Our Melbourne Gym Trainer Profiles
Exercise Physiologists | Personal Trainers |
Physiotherapists | Pilates Instructors
Meet the dedicated and university-qualified allied health professionals at Moonee Valley Health and Fitness.
Our expert team includes experienced personal trainers, exercise physiologists, Clinical Pilates instructors, and a Women’s Health Physiotherapist who are all highly skilled in their respective fields.
Below, are the profiles and photos of our Health Professionals Team here in our Gym and Exercise Rehabilitation Clinic.
Whether you’re aiming to improve fitness, recover from injury, or achieve specific health goals, our team offers personalised support to help you succeed.
Managing Director
Russell LAURIE
Russell is the Practice Manager and Managing Director at Moonee Valley Health and Fitness.
He is an Exercise Scientist and has worked as a coach and personal trainer since 2004.
With over 20 years of experience in the helath and fitness industry, Russell now oversees all areas of the clinic, ensuring high standards in exercise physiology, personal training, disability support and rehabilitation care.
Women's Health Physiotherapist
Amy LAURIE
Amy is a Senior Women’s Health Physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy.
She specialises in prenatal and postnatal care, pelvic floor assessment, and clinical programming.
Amy leads our Pregnancy and Clinical Pilates services at Moonee Valley Health and Fitness.
Exercise Physiologist
Lachy DUFFUS
Lachy is our Senior Exercise Physiologist at Moonee Valley Health and Fitness.
He has extensive experience supporting people living with Multiple Sclerosis, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
Lachy is also passionate about working with people with disability and NDIS participants.
He has a special interest in working with adults and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome, and developmental conditions.
Lachy brings a calm, engaging approach to each session and helps his clients feel confident and capable in the gym.
He also leads our Exercise Physiology team and plays a key role in mentoring and developing our staff.
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Matthew WHITEHEAD
Matthew is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientist that is passionate about helping people move with confidence.
Whether that’s managing chronic conditions or returning to sport. He works with clients of all ages, with a special interest in chronic conditions such osteopenia, osteoarthritis, falls prevention, and balance training.
Matthew also works in sports rehabilitation and return to running programming.
He enjoys supporting active individuals through safe and progressive recovery.
His goal is to create personalised, evidence-based exercise plans that empower long-term health, mobility, and independence.
Exercise Physiologist
Hamish INGLIS
Hamish is an Exercise Physiologist with a strong interest in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, injury recovery, and chronic disease management.
His background in sport and personal injury has shaped his client-centred approach to strength and conditioning.
Hamish enjoys helping clients rebuild strength and move with confidence at their own pace.
Clinical Pilates
Hoda TARHINI
Hoda is an experienced Clinical Pilates Instructor who has a diploma in Clinical Pilates and a Cert IV in Mat and Reformer Pilates from Breathe Education.
She has been teaching Clinical Pilates for over 5 years keeping her classes focused with specific challenges; and loves seeing the clients reap all the benefits of full body movement.
Physiotherapist / EXERCISE SCIENTIST
Nick CALLCOTT
Nick is a Physiotherapist and Exercise Scientist.
He is passionate about improving client's lifestyles through exercise and fitness. He has been part of the health and fitness industry for over 8 years as a trainer and enjoys helping people achieve their goals through varied approaches.
He has since gone on to become a physiotherapists and is passionate with working with older adults, helping them move and feel better.
Exercise Physiologist
Ruby BAINBRIDGE
Ruby brings two years of clinical experience as an Exercise Scientist before completing her Master in Exercise Physiology.
She loves working across a broad range of presentations, including NDIS participants, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, chronic pain, and supporting everyday clients to stay active and do the things they love.
She takes a practical, person-centred approach working with clients of all ages to build confidence, improve function, and make meaningful progress toward their goals.
Outside the clinic and gym, Ruby is an Intermediate Accredited Netball Coach and current Head Coach at both club and representative level.
Over the years here at MVFit we have had a great team of exercise physiologists and fitness professionals work with us. Dave, Jeremy, Trav, Ash, Jarryd, Alex Barto, James Addy, Callum McCarty, Madelene Koeleman and Lauren Burnham who are all part of making MVFit what it is today. If you trained or had exercise physiology appointments with one of them in the past and are looking to resume we'd love to see you back in the gym. All our trainers keep comprehensive notes on patients and gym clients and you can re-activate your training file.
