We aspire to inspire our members to create a happier healthier life for themselves through our coaching methods.
We want to help our members become the best version of themselves! Our training methods have a direct transfer to everyday life. We create a unique atmosphere through our personalities, enthusiasm, friendliness and sense of fun.
We’ve created a facility where people feel comfortable in their own skin training with other like minded supportive members while hitting THEIR own goals. Most importantly we aim to provide an environment where people feel better walking out after their workout than when they walked in. We strive to be the best hour of our members day, every day.
The people behind it all, dream team.
Head Coach Andy is an outgoing and friendly coach with over 15 years experience, his positivity and passion for fitness is infectious. Andy is a graduate from Waterford I.T with a BA (Hons) in Recreation and Sport Management and has worked in and managed a number of leisure facilities in the South East. He has been hired as Strength and Conditioning Coach for teams such as Carlow Rugby Club while in the AIL, Wexford Camogie and New Ross RFC. He holds a diploma in Strength and Conditioning, is Weightlifting Ireland Level 1 certified and is a fully qualified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and Functional Fitness Coach. He is a qualified First Aid Responder and has CPD courses in Pilates, Pre & Post Natal Training, Spinning, Rip 60 and also holds an Olympic Wrestling Level 1 Coach Certificate along with being an MMA Coach. Not one to hold just a piece of paper, he ran up to International Level in Middle Distance Athletics underage and has fought professionally in MMA on shows such as MTK Global, BAMMA and the 2nd biggest organisation in the world Bellator. More importantly has lived the life of a professional athlete while raising a young family and working full time so understands the real life struggle many face trying to balance work, family life and exercise. Andy helps others become stronger, healthier and happier by training smart and having a holistic approach to health and well-being. He will leave you feeling trained, not drained.
Marina is a graphic designer, who we borrow in the evenings and weekends or whenever we can from her day job with Officemaster in Waterford. Also a graduate from Waterford I.T with a BA (Hons) in Design Communications. Working in the design & print industry for over 15 years she's a wizard on the Mac. Marina looks after all the social media, website, clothing and anything to do with the brand and marketing side of things... as well as the day to day accounts. As well as being busy parents to three little Urban Rascals, we are both passionate about the business we have created. We love to constantly brainstorm on mad ideas and together we bring them to life.
Our vision was to create a facility where people WANT to work out rather than feel they have to. A place where everyone feels welcome and look forward to achieving their own personal goals. Whether that is to get fit and in shape, or somewhere to simply have a chat, make new friends, socialise and feel inspired to attack the day. At Urban Gym it’s more than just a workout, it’s an experience!
UR COACHES
Mick – A graduate of the University of Limerick (UL) in 2022 with a BSc (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Sciences. He is currently studying for his Masters in Physiotherapy at UCC. Mick’s work experience with UL allowed him to work as a Strength & Conditioning coach with Limerick hurling youth academy, gaining first-hand experience working with and developing young athletes. Mick has a keen interest in developing athletic performance and a strong desire to promote and increase the quality of life for those through exercise and physical activity.
Outside the gym, Mick plays hurling and football locally with the Geraldine O’Hanrahans and has done so since the age of 5. Hurling is a great passion of Mick’s, having competed with Good Counsel College, UL, and Wexford throughout the years. Mick has a clear idea to help anyone who enters our gym in achieving their specific goals whatever they may be, enthusiastically and professionally. Anyone who has been fortunate to train under Micks guidance will know and understand first hand the level of professionalism and knowledge he brings to each and every training session along with him always having a kind word to say to everyone.
Shane is a highly skilled and experienced personal trainer with a passion for helping people achieve their fitness goals. Shane has been a coach in the fitness industry for over 10 years between coaching, managing and consulting for fitness businesses.
A graduate of Limerick Institute of Technology, Shane holds a BSc and MSc in Strength and Conditioning alongside a host of other coaching certifications. Some of which include Lever 4 Personal Trainer, Titleist Performance Institute Certification (Golf Fitness) and IABA Level 1 (Boxing) to name a few.
Shane’s coaching experience had primarily focused on one to one and semi-private personal training but has included performance coaching with GAA clubs such as Mt Leinster Rangers. His approach to training is rooted in science-based principles and tailored to the individual needs and goals of each client. Clients have described Shane as having a talent for making people feel comfortable and confident in the gym, regardless of their experience level. Some things he now wants to bring to the Urban community.
When he’s not coaching, Shane works as a fitness business consultant working the 9-5 life but is excited to begin moonlighting at Urban Gym.
Jack - “My background in Personal Training comes from a successful career as a sprinter in my younger years and up until college where I competed at a high level. After dealing with an injury, I found a love for the gym and strength training. When I left athletics I missed that competitive nature and I think being competitive with myself is what lead me to the coach that I am today!
For the last 4 years I have been head coach in Nikafit Studios in charge of programming and working in small group PT as well as nutrition.
Outside of coaching, I have a massive interest in football and do the odd bit of computer programming on the side! Quick fire round, my favourite exercise is a back squat, Westlife should be in charge of the country and the Barbie movie was a 10/10 film.
My philosophy in training is that anyone at anytime is only a few small changes away from being great at something. That and training should always be fun and something you look forward to doing.”
Ryan is a graduate from WIT with a BSC Hons in Recreation and Sport Management, and we are delighted to have him on board. With his extensive work experience, including working with college football teams and in the fitness industry for the past 4 years at the WIT Arena, Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our gym. During this time Ryan built many positive relationships throughout his time in the Arena and in fact it was there where he met and worked first hand with Andy while on work placement during his studies.
Not only is Ryan passionate about helping people develop their athletic performance in everyday life, but he’s also a sports enthusiast himself. When he’s not at the gym, you can find him playing football for Horeswood and soccer for Campile. He also has a passion for running and completed the Amsterdam Half Marathon last year!