All posts by clontarf-admin

James Swan

James is the Co-Director of The Edge. He started his interest in the fitness world at the age of 4 with martial arts training. By the age of 15, James had his own Personal Trainer and shortly afterwards won the Tae Kwon-Do World Cup, amongst other international and Irish titles. James currently competes in Olympic weighting and has competed in the Masters World championships.

James’ training methodology is to get fast effective results that are sustainable and suitable to every population and is constantly up-skilling and researching to implement the latest in modern training recommendations. James has worked in the industry since 2003 and has undertaken numerous training courses, an MSc in nutritional and exercise science through Chester University and gained a plethora of complimentary qualifications.

To remain at the cutting edge of the health & fitness industry, James is constantly updating his knowledge to get results in the most effective and efficient way for his clients, trainers and to motivate and educate through corporate wellbeing talks.

  • Exercise & Nutrition Science
    NSCA – National Strength and Conditioning Association
  • PICP – Charles Poliquin International Certification Program Level 1 & 2
  • Bodyfat & biosignature – Charles Poliquin
  • NLC – Nutritional Lifestyle Coach CHEK institute
  • PN- Precision Nutrition level 1
    Phil Richards – Nutritional & blood panels Internship

    Phil Richards – Private Strength and Conditioning Internship 2008
  • Kinetic advantage – Biomechanics in powerlifting
  • Weightlifting barbell training: 2 x Olympian Martin Zewaja
  • Weightlifting training: 2012 London Olympian Norik Vardanyan
  • Nutritional Training w/ Martin McDonald (Team GB Olympics) 2013

Harry Keeley

Harry has over 3 years experience in the Fitness industry with a strong interest in Nutrition and Strength & Conditioning. He started training in The Edge at just 16 years of age and became passionate about results-based training and nutrition ever since. He has a background in a variety of sports, mainly rugby and hurling.

With Harry’s love of training and sport, his next natural step was to turn his passion into a career and become a Personal Trainer. He continues to up-skill in nutrition to ensure that his clients get the best long lasting results possible. To book your first consultation with Harry, click here.

ITEC Diploma in Personal Training Level 3

ITEC Diploma in Pilates Level 2

Advanced Nutrition Cert from the Fitness Institute

Currently studying Precision Nutrition Level 1

Portobello Cert in TRX

Liam Dinan

Liam has over 5 year’s experience in the health and fitness industry, and has been competing in martials arts since a very young age. Since beginning his career in Personal Training, Liam has taken a keen interest in individualized anatomy, as well as the key components in physiology that help clients progress quickly, safely and in an enjoyable manner.

Continuing to upskill, Liam has completed courses in Nutrition, Sleep, Digestion and Stress management, to help our members with more than just their fitness goals, and help optimise their overall health.

While the science and guidelines regarding training continuously adapt and change, Liam prides himself in his ability to take the complexity and guesswork out of each clients journey, so that clients can put their full trust and confidence into each plan.

Qualifications & specializations

  • ITEC levels 3 & 4
  • Programming and physiology N1 Coaching
  • Sleep, stress and digestive management N1 Coaching
  • Boxing and conditioning training
  • Nutritional consultations
  • Energy system & HIIT training

John Smyth

John is a Personal Trainer with over 8 years’ experience.

A career change in his 30s saw him moving away from a desk job and following his passion for the  fitness industry inspired by his love of sports and  personal health journey.

From teaching Bootcamps to semi-private coaching, he has also ended up working and coaching Ireland National teams.

After years of working as personal trainer he decided to upskill and is now an accredited Nutritionist. He continues to spend his time upskilling in a variety of ways so he can deliver the best possible service to his clients.

Now working at The Edge, he loves getting clients the results they want all whilst educating and helping them find that important balance in their life.

Qualifications and specialisations:

  • Personal Training Level 4
  • TRX Training
  • MacNutrition
  • Fat loss and conditioning
  • Bodycomposition training

Eoghan Garvey

Eoghan is a sports physical therapist who has been involved in the health and fitness industry for many years. He has trained in a variety of different sports throughout his life so understands the demands that different activities can have on the human body. Throughout his teens Eoghan was heavily involved in team sports such as football, Gaelic and rugby but now trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai.

