Functional Fitness Bristol

Friendly, relaxed and welcoming to all levels of fitness. The trainers know what they are taking about and are passionate about helping people become healthier, stronger and fitter.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Rich quite possibly saved my life by helping me escape a black Rhino charge.I have just go back from a hiking trip in Namibia that Rich had been helping me train for. His training helped me enormously, giving me what seemed to the rest of the group abnormal amounts of energy. At one point in the trip we came upon a black Rhino that then charged us. Having two tons of prehistoric monster charging at us at 40mph was daunting to say the least, by the time we noticed it was charging us, there were mere metres between us. I had to throw myself out of its path while wearing a full backpack. There is no doubt in my mind that the training of squats sit drops, and walk sits amongst other things that Rich had me doing in my training definitely helped me here! Both Rich and Joel are amazingly friendly and extremely knowledgable about fitness and the correct way to train. It is more expensive using a personal trainer than just training yourself, but they get you doing excercises right, they motivate you and drive you to push harder than you ever would on your own. I would highly recommend these guys to anyone who would consider that having a better level of fitness would be a good idea. They might just help save your life. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

My pt sessions with Oli were excellent! I needed help building muscle strength in my leg after a knee ligament injury and Oli worked out a really good training plan which I can now do at home. Really supportive and very communicative. I would highly recommend Oli and the functional fitness team More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

We attended the Natural Movment class in Ashton Court, which was brilliant. The class was unusual and creative, delivered in a natural setting. The instructors were good fun and knew there stuff. I would highly recommend. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

We attended the Natural Movment class in Ashton Court, which was brilliant. The class was unusual and creative, delivered in a natural setting. The instructors were good fun and knew there stuff. I would highly recommend. More...

My pt sessions with Oli were excellent! I needed help building muscle strength in my leg after a knee ligament injury and Oli worked out a really good training plan which I can now do at home. Really supportive and very communicative. I would highly recommend Oli and the functional fitness team More...

My experience is with the twice weekly bootcamp and kettlebell classes. Richard and Joel are great motivators, their sessions are challenging and enjoyable. The activities are able to be undertaken at various levels to challenge all abilities. I discovered Functional fitness two years ago and in all that time they have never repeated a bootcamp. My fitness level has increased and for the first time I am enjoying exercise. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I contacted Functional Fitness in March 2015 after coming to the realisation that I needed to change not just my fitness programme, but also my general lifestyle. After years of gym membership and undirected exercise, I finally bit the bullet and engaged the professionals. Now, 5 months on, I cannot recommend Rich and Joel highly enough. Under their direction I have lost body fat, built muscle and can exercise harder and for longer than I ever have in the past. Most importantly of all, I now feel confident in myself and look forward to pushing my body to its limits - whether that is in my own personal workouts or in competitive sport. Supportive, motivational and inspirational, I cannot recommend these guys highly enough. Whatever the future throws at me, I am better able to face it thanks to my time training with Functional Fitness. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Joel and Rich are really terrific. They are fun and accommodating while putting together a challenging programme, which gets results. Despite my ridiculous work schedule, I have made huge gains, recovered some of my previous fitness and now have a comfortable maintenance programme. Their dedication to their clients, ability to keep it interesting, and customer service set them apart. The only reason I wouldn't recommend them is to make sure I keep my preferred training times. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I have been training with Rich and Joel for nearly 2 years and in that time it has completely changed the way I train and not least my fitness and body shape. I am stronger and fitter than I have ever been due to the functional nature of the training. The bootcamps are always full of variety making exercise fun as well as challenging. Their knowledge of physiology is impressive and Rich working with my physio successful resolved a long standing shoulder injury through focused and tailored exercise. Would wholeheartedly recommend Functional Fitness Bristol. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

The Stress Breaker sessions are excellent. They are held in Queens square and tend to follow a similar format each week. We stretch, have a bit of a laugh, do the main exercises then warm down. Each week the exercises are different - after 6 months I'm yet to do the same one twice! One thing is consistent though - and that is that they are suitable for everyone. If you're feeling fit, you can push yourself harder and they can subtly adjust them to make it more difficult, or if you're not feeling so fit, then they can reduce it down to something that you can do. Rich and Joel are very relaxed, friendly and knowledgeable and keep the sessions enjoyable and varied.I genuinely feel better afterwards and I'd encourage everyone to give it a go. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I love my weekly PT sessions with Rich, he pushes me and keeps each session interesting, different and challenging.
I wanted to build up upper body strength and overall fitness and have really come on leaps and bounds with my goals.
I like to work with Rich to set small and long term fitness goals/challenges and we work hard towards them each week.
Most weeks I end up surprising myself and Rich (sometimes) with being able to do moves/timed workouts and new difficult sets. I can't recommend them enough, if you really want to focus on specific areas of fitness/strength and ability then these are the guys to call. I look forward to my early weekly tough sessions. More...

