Our trainers and advisors

ATLETA is building a highly qualified and experienced team of health care professionals, enabling our trainers to provide you the most up to date, specific training and advice for your individual needs. Our trainers work closely with our extended team of health professionals to ensure that you can overcome any obstacles that may prevent you from reaching a fitter, stronger, healthier you.

Neil Russell - Exercise Physiologist

Neil Russell
BA(Hons) HMS, AEP, MAAESS

Neil is one of the most highly qualified, experienced and sought after trainers in Sydney, he has trained Hollywood celebrities, top athletes, high profile corporate and widely recognised brand names. He started working in the fitness industry as a gym instructor in 2001 whist studying Human Movement Studies at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). In 2004, he spent hours performing physiological testing on athletes in the UTS human performance laboratory and wrote his thesis examining the physiology of team sports performance. For his research paper he received a 1st Class Honors Degree.

Since completing his major work Neil has built a reputation of being an authority on exercise and sports performance training having had a number of articles published in the internationally recognised Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. He has also featured in CLEO, Men's Style, Woman's Day and other magazines. In addition he lectures in 'Strength and Conditioning for Human Movement' at the State Sport Centre (ACPE), has taught at UTS and UNSW in health, exercise prescription and performance development.

Neil’s passion and knowledge in the area of team sports performance resulted in his appointment as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Junior Elite Talent Squad (JETS) at the Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club. His role involved specifically testing and developing the physical capacity of up and coming talent including 2009 Dally M Medalist Jarryd Hayne, as well as Krisnan Inu and David Williams who have played at the international level for Australia and New Zealand. After three years and two Grand Final appearances with the Parramatta Eels Under 20’s team he decided to focus on developing his own projects.

In addition, Neil works as an Exercise Physiologist working closely with doctors physiotherapists to design and implement health management and exercise rehabilitation programs for private and work cover clients with a variety of lifestyle conditions, injuries, rehabilitation goals and exercise adherence issues. Many of the specific skills that can only be developed working in exercise physiology and rehabilitation have enabled Neil to safely help professional athletes and his personal training clients achieve their individual goals even when they present with an injury or chronic pain.

Since focusing on his personal training business Neil has trained clients ranging from Hollywood celebrities and Paralympians to high profile business people and postnatal mothers. Boasting this unparalleled professional experience and knowledge, combined with his passion for maximising his clients physical and psychological wellbeing, Neil is the ideal person to help you achieve your goals and overcome any obstacles that may stand in your way. To enquire about training with Neil click here.

Rob Lyon - Exercise Physiologist

BA HMS, MAAESS, ASCA cert.

With 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, Rob blends a wealth of knowledge, passion, motivation and determination to his role. After Graduating from UTS with a human movement degree in 2004, he has thrived in various roles in the industry ranging from University gymnasiums to corporate health centers.

A qualified Strength and Conditioning Coach, he has worked with football teams both in Australia and as a high school strength coach in the US. Rob has also devised training programs for many high school rugby and cricket squads.

The corporate health and wellness world was where Rob excelled, managing a Corporate Fitness Centre in Sydney for 5 years, with a focus on one-on-one and group personal training, class instruction and corporate wellness packages and seminars. Dealing directly with companies such as AON, Westpac, Morgan Stanley, Lend Lease and Maritime NSW saw Rob develop the skills to connect and understand the challenges faced with physical inactivity, poor nutrition, stress and lifestyle diseases in the workplace.

Rob has also worked in a freelance role on many different levels as the author of two fitness blogs. He also works as a tutor and mentor for upcoming students, who are studying degrees in personal training through his work with the Australian College of Sport and Fitness.
The past 3 years has seen Rob live in Phoenix, Arizona working in the field of Cardiology. As a qualified cardiovascular technician, coupled with formal training in Advanced Cardiac Lifesaving Skills, Rob developed a keen interest and talent in the field of heart disease, from diagnostic testing and interpretation to lifestyle modification and improvements.

With an eye for detail and a thirst for knowledge, you can be sure that training with Rob will allow you to achieve the very best results in a safe and effective manner. His combination of experience and desire ensures that you stay motivated and passionate about improving your health, vitality and quality of life.

To enquire about personal training with Rob, or to discuss corporate packages, CLICK HERE

Ian Russell - Exercise Scientist

Ian Russell
BA(Dip.Ed.)HMS, MAAESS

Graduating from University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) in 2005, Ian is a registered exercise scientist and a member of the Australian Association of Exercise and Sport Science (AAESS). His passion for sports, health, fitness and education resulted in Ian completing his Diploma of Education and he is now a qualified Physical Education teacher. Ian has been personal training and group training in Sydney’s corporate sector since 2002. His passion for people and the outdoors has placed Ian as a popular amongst our corporate groups. His refreshing attitude and training style means there is never a dull moment which has kept the same groups ready and exited to train for over 5 years.