Due to training in multiple disciplines and working with teams, Eoghan knows how important proper programming and goal setting is.  He is constantly studying and keeping himself updated in all the current research.

Eoghan emphasises a sustainable and practical approach with his clients to ensure they get the results they desire and is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and rehabilitation of clients so they can get back to their optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness regardless of age and ability.

Qualifications & specialisations

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Therapy.
  • Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor Diploma
  • First Aid Responder (FAR) awarded by St. Johns Ambulance.
  • International Cutman Course Qualification awarded by Joseph Clifford.
  • Certificate in Deep Tissue Cupping as awarded by OBUS School of Healing Therapies.
  • AACP/HePAG Accredited Acupuncture/dry needling certificate awarded by Dr Christopher Norris PhD MCSP MBAcC.
  • Rehabilitation
  • Body Composition
  • Mobility and flexibility

 

Kevin Quigley

Kevin has joined our team since the Covid restrictions have gradually been lifted and has been involved in a variety of sport all his life. This is where his interest in fitness, health and nutrition began and decided to make this passion a career.

From a young age Kevin played soccer, gaelic and hurling up until his teens and became involved in Muay Thai in his early 20s. Unfortunately, after numerous injuries he is unable to participate in competitive sport and began to look into the causes and ways to prevent other people finding themselves in a similar situation. This has given Kevin a large interest in functional training and mobility, along with rehab/prehab training. Kevin loves cooking and has a huge interest in the benefits of good nutrition for everyday life and performance. He still actively trains in traditional boxing and coaches many of our clients.

Kevin began personal training as he has massively benefited both, physically and mentally, from living a healthier lifestyle. He understands the physical aspect is only one side of what we do, and the mental benefits of a healthier lifestyle often outweighs that over time. He loves the process of creating a road map to help clients achieve their goals and be happier.

Qualifications and specializations:

  • ITEC Diploma in Personal Training & Nutrition Level 3
  • Fatloss & bodycomposition
  • Boxing and conditioning training
  • Health and wellbeing

Mark Hynes

Mark is a level 3 Personal trainer and level 2 gym instructor with ITEC/ FITCERT, Mark has always been a keen  fitness advocate from a young age, football, Thai boxing to bodybuilding and strength and conditioning training.

Marks experience in the health and fitness industry began working in large commercial gyms and now has allocated his skills to working in the personal training industry.

Mark has a passion when it comes to his clients progress and goal orientation,  as he helps them grow into the best version of themselves. Enthusiastic and determined in helping achieve results Mark is an invaluable asset to The Edge family.

Weekly staff training and study reviews keeps Mark ahead of the game and always willing to learn.

Qualifications and specialisations:

  • NTC Personal training and fitness instructor
  • Bodycomposition & Fat loss
  • Muscle building
  • Female fat loss
  • Mobility and flexibility

Elizabeth Grenham

I had always been really active playing team sports but after multiple knee injuries, had to finally admit defeat and hang up my boots. I thought it would be easy to stay really active and go to the gym but keeping motivated on your own was tougher than expected. Id tried other gyms and classes but they never fully stuck. Then I found The Edge and started working with Aideen. I wanted to get back into a routine and invest in myself again and really learn how to build up my fitness and strength in a smart way under the watchful eye of someone who really knows what they’re doing. Ive got all that and then some in my time here. Its been brilliant. I’ve been pushed hard and have learned so much. With having previous injuries, I was nervous starting but Aideen has been great and accommodates sessions as needed while still maintaining the intensity. Going to The Edge is always really good fun and all the trainers make you feel so welcome. Would highly recommend Aideen and The Edge Marino and Im looking forward to getting back as soon as I can.

Kathryn Russell

Aideen’s sessions are always fun and well structured, using a variety of different equipment and exercises. Aideen really takes the time to get to know her clients and knows exactly how to motivate and challenge them. She is always ready to share new ideas and information about nutrition and fitness. It’s a pleasure to train with her!

