Expert Training, Backed by Science
Evidence-based exercise science delivered by ESSA-registered Accredited Exercise Scientists — not generic personal trainers. Every programme at our Altona North facility begins with assessment, guided by data, and tailored to you.
A welcoming, inclusive environment for all adults — including those managing persistent pain, chronic conditions, or neurodivergent-inclusive programming needs.
Our Areas of Expertise
Every service begins with a thorough assessment — because no two clients are the same.
Strength & Conditioning
Evidence-based strength programming built on objective force-plate data, not guesswork. Whether you're new to lifting or chasing performance goals, every session is grounded in assessment and progressed with precision.
- AxIT force-plate and dynamometer testing
- Progressive, data-driven load management
- Sport, recreation, and everyday-life goals
Persistent Pain Management
A biopsychosocial approach to persistent pain that treats the whole person — not just the symptom. Working alongside your healthcare team, we design movement programmes that reduce pain and rebuild confidence.
- Biopsychosocial pain science education
- Graduated, fear-free exercise progression
- Collaboration with GPs and allied health
Chronic Disease Prevention & Management
Exercise is medicine — and the evidence is unambiguous. Our Accredited Exercise Scientists design programmes that complement medical management of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and more.
- ESSA-accredited chronic disease protocols
- GP and specialist care coordination
- Safe, monitored progression
Neurodivergent-Inclusive Programming
We believe exercise spaces should work for everyone. Our practice is intentionally designed to be sensory-aware and psychologically safe — making us a genuinely welcoming environment for neurodivergent clients.
- Sensory-considerate training environment
- Flexible communication and pacing
- Supportive, non-judgmental approach
Body Composition Coaching
Go beyond the bathroom scale. Using Tanita bioelectrical impedance analysis, we track muscle mass, body fat, visceral fat, and hydration — giving you a complete picture that guides truly personalised programming.
- Tanita body composition scanning
- Objective, repeatable measurement
- Progress tracking beyond weight
Nutrition & Sustainable Fitness
Lasting change comes from sustainable habits, not short-term restriction. We bring practical, evidence-informed nutrition guidance into your training plan — because movement and lifestyle are interconnected.
- Evidence-informed nutritional guidance
- Behaviour-based habit building
- Integrated with training programming
How We Work: Assessment First, Always
Every program at Fortify Fitness starts with objective data — not guesswork. Here's exactly what working with us looks like, from your very first visit.
Initial Consultation
We begin with a thorough conversation — your history, goals, lifestyle, and any pain or health conditions. This is where we get to know you as a whole person, not just a set of metrics. Our biopsychosocial approach recognises that movement, health, and behaviour are deeply interconnected, so we take the time to understand all three.
Objective Assessment
No guesswork. We use AxIT strength and power testing — including force plates and dynamometers — alongside Tanita body composition scanning to establish a clear, objective baseline. This data tells us exactly where you're starting from and what your body is actually doing, not what we assume.
Personalised Programming
Your results shape a program designed specifically for you — not a template, not a generic plan. Whether you're building strength, managing persistent pain, working with a chronic condition, or navigating neurodivergent-specific needs, the program reflects your real data and real life.
Ongoing Data-Driven Review
Progress is tracked, measured, and reviewed regularly. Reassessments with AxIT and Tanita technology mean we can see exactly what's changed — and adjust your program accordingly. Your training evolves with you, always anchored in objective evidence rather than guesswork.
Built around you — not a template
This process has been developed over years of working with clients across Altona North, Williamstown, Newport, and Melbourne's inner west — people managing persistent pain, chronic illness, body composition goals, and neurodivergent-specific needs. Because health isn't one-size-fits-all, our process never is either.
Why Fortify Fitness Is Different
Three things set us apart from a typical personal trainer — and they matter for your results, your safety, and how welcome you feel from day one.
Assessment-Led, Data-Driven Programming
Every programme at Fortify Fitness begins with a thorough objective assessment — not a guess. We use AxIT force plates and dynamometers to measure real strength and power, and Tanita body composition scanning for precise baseline data. Your programme is built from evidence, reviewed against data, and adjusted as you progress.
- AxIT strength & power testing with force plates and dynamometers
- Tanita body composition scanning for objective baseline metrics
- Ongoing data review — progress is measured, not assumed
- No generic templates — every programme is genuinely personalised
ESSA-Registered Accredited Exercise Scientists
Matt Elphick and Ryan Coonan are ESSA-registered Accredited Exercise Scientists — a qualification held by a small proportion of fitness professionals in Australia. This means clinical-grade knowledge applied to your training: biopsychosocial reasoning, chronic disease management, pain science, and strength & conditioning — all delivered with genuine warmth.
- ESSA accreditation: the gold standard in exercise science
- Chronic disease management and persistent pain specialisation
- Biopsychosocial approach — movement, health, and behaviour together
- Clinical rigour without the cold, impersonal delivery
Genuinely Inclusive — Including Neurodivergent-Friendly Programming
Fortify Fitness is a welcoming space for everyone — including clients who have felt unwelcome or overwhelmed in mainstream gym settings. We have experience working with neurodivergent individuals and build our approach around your communication style, sensory preferences, and goals. No judgment, no one-size-fits-all culture.
- Neurodivergent-inclusive programming — tailored communication and structure
- Welcoming to clients with chronic conditions, persistent pain, and complex histories
- Quiet, focused facility environment — not a crowded commercial gym
- Serving Altona North, Altona Meadows, Williamstown, Newport, and Melbourne's inner west
Results Grounded in Evidence
Real outcomes from clients across Altona North, Williamstown, Newport, and Melbourne's inner west — each programme built from objective assessment, not guesswork.
“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
Verified client
“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. One of the things I truly appreciate is how easy he is to talk to. He creates a welcoming, supportive environment where I feel comfortable and motivated to improve. I've made great progress under his guidance, and I'm excited to continue working with him!”
Suheri Purnomo
Verified client
“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
Verified client
“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
Verified client
“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
Verified client
A welcoming space for everyone in the inner west
Fortify Fitness is built around the understanding that every person is different. Our neurodivergent-inclusive programming is designed with that in mind — flexible, judgement-free, and grounded in how your brain and body actually work. Whether you're managing a chronic condition, recovering from persistent pain, or simply looking for an environment where you genuinely feel seen, you'll find it here.
Ready to Start with a Real Assessment?
Book your initial consultation at our Altona North facility and discover what evidence-based training can do for you.
Our studio is a welcoming space for all — including those with persistent pain, chronic conditions, and neurodivergent clients. Located in Altona North, serving the inner west community.