Take note aspiring coaches
A strong knowledge base. Experience. NO EGO - a person who will support your needs and goals and will treat your wins as theirs.
Willingness to learn and adapt to mistakes. We aren’t infallible.
Wonder if you have what it takes to be a great Crossfit Coach? Click Here
Life outside the gym and other interesting facts
•Outside of the gym, what are your hobbies or passions?
Spending time with my partner Kate, hanging out with friends, and enjoying Food/drink experiences!
I still play Touch Rugby - though I’ve retired about 5 times and keep going back- Worst than Farnsy!
• How do you balance your personal life with your professional responsibilities as a coach?
Luckily my partner Kate also comes from a background of health and fitness so she understands my timetable and my passion for my work. We also make sure to have a date night or two a week just for us.
• What are your personal and professional goals for the next year?
Professionally, keep growing Hub and my other gym Crossfit Quarter to be as strong as possible!
Stay healthy and injury free so I can keep enjoying my training. Wouldn’t mind some PRs but also just happy to be able to keep moving as functional as possible.
• Can you share a fun or surprising fact about yourself that most gym members might not know?
I was born in Melbourne, Lived in Singapore for 7 years. Made it into a European Football Academy when I was 11.
Dylan and I who strated the Hub first met at a skatepark when we were 13!
• If you could have a workout session with any athlete or fitness icon, who would it be and why?
CrossFit - Rich Froning Jr. He trains hard, has a strong work ethic, but also seems to have a lot of fun with sports and life still!
Don’t Wait - Start your journey with us today!
Here at the MVMT Hub, we understand that starting your CrossFit journey be daunting and challenging, but with the right mindset and our guidance, it can also be incredibly fun and rewarding. We will help you focus on building a strong foundation, listen to your body, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment as you progress through your fitness goals. Starting your CrossFit journey at Mvmt Hub/CrossFit R.A.D. means embarking on a path to better health and fitness with a supportive community and expert guidance. Remember, every journey starts with a single step. We’re here to take that step with you.
Ready to dive into the world of CrossFit? Visit Mvmt Hub home of CrossFit R.A.D., your go-to CrossFit gym, or contact us to schedule your first class. Your fitness journey awaits!