Aideen’s sessions are always fun and well structured, using a variety of different equipment and exercises. Aideen really takes the time to get to know her clients and knows exactly how to motivate and challenge them. She is always ready to share new ideas and information about nutrition and fitness. It’s a pleasure to train with her!

Asunta Borza

I joined “The Edge” almost 2 and a half years ago. Had you told me then, that fast forward to now, staying fit had become a staple part of my life, I would have never believed it.

I initially started on my journey with the goal of losing that excess “baby weight” I had put on since having my two boys. What I found at “The Edge” was a community that offered a friendly, positive and safe environment to train and a group of PT’s who were equally as positive and encouraging with a wealth of knowledge and experience to safely guide me through my process. Their support, flexible and commitment to their client base during the current pandemic and lockdown restrictions is further testament to this.

I achieved my initial goal of losing weight but on reflection realise I had achieved a whole lot more. My body is both physically and mentally stronger. Without realising it and with the support of  “The Edge” I had made a lifestyle change that not only helped me find “me” again but helped and continues to help me be the best version of “me” on a daily basis.

My PT James is a mecca of information on nutrition, supplements, sports and body injuries, and of course overall fitness. He will manage expectations so that you are aware of the effort and commitment required to achieve your goals but will push you to achieve your desired goals in a positive and encouraging manner.

Take the time to invest in yourself, it’s the only risk free investment that will return priceless dividends. The Edge and James helped me realise that and I haven’t looked back since.

Michael Mongan

When I met James his first question was, why are you here. A great question because, it made me focus on what I want, but more importantly he wanted to hear my objectives so as he could apply his knowledge and experience to my situation. My aim is to maximise the return I get from the time I spend exercising, and to ensure the exercise is best for my health and my body. So the ‘ask’ is a personal one, needing a personalised solution.

James’ knowledge on diet and his ability to link diet to a persons exercise regime taking into consideration their own medical history and objectives is invaluable. That to me is his USP, that combination of dietary and exercise advice, is what makes James Swan and The Edge Gym unique in the personal training space.

Since linking up with James and the Edge Gym, I have become fitter, stronger and healthier. My cholesterol has reduced to normal levels through diet and exercise alone, and I now actually get more enjoyment and better return out of exercise than I have ever done over the years.

Caroline McEvoy

I started training with Aideen in the hope of increasing my fitness levels and losing weight as I hadn’t been doing much exercise at all and was eating a lot of the wrong foods. I hadn’t enjoyed the gym in the past and Aideen made me feel so welcome and quickly I started to really enjoy and look forward to the personal training sessions with her twice a week. She encouraged me to help me reach my personal goals and checked in on me regularly with helpful tips, recipes etc. Since training with Aideen I lost 10kg and my fitness has hugely improved. I have a much better mindset around nutrition and exercise. I would highly recommend Aideen as a personal trainer.

Jenny Pedreschi

Absolutely love The Edge gym! Staff are so friendly & professional. Liam has been my coach since last summer for both small group pt & 1:1 training. I find him extremely professional, friendly & approachable and is extremely knowledgeable in his field! Explains every exercise in detail and is a great motivator! Couldn’t ask for a better coach!

Bernie, Marc & Sarah

Myself and my partner Marc decided we’d like to get into shape, but we’d both let our physical fitness decline for so long that we were completely clueless about where to start. We decided to give The Edge a try. From the moment we got in contact with the lovely people in the gym, they were so helpful and put us at ease. There was such a lovely atmosphere there. We felt comfortable and never felt out of place. Then we were introduced to our trainer, Aideen. We were definitely starting at the basics and we were extremely nervous, but she immediately put us at ease. She listened to what we said and worked with us to create a program that suited us. And even though myself and Marc wanted different things, she tailored our workouts to cater for both of us to help us meet our goals. She also took the time to help us get a handle on our nutrition. She sent us lots of recipe ideas and articles on nutrition and health in general. After months of working with our personal trainer and raving about The Edge, my sister decided to join our small group training sessions,  and the three of us started working out together. Aideen was great, and gave her the same level of attention to detail that she had given us.

