Gavin Ward

Owner & Head Coach

Sport has always been a major part of Gavin’s life. Humble beginnings at the local swimming pool and little athletics club later developed into multiple appears at both State and National level across Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country, Football and Baseball.

More recently CrossFit and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu have been his sports of choice representing Wards Gym at the 2018 Crossfit Pacific Regionals and obtaining the rank of Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the same year. This last accolade taking 10 years of dedication to achieve, one that for the tens of thousands that start the journey, ever fulfil.

Gavin has coached and trained athletes across a broad range of sports over the past 20 years. He’s been extremely fortunate to have trained all over the world and learnt from some of the best coaches from different sporting backgrounds. He has taken this knowledge and skills and has applied it to helping other people achieve their own goals.

Callum Ward

Owner & Head Coach

With a lifelong passion for sports and fitness, Callum is the co-owner and head coach of Wards Gym. Callum began his fitness career doing one-on-ones and small groups, before commencing an interest in martial arts. This leads him back to coaching and opening his first CrossFit affiliate. Callum started Wards Gym with his brother Gavin in 2013.

As head of Wards Gym and a father of one, Callum pushes himself and the team to new levels and strives for the best in everyone. In holding true to this, Callum has competed multiple times in the CrossFit regionals as both an individual and in a team.

Jenni Cook

Coach (CrossFit & HIT)

Jenni’s interest in fitness began with her first basketball game at 7, and continued on through high school in a multitude of sports. In 2014, Jenni began training with Callum and Ward and competed in numerous CrossFit competitions as an individual, pair, and part of a team. Naturally, Jenni completed her CrossFit Level 1 cert and now coaches at Wards Gym.

As a coach at Wards Gym, Jenni feels nurtured in her role as both trainer and athlete and aims to motivate all those around her to set a higher standard for their own fitness. Jen specialises in tailoring workouts to suit injured athletes, or those returning from time away.

Leasa Franks

Coach (Mums n Bubs, HIT, CrossFit)

Leasa Franks is a qualified Personal Trainer and CrossFit Coach who lives and breathes health and fitness. Leasa has over 12 years experience in the fitness industry and sports a set of abs that make flab tremble in fear. She specialises in functional movement and HIT training, leading our team through their paces as often as possible.

As a mum, Leasa knows firsthand how difficult balancing life’s priorities can be, and is proud to lead the Mums n Bubs training at Wards Gym. Leasa is passionate about empowering women to be the absolute best they can be, in and out of the gym.

Karl Buchhorn

Coach (CrossFit, HIT, Olympic Lifting)

Karl has been an active man since childhood, with a love of AFL and a natural talent in rowing. He was introduced to CrossFit in 2012, while attending a Level 1 seminar with his dad. Karl loved the fitness methodology and competitiveness of the sport, began training at a box in ACT, and commenced coaching in 2014. Karl joined the Wards Gym team after moving to Melbourne in 2017.

In addition to Wards Gym, Karl is the strength & conditioning coach for Port Melbourne FC VFL. He specialises in helping athletes grow and maintain their strength and fitness, and can assist them in injury prevention and management.