ABOUT US

ABOUT US

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Family

Wards Gym is owned and run by brothers Gavin and Callum Ward. Their bond is driven by hard competitiveness, yet both brothers support and nurture each other’s development. As a team, they have achieved a lot in and out of the gym. Their wives also join the team as coach and nutritionist, and their sister as the remedial massager. Joining Wards isn’t just joining a gym, it’s joining the family!

Growth

Wards Gym is individual focused, where members are encouraged and supported to achieve their personalised goals. The team-focused training facilitates a positive relationship building environment, and the social events further build the community.

Diversity

Ward’s Gym welcomes people from all walks of life, by offering a range of fitness programs to keep anyone inspired on their fitness journey. Whether you’re a competitive athlete wanting at taking it to the next level, looking to improve your general health, or getting that pre-baby body back, the team at Ward’s Gym can assist you in achieving your personal goals.

OUR STAFF – YOUR CHAMPIONS

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.

Background

  • BS Psychology/Advanced Human Bioscience
  • Level 2 ASCA Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
  • Ironman 70.3 – 2020
  • CrossFit Games Regional Athlete 2017, 2018
  • CrossFit Games Australasia Regionals Team 2018
  • Level 2 CrossFit Coach and Certified Judge
  • Certificate 3&4 in fitness

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.

Background

  • Certificate 3&4 in fitness
  • CrossFit Games Pacific Regionals Athlete 2013, 2015, 2017
  • CrossFit Games Australasia Regionals Team 2018
  • Level 2 Crossfit Coach and Certified Judge
  • Level 1 Powerlifting Coach, Level 2 Kettlebell Trainer

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.

Background

  • Certificate III & IV in Fitness
  • Club Weightlifting / Sports Power Coach Level 1
  • Powerlifting Excellence with Stephen Pritchard
  • CrossFit Games Regional Athlete Masters (35-39), 2017, 2018
  • CrossFit Games Australasia Regionals Team 2018
  • Level 1 Crossfit Coach and Certified Judge

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.

Background

  • Diploma of Health Science
  • Bachelor of Sport Coaching & Exercise Science
  • CrossFit Level 1 Coach
  • ASCA Accredited Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Glenn Pendlay Olympic Weightlifting Cam

Mark Doyle 

Coach (HIT & CrossFit)

There is not a time in my life where i can think of where i have not been involved in sport of some sort. From AFL to Cricket and basketball i have participated and played most things. Found my place in American football when i was 15 and have never looked back. Since that time i have been lucky enough to represent my country on 2 occasions (2003 and 2011) as well as countless Victorian representations at the National competition level in the AGL, as recently as March 2017. One truth about me through all of this is I live to compete.

Discovered Crossfit in 2012 and saw the potential it had to make me a better football player, but quickly found out that this was another avenue of competition for me to pursue and just fell in love with it . Joined the Wards army in 2013 and really found a place that felt like home and an environment that i could push myself, along with some of the best Crossfit athletes in Australia to compete against. Having worked out and coached at various boxes in my time doing CF but Wards has always felt like home to me, and is the reason i kept coming back.

What keeps me coming back to Crossfit? The opportunity to better yourself each and everyday. It pushes you to the brink of what you think you can achieve and when you surpass that barrier the euphoric feeling is second to none. I came to Crossfit to help give me and edge on my competition for football but learnt more about myself as a person and a player than i thought i could ever learn, by working to that brink.

Look forward to seeing you in the hurt locker.

Background

  • CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
  • Bachelor in Applied Science
  • Victorian & Australian Rep in American Football
  • First Aid & CPR

Kimba Ward

Remedial Masseuse
Just like my brothers, I grew up constantly surrounded by sports & fitness. I was determined to be able to do anything the boys could do, be it swimming, football, baseball, Crossfit,  Martial Arts or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If they did it, I had to. (Young feminist)
My direction & focus changed when I found music & dance. It was my own form of fitness, my own form of meditation. One that has been my career for the passed 15 years.
But then, as I approached my 30th Birthday, I found myself at a crossroads.. something was pulling me towards massage, a new path to experience I assume. I’d always found the benefits incredible, not only for the body, but also for the mind & soul. And so, the new love affair began. I became a Qualified Remedial Massage Therapist in 2018 & started Wards Remedial. Happy times! I’m so very excited to be joining my brothers at Wards Gym, go fam! And hope to help you all with achieving your goals.
See you soon, either on the table or the mats. Oss

Background

  • Diploma of Remedial Massage
  • Wards Remedial (Owner)
  • Remedial, Deep Tissue, Sports, Trigger Point Therapy, Relaxation, Pregnancy, Mobility & Treatment Plans.
  • First Aid & CPR

Marika Ward

Nutritionist

Marika provides a holistic approach to nutrition. Heavily focusing on the individual, Marika works intensively one-on-one with clients to target personal requirements and builds a solid foundation of knowledge.