There is a lovely feeling of camaraderie and fun at The Edge. There is a real sense of team work among the staff. They are so friendly, accepting and flexible there. I really cannot rate our experience highly enough, and especially the care and encouragement we received from our personal trainer Aideen. Thanks for everything guys!

June Meehan

I had never been a gym member before I joined The Edge almost 10 years ago and I have felt a lot healthier since that day. It is always challenging and I feel there is always something new to learn about fitness, strength and nutrition.

It is a gym with a very positive atmosphere.

The Edge is a gym where age and starting ability does not matter, everyone can achieve and develop positive life long habits. That’s been my experience. Training is always under the close supervision of experienced and interested staff. I go to work out but I’ve also got to know so many people which makes the experience even better,  an added bonus!

The Edge is professional and the staff are personable, this is what gives ‘The Edge The Edge’

Catherine Twomey and Louise Ryan

We joined The Edge gym around Oct 2020 and had Mick as our personal trainer. He was great at assessing our individual goals at the start and tailored a program for us which we really enjoyed doing. We could feel the results starting to come, even within a few weeks. When the lockdown hit, we thought we were done for when it came to training, but Mick went above and beyond. He has kept in contact with us weekly to see how we’re getting on and offering his help or advice when needed. He gave us 2 at home workouts to do, based on the equipment we had, to try keep us on track for when the gym re-opens. We’re so grateful for all the effort he’s putting in to help us achieve our goals, both when we were in the gym and during the lockdowns.

Colin Kavanagh

David and the team at the Edge did an amazing job in getting me in shape for a World championship sailing event in Dublin. This was the first time I had sailed at that level since I was in my early twenties and the event turned out to be pretty gruelling physically. I was 40 at the time and did not think that training of that type would have much of an effect but the results of the ten week pillars and training program were amazing and made a huge difference to my performance at the event

Kevin McConnell

Kevin has 2 years experience in the health & fitness industry, his passion for exercise and nutrition came through his own exercise journey.

After years of learning in the gym, internships and Edge staff training, Kevin has developed the skillset to take his clients through a myriad of goals. In an ever changing industry constant learning is crucial in order to get the most from clients, Kevin is testament to this. Motivated and passionate with a friendly approach, Kevin is an invaluable trainer to The Edge family and to his clients.

Kevin is qualified under the National Training Centre, completing personal training, exercise rehab, nutrition and group training.

NTC – National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training (EQF Level4)

Qualifications and specialisations:

  • NTC Personal training and fitness instructor
  • Bodycomposition & Fat loss
  • Muscle building
  • Female fat loss
  • Mobility and flexibility

 

Saoirse Whelan

Saoirse has over 3 years experience in the fitness industry, her journey began when she started with a personal trainer over 2 years ago and found her passion for fitness and health. She then qualified as a fitness instructor & personal trainer over year ago.

Saoirse has always had an interest in sports & fitness playing Gaelic from the age of 8 to then go onto gym based training.

She has recently joined our team and has a strong belief that in a strong mind will bring a stronger body. Her approach to training people is to help them better understand the positive effects of exercise on the mind and body. Hard work and pushing past our pre conceived limitations promotes self-development and growth and aims to instil this into her clients.

Qualification and specialisations

  • ITEC Level 3 in Gym Instruction & Personal Training. Award in Basic Sports Nutrition
  • Female training and nutrition
  • Fat loss and conditioning

Julia Dobrovodska

Julia have 3 years experience in the health and fitness industry with a strong interest in Strength and conditioning.

Her background began with a passion for dance from a young age and competing at World Championship level, Julia’s interest and passion for exercise & fitness developed into a passion for all things fitness. Deciding that she would make it as her carrier.

Julia has a number of years’ experience training at various health and fitness facilities, where she focused on Crossfit training, Pole dance fitness and Brazilian jujitsu. Julia is extremely passionate when it comes to exercise, and is dedicated to instilling a sense of self-belief and drive in her clients to work hard and achieve their goals.

Qualifications & specialisations:

  • ITEC Level 3 & EQF Level 4 Diploma in Personal Training & strength and conditioning
  • Pilates qualification – ExpertRating certification
  • Level 1 GymSTART Gymnastics

Brianne Mulvihill

I’ve been doing endurance sports, mostly triathlons, for years and started S&C training with James last November with the idea of building up some muscle strength. Little did I know that a year on I would be the healthiest and fittest I’ve ever been and have had one of my best race seasons to date!

