Our Exercise Science Team
Our Fortify Fitness Exercise Science Team is your go-to team for safe, structured and results-driven training. Our Accredited Exercise Scientists are skilled in strength and conditioning, injury-aware exercise, body composition coaching, and long-term performance support. Every program is guided by evidence-based training principles to help members move better, build strength with confidence, and achieve sustainable results — whether your goal is general fitness, fat loss, or athletic development.
Our Team of Accredited Exercise Scientist at Fortify Personal Training
(He/Him/His)
Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES)
Bachelor's Degree in Sport and Exercise Science from Victoria University
Ryan Coonan is an Accredited Exercise Scientist with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science from Victoria University. At Fortify Movement & Health, he supports everyday people in building strength, improving movement, and developing long-term confidence in their bodies. His approach reflects our core philosophy: test, measure, and empower — not guess.
Having undergone two knee surgeries since 2024, Ryan understands the frustration, fear, and uncertainty that can come with injury and recovery. He works at your pace, prioritising safety, movement quality, and small, achievable wins that build trust in your body over time.
Ryan has competed in Victorian Premier Cricket with Footscray Cricket Club and has coached both junior and representative teams. His sporting experience deepens his understanding of movement and skill development, but his true passion is supporting everyday people—whether they’re returning to exercise, managing pain, or simply looking to feel better in their body.
Ryan believes exercise should be accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful. His sessions are supportive, structured, and grounded in evidence-based practice.
Having undergone two knee surgeries since 2024, Ryan understands the frustration, fear, and uncertainty that can come with injury and recovery. He works at your pace, prioritising safety, movement quality, and small, achievable wins that build trust in your body over time.
Ryan has competed in Victorian Premier Cricket with Footscray Cricket Club and has coached both junior and representative teams. His sporting experience deepens his understanding of movement and skill development, but his true passion is supporting everyday people—whether they’re returning to exercise, managing pain, or simply looking to feel better in their body.
Ryan believes exercise should be accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful. His sessions are supportive, structured, and grounded in evidence-based practice.
Matt Elphick
(He/Him/His)
Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES)
Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science (Clinical Practice) from Victoria University
Matt Elphick is the founder of Fortify Personal Training and the driving force behind our mission to help everyday people build stronger, healthier lives through movement and lifestyle coaching.
With over 12 years of experience in the fitness and allied health industry, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge, energy, and care to every session. He began his career in 2013 at Fitness First in Sydney before relocating to Melbourne, where he worked across leading health clubs, boutique PT studios, and outdoor training spaces. In 2021, Matt opened Fortify Fitness Altona North—a purpose-built exercise clinic created to provide results-driven, inclusive, and safe training for the local community.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice) and is currently completing his Master of Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation at Victoria University. He blends his background in exercise science with practical coaching strategies to help clients move better, feel stronger, and achieve long-term results.
What sets Matt apart is his focus on coaching safe and effective movement, especially for those managing pain or recovering from past injuries. Many of Matt’s clients come to him after struggling with fitness in the past—battling setbacks, lack of progress, or cookie-cutter programs that didn’t suit their needs. He’s become the go-to trainer for people who are ready to break that cycle and commit to a training approach that actually works.
Whether you’re starting fresh, returning from a setback, or simply wanting to train smarter, Matt supports you to move confidently and safely—reducing the risk of re-aggravation and helping you build strength with purpose.
At Fortify Personal Training, everything we do is grounded in our core values:
🧠 Evidence-based Coaching
🏋️♀️ Nurturing Movement
💡 Meaningful Results
🌈 Inclusivity and Community
No matter your starting point, Matt is here to support your health and fitness journey every step of the way—so you can feel strong, capable, and in control of your wellbeing.
With over 12 years of experience in the fitness and allied health industry, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge, energy, and care to every session. He began his career in 2013 at Fitness First in Sydney before relocating to Melbourne, where he worked across leading health clubs, boutique PT studios, and outdoor training spaces. In 2021, Matt opened Fortify Fitness Altona North—a purpose-built exercise clinic created to provide results-driven, inclusive, and safe training for the local community.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice) and is currently completing his Master of Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation at Victoria University. He blends his background in exercise science with practical coaching strategies to help clients move better, feel stronger, and achieve long-term results.
What sets Matt apart is his focus on coaching safe and effective movement, especially for those managing pain or recovering from past injuries. Many of Matt’s clients come to him after struggling with fitness in the past—battling setbacks, lack of progress, or cookie-cutter programs that didn’t suit their needs. He’s become the go-to trainer for people who are ready to break that cycle and commit to a training approach that actually works.
Whether you’re starting fresh, returning from a setback, or simply wanting to train smarter, Matt supports you to move confidently and safely—reducing the risk of re-aggravation and helping you build strength with purpose.
At Fortify Personal Training, everything we do is grounded in our core values:
🧠 Evidence-based Coaching
🏋️♀️ Nurturing Movement
💡 Meaningful Results
🌈 Inclusivity and Community
No matter your starting point, Matt is here to support your health and fitness journey every step of the way—so you can feel strong, capable, and in control of your wellbeing.