Ian has successfully prescribed and implemented corporate City2Surf training programs developing dynamic training plans, managing a range of fitness levels, recording results, mapping out progression, and reaching goals of all individuals. Ultimate success was achieved when Ian led one of our corporate clients to win the 2007 City2Surf team event.

Ian ability to seamlessly control and motivate groups has played an important role in managing the JP Morgan fun run for several years, as well as run lunch time “Legends Sports” competitions where he set up and managed the sporting events on a weekly basis.

Whilst having spent many years working in health and fitness centers his passion for outdoor sports has resulted in the development of an array of experience in sport specific training for various disciplines including rock climbing, adventure racing, surfing, Tennis, and soccer, his experience in many of these pursuits along with a sports science degree make him the ideal choice to further your development in these areas.

His background in teaching Physical Education has meant that he is able to adeptly communicate the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. Furthermore, it has enabled him to successfully train children and adolescence in individual and groups settings. This wide variety of professional experiences combined with his infectious attitude positive toward life makes Ian the perfect trainer to keep you motivated and guide you on the road to becoming a healthier happier fitter you. To enquire about improving your life with Ian click here.

Adam Demasi - Exercise Physiologist

Adam Demasi
BA HMS, AEP, MAAESS

Adam Demasi, fitness advocate & tireless promoter of healthy lifestyles for over 5 years.

Throughout his study at the University of Technology, Sydney, Adam worked in conjunction with Neil Russell assisting in the research and development of achieving fitness goals. Completing his study in 2004 with a Degree in Human Movement Studies.

Adam was soon appointed the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Junior squads in 2006, Adam’s passion and ability then saw him promoted to Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach of the NRL squad, working alongside one of the Guru’s of Australian fitness, Donny Singe.

Working personally with elite athletes such as Brett Stewart, David Williams and Dally M’s 2008 Player of the Year Matt Orford, Adam was a part of the Sea Eagles’ victory at the Grand Final 2008 & the World Club Championship, 2009.

In addition to working with Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Adam was appointed as one of the Sports Analyst for the Sydney Academy of Sports and Recreation, where he worked in training and testing a range of athletes through the Talented Athlete Programs.

As a result of his hard work and dedication, Adam has successfully developed his own training business, Direct Health and Fitness which works closely with ATLETA in promoting healthier lifestyles and fitness.

Being a specialised Exercise Physiologist, Adam works with a range of high profile celebrities, business men and women as well as working with specialised groups such as people with Mental Disorders, Eating Disorders and Diabetics.

Adam is a great asset to anyone looking to achieve their health goals for the future, his professional knowledge, experience and dedication has given him excellent insights and understanding of ‘leading edge’ training techniques.

To enquire about training with Adam click here

David Kennett - Exercise Scientist

David Kennett - BA(hons) HMS, MESSA

David is more than just an up and comer in the health and fitness industry, his experience, knowledge and passion sets him apart from other health and exercise professionals. Graduating with 1st class honours from the University of Technology Sydney, (UTS) David has taken his extensive knowledge of sporting performance and conditioning training and applied it to training professional athletes and the general public alike. His passion for learning and gaining experience has seen David teach at UTS and complete his Certificate III and IV in personal training despite being exempt from having to do so.

David is currently developing elite junior rugby league talent as a Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Cronulla Sharks SG Ball team. In 2008 he completed an internship with the Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL Strength & Conditioning Staff, the year in which they won the NRL Premiership. Furthermore, he personally manages the strength & conditioning programs of elite surfers on the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the Australasian Junior Series # 2 Davey Cathels, who is currently pushing for the World Junior Surfing Title. This ongoing experience keeps him on the cutting edge of performance enhancing exercise techniques.

In addition, David has managed the Douglas, Hanley & Moirs corporate gym on top of his own personal training load, experiencing clientele with a wide variety of fitness goals and backgrounds. So when he isn't maximising the performance of elite athletes he is catering to the needs of time poor corporate workers and exercise enthusiasts whose requirements are very different to that of the elite athlete.

David's enthusiasm for sport and exercise carries over into his personal sporting achievements which include playing 1st Grade for Manly Rugby Union Club and being an accomplished surfer. It is this combination of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm that enables David to get the best out of you and leave you looking, feeling and performing better than ever! To enquire about training with David click here.