Marika specialises in weight loss, improved athletic performance, muscle hypertrophy, meal planning & organisation, as well as general nutritional advice & information. She has a passion for nutritional education and believes in the benefits of a healthy lifestyle & understanding oneself through nutritional needs.

After all “you are what you eat!”

Background

  • Diploma of Health Science (Nutrition)
  • The Healthy Platter Co. (CEO)
  • Mother of two

Nick Longhurst

Personal Trainer

Sport and Fitness has always been a major part of Nick’s life. With a background in Rugby Union, he played for 9+ years, making his way to represent the first grade squad at the University of Wollongong. Since moving interstate to Melbourne in 2017, his love for fitness, crossfit and coaching grew.

Nick has had over 3+ years experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach, working with some of the best athletes in Australia, within the heart of Melbourne’s sporting precinct, at AAMI Park Stadium. Nick brings a unique speciality with his knowledge and technical ability for coaching sprinting mechanics.

After his time as Head Performance Coach at AAMI Park, Nick decided to start his own fitness company, Realm Fitness! He brings a unique energy and passion to training, allowing his clients to achieve things they never thought possible! Nick brings a wealth of knowledge to his coaching with expertise in strength and power development, sprint mechanics, injury prevention and general fitness.

Background

  • Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science)
  • ASCA Accredited Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Head Coach/Owner Realm Fitness
  • 3+ years as Head Performance Coach, AAMI Park Stadium
  • First Aid and CPR

Katie Appleby

Personal Trainer
Fitness and training has been Katie’s passion since she had her first bounce on a trampoline at the age of 4 years old. Katie’s mum being a trampoline coach, naturally gave Katie access to competition from a very early age. She grew up surrounded by exercise and discipline, with all of her family dedicated to high level competitive sport.
Katie’s career in fitness began in her driveway in 2011 when she started ‘Katie’s Bootcamp’.  Katie has competed in many events and races including the London Marathon, Noosa Triathlon and many Cross Country races in the UK. Most recently her interest has been in body recomposition. To get a complete understanding of the process and commitment required, she immersed herself in a 20 week preparation for a body building competition which resulted in her achieving sub 10% body fat and placing in the top 10 in her division in the WBFF.
Katie’s passion now lies in helping people along their own fitness journey. As a mum to two young girls, she understands the road can be challenging with many obstacles along the way!

Background

  • 8th WBFF Gold Coast 2019
  • 2005 & 2006 London Marathon
  • 2012 & 2013 Noosa Triathlon
  • Ready Steady Go Kids Coach
  • Certificate 3 & 4 in Fitness

Voula Skliris

Coach (HIT, Boxing, CrossFit), Personal Trainer
Voula’s background consists of Crossfit, Muay Thai and Strength & Conditioning. Her career transition led her to launching Empowerfit which specialises in two well balanced elements Exercise & Nutrition. Her mission is to help clients break through their perceived barriers and achieve set objectives.
Voula specialise in strength & conditioning training as well as Sports Nutrition. Her aim is to educate and inspire clients to feel Empowered and become a better, healthier version of themselves.
Her method of training is innovating, fun, challenging, yet rewarding. All sessions are catered to suit individual needs. ”I believe in standing by my clients and supporting them through their fitness journey”.

Background

  • Certified Personal Trainer
  • Gym Instructor
  • Powerlifting coach level 1
  • Spin Instructor
  • Metafit/Metafit PWR
  • Mixed Martial Arts
  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Health & Wellbeing Coach

Jess New

Coach (CrossFit, HIT), Personal Trainer
Jess’ passion for fitness and sports performance stems from 10+ years of playing netball, having represented both club and university squads at premier league level in England. Her sport and exercise science degree first took her into PE teaching, before she took the leap into fitness.
Jess moved to Australia in 2018 and has spent the last 3 years working as a group fitness coach and personal trainer. She herself is a keen CrossFitter, runner and weight lifter, with lots of knowledge to share. Her energy and motivation is infectious and she always strives to get the most out of her clients.

Background

  • Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Science
  • Cert III & IV Fitness
  • Spin Instructor
  • Melbourne Marathon 2019
  • First Aid & CPR

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