I’m Martin!

Originally from Birmingham, I’ve lived in and out of Bristol for most of my adult life. I started functional fitness back in 2016, but it became my main sport in 2022 after I finished my rugby career. It’s given me what I wanted from exercise: staying active, constantly challenging myself, and being in a room full of people who want to see everyone do well.

I joined Valesco as a member in 2024 and joined the coaching team in October 2026. I’m CrossFit Level 1 qualified and also hold Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer qualifications.

For me, fitness is about getting stronger, eating well and training in a way that lasts, so we’re still enjoying it in 20+ years. That’s at the heart of how I coach too: everyone should feel safe while they train and leave the gym feeling better than when they arrived.

By day I work in finance, a profession not exactly famous for its social interaction, so I get as much of that in as I can while coaching. Outside the gym, my free time goes on being outdoors, travelling and eating my way around Bristol’s food scene.

My favourite type of workout is a pairs WOD (aka trauma bonding), and you’ll often see me suffering through one with my partner Laura. You can’t beat a good old FLEX class either, because who doesn’t love getting that pump on?