Unlike other S&C classes that I had been to, James really focuses on the person and their goals. Each session is very targeted – there isn’t a one plan fits all, rather everything is carefully thought out and tailored to your needs. As important as the strength training, as I’ve come to learn, is the nutrition. I’ve completely changed what and eat and when I eat it and found it has made a huge difference. I’ve never felt stronger and I’ve found that I recover much quicker from hard sessions.

Couldn’t recommend James, or The Edge, more highly for any athlete.

Rebecca Woods

From running, to basketball, to triathlon, James is always up for a challenge! His broad knowledge base, innovative thinking and passion, puts me in the best possible position to progress in my sport. James always wants to be the best he can be, to make you the best you can be. His individualised training not only builds a strong, healthy and knowledgeable athlete, but more importantly, his approach helped me build confidence to believe in my own ability to reach new heights. No matter your sport, athletic ability or skill level, James has the knowledge, drive and experience to help you achieve your goals. His energy and enthusiasm is contagious! James has helped me to become faster, stronger and more effective in my sport – he has given me ‘the edge’ I need to succeed!

Adrienne Healy

I began training with Chris in April 2018, while I had lost some weight I was stuck in a rut and needed something to change. I was so nervous going to the gym the first time, but that was eased once I had a chat with Chris. He asked me what my goals were, this wasn’t just about going to the gym but a lifestyle overhaul and I was ready to embrace this change.

I started with one PT session a week and was in pain for days after it, but that was a good thing, I could feel the change happening. Chris’s support was immense and I don’t think he fully understood how much the texts he sent mean to me. Just that reassurance that I was doing well.

After some persuasion I did a class in The Edge ( I didn’t think I would be able to keep up). This was a new concept for me, it was pushing my comfort levels out. But all the time knew Chris wouldn’t have suggested it if he didn’t think I was capable.

Over the past 7 months the change has been amazing. I’m reaching my targets and setting new ones too. Chris is always only a text away for any of my queries. I am so grateful for this and I think he underestimates how much this constant support has helped me during this time.

Estimating calories burned during your workout

Are you overestimating the amount of calories you are burning during your workout?

According to a study conducted in Stanford University on calorie and exrcsie counting devices, Apple, Samsung and fitbit included, the step counters where accurate but the calorie counting ability has been completely overestimated. The researchers concluded that a 5% difference would be acceptable but a 27-96% had been observed between samples.

Calculating calories burned during exercise can be a tricky game, as many variables are needed to control for accuracy, including height/ weight/ current fitness levels/ diet/ intensity of exercise/ sex etc…

The obvious issues that many trainers/ trainees are seeing is alterations in daily calories in response to the “inaccurate” data received from the calorie counting device, which obviously leads to issues with motivation, results and measurements.

To combat this its important to note that unless you are enduring long bouts 1 ½ – 3hour training sessions for example long distance running/triathlon or Crossfit then according to a recent publication by the Mayo clinic, your weight loss goals should be controlled by diet “reducing calories is a much better predictor of weight loss than exercise alone”.

Like always it’s best to talk to an exercise and nutritional professional and leave the frustration and guesswork aside.

Why not drop us a mail to info@theedgegym.ie and we can get you started on your road to a happier and healthier you!

Elaine Gallagher

I initially began training at The Edge to lose some weight for my wedding.  Starting off I joined the X-fit programme, attending semi-private sessions twice a week and occasionally trained at the weekend.  I found X-fit perfect for getting me started, with the team helping to set achievable goals for the 10 weeks and educating me on nutrition as well as offering healthy lifestyle tips.

As my wedding day loomed I decided to start personal training alongside of X-fit.  As soon as I added PT with Harry to my weekly training I noticed a difference.  I was getting stronger week on week as well as losing weight. Harry is a great trainer, always pushing me and making each session more challenging, but I loved it (just not all the burpees).

