Zak Hines

Personal Trainer

All aboard the Gain Train choo choo

Hi! I’m Zak Hines. You may recognise me from documentaries such as ‘Honey, I got the kids strong as f*ck!’ or ‘3001: A Gym Odyssey’. You’re likely reading this wondering if you should take the step and get yourself a coach; someone to help navigate difficult terrain in the world of health and fitness. Well you’re in luck, because you ain’t Frodo and this ain’t Mordor. What can seem quite daunting and confusing for newcomers and regulars alike can all be made simple and approachable with the right principles and considerations in place. That’s where I come in.

Now, a little about me. I’ve been a physical culture lover and enthusiast for well over a decade now. Previous to this the only exercise I really got was running around Azeroth in World of Warcraft or headbanging to obnoxiously loud Metal. I was out of shape physically, mentally and emotionally; struggling with all the difficulties and low confidence that came with it. A chance visit to the gym with an old work colleague completely diverted quite a bleak trajectory.

From my first lifting session (that left me unable to fully extend my arms for a week, I will not do that to you.) I found a drive to find progress in the process of consistent hard effort and self discipline. Results didn’t come easy; so I immersed myself in the whats, whys and hows of effective strength training, muscle building and all around fitness.

Balancing a hectic life and demanding work in the brewing and hospitality industry, I gradually applied all I learned and made significant changes. With much trial and error and a lot of help from others in the lifting community my body and mind continue to push through what I thought were my limits. The purest expression of this came in taking up Jiujitsu, where I’ve proudly earned a Purple belt. Feeling strong and assertive both on the mats and in the gym, I’m now like a distant dream from the person I used to be. Fellow grapplers be sure to check out down below for how we can work together.

All that drive and experience stoked a passion to help others make the same changes. Here I am many years later ready to help you. Teaching you to move with strength, control and self belief is of supreme importance to me. Aesthetic goals are just as valid but I’m a firm believer in form following function. Proper effortful training and effective programming are foundational to success in the gym and something I take pride in.

Good training augments a good life; it should not take away or get in the way of it.

What I Aim to Deliver as a Coach

• Tailored, reactive programming delivered through an intuitive app.
• Regular check-ins and communication. Keeping you on track and progressing.
• Collaborative goal setting and planning, making sure the plan fits your life and needs.
• Focus on getting the fundamentals right; giving you the ‘why’ so you can apply the principles to all your future training.
• Time efficient training that cuts through the guess work. I want your time at the gym to be engaging and productive; no more wheel spinning or uncertainty.
• Technique and movement refinement, whether it’s in our 1 to 1s or online with video feedback.
• Nutrition and recovery advice; helping you grow a healthier lifestyle benefiting your training and your overall wellbeing.

For the Grapplers Out There

Balancing lifting and rolling can take some fine tuning but the benefits are exponential.

In my opinion lifting is non-negotiable for grapplers. If you’ve fallen in love with Jiujitsu later in a previously non-athletic life like me, I can help you realise some more of your potential.

The stronger, faster, more mobile and conditioned you are the more options become available to you on the mats, all while looking a bit fitter in your favourite rashguard.

So, are you ready?

Get in touch and I’d be honoured and privileged to discuss your goals and how I can help you achieve them. A heartfelt recommendation; even if it’s not with me you should still reach out to a coach. On my fitness journey it was one of the best decisions I ever made and it very likely could be for you too.