Altona North, Victoria
Evidence-based, assessment-led programming by ESSA-registered Accredited Exercise Scientists — not generic personal trainers.
Serving Altona North, Altona, Altona Meadows, Williamstown, Newport and Melbourne's inner west.
ESSA-Registered
Accredited Exercise Scientists
Assessment-Led
AxIT force plates & Tanita scanning
Inclusive Practice
Neurodivergent-inclusive programming
Programmes built around your specific health goals — not a generic plan off a shelf.
Structured, progressive strength programmes grounded in exercise science — building real capacity, resilience, and performance that lasts.
A biopsychosocial approach to persistent pain — we work with your whole experience, not just the symptom, using evidence-based movement strategies.
Clinically informed exercise programming for clients managing or preventing chronic conditions — diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more.
A genuinely welcoming space for neurodivergent clients — our approach adapts to your needs, communication style, and sensory preferences without judgement.
See It in Action
Test. Measure. Track. See how Fortify Fitness uses objective data to design programmes that deliver real, lasting results.
Fortify Fitness — Accredited Exercise Scientists in Altona North, Melbourne
Every programme begins with objective measurement using AxIT force plates, dynamometers and Tanita body composition scanning — so your results are tracked and proven.
Matt Elphick and Ryan Coonan are registered with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) — the national peak body for exercise science. That's a clinical qualification, not a weekend certificate. Every programme is designed and delivered to professional standards.

We use AxIT technology — including force plates and dynamometers — to objectively measure your strength and power output. This isn't a rough estimate or a trainer's gut feel; it's quantified data that benchmarks your baseline and tracks genuine progress over time.

Tanita's clinical-grade body composition scanner measures far more than your scale ever could — lean muscle mass, body fat percentage, visceral fat, and metabolic rate. Objective, repeatable data that makes your body composition goals measurable and your results undeniable.
Fortify Fitness is built for everyone — including clients managing persistent pain, chronic health conditions, and neurodivergent individuals seeking inclusive, thoughtful programming. Our biopsychosocial approach recognises that movement, health, and behaviour are deeply interconnected. You won't be handed a generic template here.
Serving Altona North, Altona, Altona Meadows, Williamstown, Newport and Melbourne's inner west — evidence-based exercise science, delivered with genuine warmth.
Matt Elphick and Ryan Coonan are ESSA-registered Accredited Exercise Scientists — not generic personal trainers.

Accredited Exercise Scientist
ESSA-registered AESMatt brings a deeply clinical eye to every programme he writes. With a background grounded in exercise science and years working with clients navigating chronic pain, complex health conditions, and performance goals, he leads Fortify's assessment-first approach. Matt believes movement and health are inseparable from the broader context of a person's life — and that real, lasting change starts with understanding the whole person.
Specialties

Accredited Exercise Scientist
ESSA-registered AESRyan's approach is built on genuine connection and evidence-based precision. He is passionate about creating a welcoming space for every client who walks through the door — including those who've felt unwelcome or misunderstood in other fitness environments. Whether supporting neurodivergent clients, those working on body composition, or people simply wanting to feel stronger and more capable, Ryan meets each person exactly where they are.
Specialties
A biopsychosocial approach to health & movement
Both Matt and Ryan understand that movement, health, and behaviour are deeply interconnected. Every programme accounts for the full picture — not just what happens in the gym. This is what makes Fortify different from a standard personal training service.
An inclusive, welcoming space — Fortify Fitness actively supports neurodivergent clients and those living with chronic conditions, ensuring every person receives a programme and environment that genuinely works for them.
“Been with Matt for a few years, focusing on mobility, strength training and changing our mindset around being healthy. I was looking not only for a personal trainer but also a coach to get me to a better and happier me. Whether it's strength, getting your body moving or creating a routine, Matt and his team got your back.”
Hang Pham
Google review
“I've been working out with Matt since 2023, and it has been an amazing experience. He's an incredible coach who has helped me with everything from correcting my form to gradually building up my strength. He's always patient, pushing me to reach higher goals while ensuring I stay safe and maintain proper technique. He creates a welcoming, supportive environment where I feel comfortable and motivated to improve.”
Suheri Purnomo
Google review
“I've been training with Matt for about four years now, and it's been an incredible journey. In that time, I've not only achieved but well surpassed my original weight loss goal. Matt challenges me to improve my strength, keeping each session engaging and rewarding. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dedicated and experienced trainer!”
Lennon McGrath
Google review
“Started my PT journey with Matt, January 2024, I look forward to my PT sessions as the studio atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. If you're looking for an awesome PT that cares about you, your health, focusing on movement and a safe environment, I say go for it.”
Adam Gemmell
Google review
“I have been training with Matt for about two years now. His approach to PT is indeed personal. He is able to adapt to my abilities and pivot from session to session without any problems! 5 stars Matt!”
Matthew Ahern
Google review
Book a consultation at our Altona North facility and start with a proper assessment — not guesswork. We work with people across Altona North, Williamstown, Newport and Melbourne's inner west in a genuinely inclusive, supportive environment.