I suffer with lower back problems but this didn’t impact my training, Harry would tailor my sessions whenever I was having problems.  And now, thanks to my training I have noticed huge improvements in my core strength and in my ability to complete more sit ups / core exercises, as well as lifting progressively heavier weights & generally push myself harder throughout each session. I find I actually look forward to my workouts.

Harry has an obvious passion for fitness and health and thanks to him I shed 5kg and 4% body fat in the run up to my wedding and I couldn’t have felt better on the day.  I would 100% Harry and The Edge for anyone looking to start lose weight or improve their fitness.

Oleksii

After many attempts at losing weight, I was lucky to find a gym-next-door: The Edge. I started training with Aaron in the morning X-Fit program. When I joined, my ultimate goal was to hit 102 kg within 12 months. Thanks to his tailored guidance and tips on both exercise and nutrition I was able to go down from 116 to 107kg and lose 6% body fat in less than 4 months. Aaron was great at finding ways to motivate me with challenges both in-class and out of class. But most importantly, training became a lot of fun, and now it’s part of my routine.

Judy Cadwell

In May 2017 with great encouragement from Chris I started at The Edge Gym and opted to join the classes, participating in 3 classes a week at 6.15 am. I thought I would initially join for a month to give me a boost for my summer holiday and quickly found myself hooked. I was made feel very welcome and encouraged by Aaron,Harry and Sean Paul. After a couple of weeks I could really notice a difference, I was eating and sleeping much better, the inches and weight started dropping so I kept going and now here I am 5 months later and I have shed 13kgs and 5% body fat.  A huge thank you to all at The Edge team for the consistent encouragement and patience, they are a fantastic group and the range of classes are great, suitable for all ages and they change them up every couple of weeks so your always being challenged. Chris gives me great nutritional tips and I now eat 6 times a day rather than 3 never letting myself get hungry. Role on Christmas and that little black dress.

Stephen O’Brien

Just over 12 weeks ago, I did a 5km fun run with work which turned out to be a real eye-opener for me and where my level of fitness was at. As more and more people were passing me out it really hit me that I was in a bad way! So that weekend I built up the courage and contacted The Edge for help.

After my first consultation with Harry, he identified where I was going wrong; not sleeping enough, not eating at the right times and not training properly. Having assessed me, Harry then made up a plan and I haven’t looked back since!!

I’ve been training with Harry in The Edge for just over 10 weeks now and have gone from over 103kgs down to 90kgs ! This has been down to a detailed diet and training plan which has been set out for me. The sessions have been tough, Harry never let me get comfortable – changing my programme every few weeks so I didn’t get bored. Harry has been very supportive but also strict when he needed to be… one day I hope to smash up that airbike!!

I would 100% recommend Harry or any other trainer in The Edge. There is a great atmosphere down there and it’s a brilliant environment for people to achieve their fitness goals.

Una Lowry

I decided to get some personal training sessions when I got sick of nothing fitting me any more. Initially it was just for a few weeks to give me a kick start, 6 months later I have no intention of stopping.

Since I stared with Harry I have lost roughly 15kgs without feeling like I’ve missed out on anything. I was terrified before my first session between being so out of shape and the fear of the unknown, within minutes Harry had me at ease even though it was tough.

He regularly changes my workout plans to stop me getting bored, and knows when to go easy on me and when to push me harder, especially when I’m losing motivation or close to reaching a goal.

He’s also great to bounce recipe ideas off so I don’t end up eating the same thing all the time. I’m not where I want to be yet but I know with Harry’s help I’ll get there. I’m very lucky to have him as a trainer and a friend. I would recommend him 100% .

Andy

I’ve been training with Chris for some time now and am really happy with the results. Via a diet and workout plan, I have made some real progress in my squat, deadlift and bench with a well-constructed plan focused on incremental increases- the result being I am stronger than I have ever been, with for example my squat moving from 100kg to 140kg over the past 2 months alone. Supporting this is a focus on diet and getting the right combination of foods and nutrients. I travel a lot with my work and Chris has gone that extra mile by frequently sending programs that I can do at my hotel so that I don’t fall behind my goal. My energy levels are great and I enjoy working with Chris- good laughs and thanks for all the progress so far!

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