I’d never been to a gym before but thought as l was getting older starting some strength training would help me as l age. Although l was reluctant at first to join a gym I found the instructors at MV Health and Fitness to be extremely welcoming and work with all types of fitness levels. I attend classes and the instructors are happy to alter exercises to accommodate everyone’s fitness levels. Now I’ve been going to the gym over 3 years and my fitness and strength levels have increased hugely. Also during this time l had suffered with tennis elbow and the instructors altered my exercises to help my elbow heal and allow me to continue with the classes. Definitely recommend MV Health and Fitness.
The trainers here are incredible. Hamish, Matt, and the rest of the team are so supportive and knowledgeable. I’m rebuilding my strength and fitness after major surgery and also navigating postpartum recovery, and I feel stronger and more confident every week. The environment is welcoming, uplifting, and family-friendly. The trainers are always so kind with my baby when I bring him along. I honestly love being part of this community.
Amazing staff helping with injuries very professional. Would recommend anyone with serious injuries to see them.
Moonee Valley Health and Fitness is a fantastic place for anyone serious about getting results. The team is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in your progress. The gym itself is well-equipped and fit for purpose, whether you're just starting out or looking to push your limits. The clinical Pilates program is outstanding—Hoda, in particular, is an exceptional instructor. She consistently goes above and beyond to support each person in the class. The group sessions are thoughtfully planned, and even though you're in a group setting, you still receive individual attention and clear guidance throughout. Russell is also a great studio director who genuinely cares about the members and their overall wellbeing.
Russ, Amy and the team at MV Health & Fitness have created an inclusive and welcoming gym and pilates studio that is a pleasure to attend. All the instructors and staff are friendly and helpful and they genuinely care about you and your wellbeing. I have been going here for 4 years and across 2 pregnancies and the team have been incredible at tailoring the programs to my needs. Would recommend for a friendly and welcoming place to move your body, especially for mums and parents!
I have loved being a part of MV fitness. Their classes are both challenging, varied and fun and my fitness level dramatically improved with attendance. However in my opinion what has made my experience great is Russell the owner who has been very flexible with my membership during a time of transition, he’s a reflection of the whole team! I’d highly recommend this gym, don’t hesitate 😊
MV Fit is an inclusive family run gym with excellent trainers empowering members to achieve their fitness goals. The small group classes ensure all levels of fitness and strength are catered for in a safe and positive environment. I have loved being a part of the MV fit family for the past 8 years!
Russell and his staff at MV Fitness are fantastic. I went there to get ready for an application to join the police and with their guidance and assistance I was easily able to meet the requirements. Trainer Matt was exceptionally helpful and provided great coaching to help me not only pass but exceed the standards required. Even after passing the standard required, Russell, Matt and all the staff at MV Fitness were incredibly helpful and genuinely interested in continuing my fitness improvement. I can't recommend MV Fitness highly enough. The staff are incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and most importantly supportive. They will help you achieve whatever fitness goals you are striving for!
I've been seeing Hamish weekly for the past four months, and the lasting effects of our work together have been remarkable. His attentiveness and deep knowledge make every session productive and insightful. Beyond just treating symptoms, Hamish takes a holistic approach to injury rehabilitation, addressing the underlying contributors to ensure long-term recovery and performance improvement. What truly sets him apart is his ability to make the process enjoyable—our sessions are not only effective but also engaging and motivating. His guidance has had a significant impact on my recovery, and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for expert in the field.
I've never enjoyed going to the gym and could never stick to exercising regularly until I found MVFit. The trainers are fantastic and welcoming, and the environment is fun. Highly recommend!
I am not a paid actor. Before joining Moonee Valley Health and Fitness I had little interest in joining a gym for a long period of time, but now after 11 months, I feel like I’m part of a community and not just a gym. Highly recommend here for anyone looking to start, resume or take the next step in their exercise journey.
Absolutely love this place! Can’t recommend enough. A lifesaver for me when I was pregnant and helping me to regain my core strength after two kids. All the instructors are amazing, especially Hoda! Best value for reformer pilates in the west.
I have had the pleasure of being a client at MVFit and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Russell and Alex are very nice guys to deal with on a personal level, and on top of that they are also very knowledgeable when it comes to PT training and individual training programs. They truly helped me with my individual fitness goals and progression, and I would highly recommend MVFit to anyone who is looking for a great exercise physiology clinic or personal training gym!
Highly recommend the lovely team at moonee valley health and fitness with all your exercise needs. I especially loved the mum and bub classes where I could bring my toddler along to. And the clinical pilates were amazing too 🙏😊 it was my favourite thing to do while pregnant and has helped me with better post partum strength this time around! I must say now that I've moved away I do really miss my classes with Matt very much so 😓