This facility and instructors (Joel and Rich) are fantastic, I love going once a week to train and build my strength and confidence at trying new and challenging things. <br />My overall strength and fitness has improved and I'm always setting new and exciting fitness goals to push myself each time. More...

Reviewed on FreeIndex

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Reviewed on FreeIndex

I first came across Functional Fitness following my treatment from cancer, I wanted to challenge myself and raise money for the Lymphoma Association by running the Bath Half Marathon. Having never run before, Richard slowly but surely guided me, ensuring that I had both the fitness strength and confidence to stand on the starting line 6 months after finishing chemotherapy. I achieved a time of 2hrs 15 and raised £1500 in the process. More...

I first came to Functional Fitness following my treatment from cancer. I wanted to set myself a challenge and also raise money for the Lymphoma Association. Having never run before I decided to compete in the Bath Half Marathon. Richard helped me with this by giving me the physical strength, confidence and ability to stand on the starting line 6 months after chemotherapy. I achieved a time of 2<span id="moreReview601076" class="hide"> hrs 15 and raised £1500.</span> More...

Reviewed on FreeIndex

I had always tended to avoid gym or group classes and was content content with my own fitness regime. But I decided to take the kettlebell classes at Functional Fitness Bristol to try to counteract the hours spent behind a desk as a PhD student - and I can't recommend these guys enough. Joel and Rich manage to strike the ideal balance between creating a friendly atmosphere and yet still pushing everyone to improve their strength and technique. I have since come to realise the benefits of being properly coached through the different techniques by qualified professionals as my overall strength and power has improved massively. The last couple of months I have also been attending their "Natural Movement Training" where I have been coached to jump higher, sprint faster, climb walls, and more! More...

The Stress Breaker sessions are excellent. They are held in Queens square and tend to follow the same format each week. We stretch, have a bit of a laugh, do the main exercises then warm down. Each week the exercises are different - after 6 months I'm yet to do the same one twice! One thing is consistent though - and that is that they are suitable for everyone. If you're feeling fit, you can push yourself harder or they can subtly adjust them to make it more difficult, and if you're not, then they can reduce it down to something that you can do. Rich and Joel are very relaxed, friendly and knowledgeable and keep the sessions enjoyable and varied.

Like most exercise, I never really want to do it, but I do genuinely feel better afterwards. I'd encourage everyone to give it a go.
More...

The Stress Breaker sessions are excellent. They are held in Queens square and tend to follow a similar format each week. We stretch, have a bit of a laugh, do the main exercises then warm down. Each week the exercises are different - after 6 months I'm yet to do the same one twice! One thing is consistent though - and that is that they are suitable for everyone. If you're feeling fit, you can<span id="moreReview599008" class="hide"> push yourself harder and they can subtly adjust them to make it more difficult, or if you're not feeling so fit, then they can reduce it down to something that you can do. Rich and Joel are very relaxed, friendly and knowledgeable and keep the sessions enjoyable and varied.<br /><br />I genuinely feel better afterwards and I'd encourage everyone to give it a go.</span> More...

Reviewed on FreeIndex

I had always tended to avoid gym or group classes and was content content with my own fitness regime. But I decided to take the kettlebell classes at Functional Fitness Bristol to try to counteract the hours spent behind a desk as a PhD student - and I can't recommend these guys enough. Joel and Rich manage to strike the ideal balance between creating a friendly atmosphere and yet still pushing<span id="moreReview599011" class="hide"> everyone to improve their strength and technique. I have since come to realise the benefits of being properly coached through the different techniques by qualified professionals as my overall strength and power has improved massively. The last couple of months I have also been attending their "Natural Movement Training" where I have been coached to jump higher, sprint faster, climb walls, and more!</span> More...

Reviewed on FreeIndex

I have been training with Rich now for four years. When FF was set-up I’ve also trained with Joel too. Initially having had a neck injury I was keen but unsure how to get back safely into doing sport. My main initial goal was to improve my core stability and as a secondary goal to loose some excess body fat. Rich established a varied gym routine of strength, core and cardio exercises and gave helpful targeted advice on nutrition. The exercises continued to be adjusted as I progressed or if I had any setbacks / minor injuries and interval cardio interval (Fartlek) training was introduced. All of this would have been very difficult to do by myself. Rich was always advising on wrong techniques and improvements that could be made as well as providing motivation. I was quickly amazed to find I was in the top 80 percentile for running for men in their twenties (I’m in my forties). To date I have lost a fair number of kilos too!

Most people don’t realise that Rich is also a great swim coach. I had learnt to swim as a kid, but over the years bad habits had crept in. By doing the drills, which Rich patiently explained, my stroke rate has almost halved. I went on to compete in a couple of sprint triathlons, something I would never have thought realistic.

