ATB TEAM
NICKY
DIRECTOR, STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH
Growing up, Nicky was always sporty, energetic and outspoken. She gave just about every sport a go and was never one to shy away from trying something new. She puts her delusional sense of confidence down to being the youngest of five kids.
But after becoming a mum, Nicky found herself feeling like she'd completely lost her identity. For someone who had always been so confident, she suddenly found herself feeling self-conscious about her body and struggling to recognise the person she'd always been.
Nicky rediscovered her spark through strength training and developed a passion for helping other mums do the same.
In May 2021, she started Heathcote Personal Training from her home, later rebranding to At The Bar Fitness and then expanding to the 24/7 gym as it is today.
Nicky continues to build on her knowledge and experience, with regular professional development and qualifications in nutrition coaching and pre- and postnatal training.
Nicky is a big believer in strong over skinny. Her approach to training is all about shifting the focus from what your body looks like to what it can do, building strength, confidence and a positive relationship with exercise along the way.
JUSTIN
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH
Covered in tattoos and usually listening to heavy metal music, Justin isn’t as intimidating as he seems at first glance. He is actually one of the most gentle and patient trainers you'll meet.
Justin understands that progress looks different for everyone and that sometimes just getting yourself to the gym is an achievement in itself. While he loves celebrating the big wins, like PBs and finish lines, he knows that the smaller, less obvious victories can be just as important.
Before becoming a personal trainer, Justin was one of Nicky's clients, regularly attending group fitness classes. This sparked an interest in health and fitness and eventually led him to pursue personal training as a career. He now enjoys running the classes and getting to know more of the ATB community.
Justin loves a physical challenge, having completed multiple half marathon, hyrox competitions and push up challenges. But he's just as happy heading out for a walk or bike ride through the bush, appreciating the mental benefits of exercise as much as the physical ones.
More comfortable behind the computer than out on the gym floor, Tess looks after the day-to-day admin at At The Bar Fitness. From membership enquiries to class bookings and helping things run smoothly behind the scenes, she's the one to speak to if you have any non-training related questions. She loves a good chat and is easily distracted so try to keep conversations work-related.
Growing up, Tess was always active, enjoying the friendships and social connections that came with team sport. While she'll still give anything a try (especially if it's for comedic value on our social media), you’re most likely to find her out on a long-distance run with her two kelpies by her side.
Before joining At The Bar Fitness, Tess had a completely different career as a police officer, resigning in 2023 when life with three kids became a little too busy. Her kids have clearly inherited her enthusiasm for trying new things, keeping the family calendar full with just about every activity they can enrol in. Tess also manages to squeeze in studying law in what little spare time she has left.
ADMIN
TESS
Mackenzie is Nicky's Border Collie x German Shepherd. If you know Nicky, you'll know how much she loves dogs (she'd probably be a dog trainer if she wasn't a strength and conditioning coach), so it's no surprise that there's a four-legged staff member on the ATB team.
But Mackenzie has some pretty big paws to fill.
Back when Nicky started Heathcote Personal Training from her home, her dog Reggie was always by her side. Reggie became a familiar face to the gym members and was just as much a part of the business as Nicky was.
Sadly, Reggie developed diabetes and passed away in 2024. It absolutely broke Nicky's heart and his loss was felt by many of the original members who had come to know and love him over the years.
In hindsight, Reggie probably wouldn't have been too impressed with the transition from a backyard training business to a busy commercial 24/7 gym. But he still has the best seat in the house, watching over every group fitness class from the back wall of the studio.
These days, Mackenzie has taken on the role of Nicky's four-legged sidekick, keeping her company at work and joining her on her runs.
Gym Dog