Duncan Hunter - Dietitian

Duncan Hunter
MNutrDiet, BHlthSc, Dip.Nut, CertIV Fitness

Duncan finished his Masters of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Sydney in 2008 graduating with academic merit and receiving both the Jo Rogers Memorial Prize, and the Australian Dietetic Association Top Student Award. Prior to this Duncan completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Natural Therapies) in 2003, at the University of New England. During this time he also received a Diploma of Nutrition at Nature Care College and a Certificate IV in Fitness/Personal Training at the Fitness Institute Australia. He is a member of the Dietetic Association of Australia and a Registered Fitness Professional with Fitness Australia. His outstanding academic achievements and variety of qualifications makes Duncan one of the most qualified nutritionist in Sydney.

In 2009 Duncan worked as a Clinical Dietitian at Royal North Shore Hospital, providing high quality nutrition and dietetic services to patients, staff and the community in a variety of specialties including paediatrics, gastroenterology, geriatrics, neurology, endocrinology, intensive care, orthopaedics, radiotherapy, burns and renal medicine. The experience of working in a variety of departments gives Duncan an extensive skill set, allowing him to help all populations regardless of their medical background to improve their nutrition and overall health.
Furthermore, Duncan has worked as a Dietitian, Nutritionist and Personal Trainer for the past 5 year performing dietary and exercise assessments and prescriptions for individuals and groups. He specialises in weight loss program development and research evidence based practices for weight loss. He has developed program manuals used to train Health Professionals to implement a 28 day weight loss program and corporate nutrition programs. In addition he has conducted research that has been used in developing weight loss programs for multiple companies and magazine publications.

Duncan maintains an active role in nutrition research with the University of Sydney, including research into organic food and co-authoring of book chapters in nutrition texts. Not only is Duncan highly respected in his area of profession, he is also an accomplished athlete and rock climber. He has completed five day ascents of some of the highest rock faces in the world, including the Nose of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley National Park, California. The skills, determination and planning required to achieve such a feat combined with his qualifications and professional experience makes Duncan the ultimate person to advise you on your nutritional requirements when pursuing your health and fitness goals.

Andrew Lim - Chiropractor

Andrew Lim

B Chiro Sc, M Chiro,

ART Provider and RTP

Level 1 Strength and Conditioning ASCA

Andrew has a Master of Chiropractic and his speciality in Sports Chiropractic has led him to treat many athletes from junior to elite level in many sports including tennis, golf, running, athletics, cycling and triathlon. In 2009 Andrew was invited to work with a group of tennis players and coaches at the Australian Open. Other major sporting events include Port Macquarie Ironman, Sydney World Masters Games and the Vodafone Beach Volleyball series.

Andrew is the founder and co-owner of North Sydney Sports and Chiropractic where he provides performance based chiropractic care, which includes biomechanical assessment and correction and specific corrective exercises.

Injury management and prevention is vital to any athlete’s performance. Andrew’s understanding of biomechanics, physiology, anatomy and neurology allows the treatment of almost any soft tissue injury, which speeds up recovery times and decreases pain levels which gets patients back to performing at their best.

In his experience working as a chiropractor, Andrew has developed an interest in lower limb biomechanical problems, particularly running injuries.

Andrew is also a lecturer and tutor at Macquarie University where he oversees the training of future chiropractors.

For more information visit www.sportsandchiropratic.com.au

Are You Fit to Sit?

Just as the festive season comes to an end, most of us return to our workplaces after spending time away from the office and a well deserved rest. Majority of the working population will return to desk bound jobs, the office chair and computer work. However, most desk bound workers do not realise that all the long hours put into sitting at the desk are slowly but surely putting their spines at risk of premature deterioration, wear and tear and even a lifetime of pain.....

Common sports injuries- Part 1: Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation and pain of a band of connective tissue, called the plantar fascia, which runs under the foot — connecting your heel bone (calcaneus) to your toes.
Plantar fasciitis creates sharp pain that usually occurs with your very first steps once out of bed in the morning. Once you get moving and your foot loosens up, the pain of plantar fasciitis normally decreases, but it may return after getting up from a seated position. Or after long periods of standing
Plantar fasciitis is particularly common in runners, people who are overweight, women who are pregnant and those who wear shoes with inadequate support are also at a higher risk of getting plantar fasciitis.......

Fat Loss Vs Weight Loss

Today society places so much emphasis on “weight loss” as a training goal (e.g. Biggest Loser, Weight Watchers and TV infomercials), but what are we really trying to achieve? Ultimately we are trying to; lose excess fat (decrease body fat %) and change our body shape (reduce clothing size/girth measurements). So why do we look at our weight all the time? Your weight neither tells you your body fat %, what size clothing you wear and you certainly can’t “see” weight, it is body fat that can be seen........

Our trainers and advisors

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