Rich and Joel’s depth of sports science knowledge and expertise in a variety of sports has really impressed me. Even after all this time the training always remains varied and definitely not boring. I highly recommend both Rich & Joel as personal trainers to anyone whatever their goals or their initial fitness. The FF stress-breaker class on Wednesday lunchtime is a good HIIT workout and the boot camps are really sociable and good fun. Apart from more obvious physical development I’ve also gained real health benefits such as an improved immune system, stamina and resistance to injury.
More...

I have been training with Rich now for four years. When FF was set-up I’ve also trained with Joel too. Initially having had a neck injury I was keen but unsure how to get back safely into doing sport. My main initial goal was to improve my core stability and as a secondary goal to loose some excess body fat. Rich established a varied gym routine of strength, core and cardio exercises and gave helpful targeted advice on nutrition. The exercises continued to be adjusted as I progressed or if I had any setbacks / minor injuries and interval cardio interval (Fartlek) training was introduced. All of this would have been very difficult to do by myself. Rich was always advising on wrong techniques and improvements that could be made as well as providing motivation. I was quickly amazed to find I was in the top 80 percentile for running for men in their twenties (I’m in my forties). To date I have lost a fair number of kilos too!

Most people don’t realise that Rich is also a great swim coach. I had learnt to swim as a kid, but over the years bad habits had crept in. By doing the drills, which Rich patiently explained, my stroke rate has almost halved. I went on to compete in a couple of sprint triathlons, something I would never have thought realistic.

Rich and Joel’s depth of sports science knowledge and expertise in a variety of sports has really impressed me. Even after all this time the training always remains varied and definitely not boring. I highly recommend both Rich & Joel as personal trainers to anyone whatever their goals or their initial fitness. The FF stress-breaker class on Wednesday lunchtime is a good HIIT workout and the boot camps are really sociable and good fun. Apart from more obvious physical development I’ve also gained real health benefits such as an improved immune system, stamina and resistance to injury. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I have been training with Rich now for four years. When FF was set-up I’ve also trained with Joel too. Initially having had a neck injury I was keen but unsure how to get back safely into doing sport. My main initial goal was to improve my core stability and as a secondary goal to loose some excess body fat. Rich established a varied gym routine of strength, core and cardio exercises and gave<span id="moreReview598629" class="hide"> helpful targeted advice on nutrition. The exercises continued to be adjusted as I progressed or if I had any setbacks / minor injuries and interval cardio interval (Fartlek) training was introduced. All of this would have been very difficult to do by myself. Rich was always advising on wrong techniques and improvements that could be made as well as providing motivation. I was quickly amazed to find I was in the top 80 percentile for running for men in their twenties (I’m in my forties). To date I have lost a fair number of kilos too!<br /><br />Most people don’t realise that Rich is also a great swim coach. I had learnt to swim as a kid, but over the years bad habits had crept in. By doing the drills, which Rich patiently explained, my stroke rate has almost halved. I went on to compete in a couple of sprint triathlons, something I would never have thought realistic. <br /><br />Rich and Joel’s depth of sports science knowledge and expertise in a variety of sports has really impressed me. Even after all this time the training always remains varied and definitely not boring. I highly recommend both Rich and Joel as personal trainers to anyone whatever their goals or their initial fitness. The FF stress-breaker class on Wednesday lunchtime is a good HIIT workout and the boot camps are really sociable and good fun. Apart from more obvious physical development I’ve also gained real health benefits such as an improved immune system, stamina and resistance to injury.</span> More...

Reviewed on FreeIndex

I have been training with Rich and Joel for nearly 2 years and in that time it has completely changed the way I train and not least my fitness and body shape. I am stronger and fitter than I have ever been due to the functional nature of the training. The bootcamps are always full of variety making exercise fun as well as challenging. Their knowledge of physiology is impressive and Rich working with my physio successful resolved a long standing shoulder injury through focused and tailored exercise. Would wholeheartedly recommend Functional Fitness Bristol. More...

I started working with Richard several years ago on a one to one basis. Not only is he good guy to work with, he knows his stuff and has the ability to get the most out of you. If you are serious about getting fit and sorting out all those niggles then I highly recommend Richard. More...

I have been training with Rich and Joel for nearly 2 years and in that time it has completely changed the way I train and not least my fitness and body shape. I am stronger and fitter than I have ever been due to the functional nature of the training. The bootcamps are always full of variety making exercise fun as well as challenging. Their knowledge of physiology is impressive and Rich working<span id="moreReview598306" class="hide"> with my physio successful resolved a long standing shoulder injury through focused and tailored exercise. Would wholeheartedly recommend Functional Fitness Bristol.</span> More...

Reviewed on FreeIndex

In the middle of growing fat and getting to 40 I realised I needed a new challenge, but having tried and failed numerous times to train and get somewhere on my own I knew I needed a different strategy. Functional Fitness as an idea came to me on a run when I saw them training a group at Ashton Court. I arranged to meet Joel and took a crazy goal with me. It seemed impossible. To compete in an International Adventure race in Canada as the only British entry in a field of international athletes with only 6 months to get fit enough. Joel told me it was absolutely possible and created a training plan that had to be so diverse and encompassing to take in the challenges of kayaking, mtbing, bushwhacking, swimming, climbing, running and generally being strong enough to get through what looked impossible. I can honestly say I doubted myself throughout the training, but Joel’s never ending confidence, genius at training and ability to teach me that small impossible goals were achievable lead me to the start line despite several plans to give up. So here I am on the finish podium holding my union jack for Great Britain having finished the toughest challenge of my life. Elated. Thanks to the consistent training, support and belief from my trainer Joel at Functional Fitness. Thanks! More...

In the middle of growing fat and getting to 40 I realised I needed a new challenge, but having tried and failed numerous times to train and get somewhere on my own I knew I needed a different strategy. Functional Fitness as an idea came to me on a run when I saw them training a group at Ashton Court. I arranged to meet Joel and took a crazy goal with me. It seemed impossible. To compete in an<span id="moreReview598042" class="hide"> International Adventure race in Canada as the only British entry in a field of international athletes with only 6 months to get fit enough. Joel told me it was absolutely possible and created a training plan that had to be so diverse and encompassing to take in the challenges of kayaking, mtbing, bushwhacking, swimming, climbing, running and generally being strong enough to get through what looked impossible. I can honestly say I doubted myself throughout the training, but Joel’s never ending confidence, genius at training and ability to teach me that small impossible goals were achievable lead me to the start line despite several plans to give up. So here I am on the finish podium holding my union jack for Great Britain having finished the toughest challenge of my life. Elated. Thanks to the consistent training, support and belief from my trainer Joel at Functional Fitness. Thanks!</span> More...

Reviewed on FreeIndex

My experience is with the twice weekly bootcamp and kettlebell classes. Richard and Joel are great motivators, their sessions are challenging and enjoyable. The activities are able to be undertaken at various levels to challenge all abilities. I discovered Functional fitness two years ago and in all that time they have never repeated a bootcamp. My fitness level has increased and for the first time I am enjoying exercise. More...

Functional Fitness bootcamps are unlike many other bootcamp I’ve tried before. The instructors (Joel and Rich) are friendly and treat everyone with respect – whatever your level of fitness is. They are brilliant motivators and always come up with imaginative Function Fitness exercises that are unique to their bootcamps! The sessions never fail to leave you feeling fatigued but with a great feeling of accomplishment. More...

Personal Training sessions at Functional Fitness help you achieve more than you could alone. Joel and Rich are really approachable and knowledgable – they are always able to offer advice on nutrition and training tips to ensure you achieve whatever your goals are.

Reviewed on FreeIndex

My experience is with the twice weekly bootcamp and kettlebell classes. Richard and Joel are great motivators, their sessions are challenging and enjoyable. The activities are able to be undertaken at various levels to challenge all abilities. I discovered Functional fitness two years ago and in all that time they have never repeated a bootcamp. My fitness level has increased and for the first<span id="moreReview597893" class="hide"> time I am enjoying exercise.</span> More...

Reviewed on FreeIndex

I had always tended to avoid gym or group classes and was content content with my own fitness regime. But I decided to take the kettlebell classes at Functional Fitness Bristol to try to counteract the hours spent behind a desk as a PhD student - and I can't recommend these guys enough. Joel and Rich manage to strike the ideal balance between creating a friendly atmosphere and yet still pushing everyone to improve their strength and technique. I have since come to realise the benefits of being properly coached through the different techniques by qualified professionals as my overall strength and power has improved massively. The last couple of months I have also been attending their "Natural Movement Training" where I have been coached to jump higher, sprint faster, climb walls, and more! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I contacted Functional Fitness in March 2015 after coming to the realisation that I needed to change not just my fitness programme, but also my general lifestyle. After years of gym membership and undirected exercise, I finally bit the bullet and engaged the professionals. Now, 5 months on, I cannot recommend Rich and Joel highly enough. Under their direction I have lost body fat, built muscle<span id="moreReview596230" class="hide"> and can exercise harder and for longer than I ever have in the past. Most importantly of all, I now feel confident in myself and look forward to pushing my body to its limits - whether that is in my own personal workouts or in competitive sport. Supportive, motivational and inspirational, I cannot recommend these guys highly enough. Whatever the future throws at me, I am better able to face it thanks to my time training with Functional Fitness.</span> More...

Reviewed on FreeIndex