Accepting new members for October & November

Small group personal training in Ashtown

Get stronger with a coach beside you.

We help men and women in their 40s, 50s and 60s get stronger through coached small group sessions that start from wherever they are now.

Your First Week Free. You’ll speak to a real coach before you start.

Trusted by 120+ members, seeing real results

  • Small groups

    No more than ten per session

  • Expert coaches

    Guidance throughout your training

  • Your First Week Free

    Come and see what you think

  • At your own pace

    Training suited to your ability

You don’t need to be a “gym person” to start.

It’s easy to put off joining a gym when you’re not sure what to expect. You might be wondering if you’ll keep up with everyone else, or feeling a little self-conscious about how long it’s been since you last exercised.

People come to Strength2Strength with different levels of experience. We’ll help you settle in and find a way of training that feels manageable for you.

  • We’ll get to know you first

    Before you begin, we’ll talk about what you’d like to work towards, the exercise you’ve done before and anything that might affect your training. That gives us a sensible place to start.

  • We’ll show you what to do

    There’s no need to know your way around the equipment. Your coach will explain each exercise, show you how to do it and help you get comfortable with the movements.

  • You can take things at your own pace

    Everyone follows their own programme, so you can build up gradually as your confidence and strength improve. If something needs adjusting, your coach is there to help.

  • You’ll get to know a few familiar faces

    With no more than ten people in a session, it’s easy to get to know the people you’re training alongside. There’s a friendly atmosphere, and members are always happy to have a chat.

The quiet dumbbell wall and benches inside the Strength2Strength gym

Small-group coaching, explained.

You’ll train in a group of no more than ten people, with your own programme to follow and a coach running every session. You’ll know what you’re working on when you arrive, and there’ll be someone there to explain anything you’re unsure about.

  1. Your own training programme

    Your training is based on your goals and current ability, with adjustments made as you become stronger and more confident.

  2. A small group

    There are never more than ten people training together, giving your coach time to work with you individually.

  3. A coach throughout the session

    Your coach takes you through the warm-up, strength exercises and fitness work, explaining what you’re doing along the way and adjusting the programme for you on the day if needed.

  4. Training that works for you

    Exercises can be adjusted to account for your experience, mobility and physical limitations, where appropriate.

  5. Progress you’ll notice

    As your strength and fitness improve, you’ll often begin to notice the difference in everyday activities, from taking the stairs to enjoying your favourite hobbies.

  6. People you’ll enjoy training with

    You’ll get to know other members as you attend, making exercise something you can look forward to during the week.

More about small-group coaching

How it differs from a typical gym

The difference is having a plan, individual guidance and a coach who knows you.

  • Not Working out what to do on your own

    Every session planned for you

  • Not A large, busy gym floor

    No more than ten in the group

  • Not Feeling self-conscious

    Everyone at their own level

  • Not Little individual guidance

    A coach beside you throughout

  • Not One-size-fits-all routines

    Training adapted to you

What happens when you get in touch.

We know that getting started can feel like a big step, especially if it’s been a long time since you last exercised. Here’s how we’ll help you get settled in.

  1. Tell us a little about yourself

    Fill in our short form and let us know what you’re hoping to get out of training. You can also mention anything you’re unsure about, and we’ll be happy to talk it through.

  2. Book your 1-1 Strategy Session

    We’ll get in touch to arrange your 1-1 Strategy Session: a tour of the gym, a walk through how our programme works and how we’ll adjust it to suit you, and a 30-minute coaching session at your own pace.

  3. Book in and enjoy

    After your session we’ll make sure you’re fully set up on our booking system to book each of your sessions for Your First Week Free. Then it’s over to you.

Hear from the people who train here.

Our members can tell you what it’s like to start training here and why they keep coming back. Hear about their experiences in their own words.

“I’d joined gyms in the past and never gone. Where this place is different is you’re held accountable: they give you a set exercise, and the coach is with you while you do it. I’m 52, and I’m not the oldest person here by a stretch.”

Brian

Age
52
Member since
January 2024
Why he joined
To finally stick with training, after years of joining gyms and never going
More member stories
  • “I have eight grandchildren under eight. It just keeps me up and able to have fun with them. Give it a go, you won’t look back.”

    Claire, 65

    Read Claire’s story
  • “The guys here targeted the bad leg and built it up. I feel so much stronger, and it’s all high fives at the end.”

    Darina, 70

    Read Darina’s story
  • “My strength’s gone up, my weight’s gone down, and I have a waist again. Which is positive at 45.”

    Aoife, 45

    Read Aoife’s story

Meet your coaches.

You’ll be seeing these faces during your sessions. They take an interest in how you’re getting on and are always there when you need a hand with an exercise.

Get to know the team
  • Darragh, owner of Strength2Strength

    Darragh

    Owner and coachCoaching 10+ years

    • MSc Strength & Conditioning
    • BSc Sports Performance & Coaching
  • Jack, coach at Strength2Strength

    Jack

    CoachCoaching 6 years

    • BSc Sports Performance & Coaching (MTU)
    • Level 5 Personal Trainer
  • Niamh, coach at Strength2Strength

    Niamh

    CoachCoaching 4 years

    • Level 5 Personal Trainer

Your First Week Free

Try Strength2Strength for a week, free.

Leave your details and a coach will give you a call. It takes about a minute, and sending it doesn’t commit you to anything.

What would you like help with? (optional)

No obligation. Sending the form doesn’t sign you up to anything.

Questions people ask before starting

Practical answers to the most common concerns.

Am I too old to start strength training?

People start strength training at all sorts of ages, and many of our members are in their 50s, 60s and beyond. You’ll even hear from Darina, who’s 70, in our member stories.

What’s important is finding a starting point that suits your current fitness and ability. We’ll take time to understand what you’re comfortable doing and help you build up from there. You don’t need to have spent years in a gym to benefit from strength training.

I haven’t exercised properly in years. Will I be able for it?

That’s something we hear from people who are thinking about joining. It’s understandable to feel unsure when you’ve been out of the habit of exercising for a long time.

We’ll begin by finding out what you’re currently able to do and work from there. Your coach will explain the exercises and adjust them to suit you, so you’re given time to get comfortable with training again.

Some movements may feel unfamiliar at first, and you might need to take things slowly. That’s all part of getting started.

I’m worried everyone else will be fitter than me. Will I feel out of place?

It’s easy to look at someone lifting weights and assume they’ve always been that confident, but everyone has to begin somewhere.

At Strength2Strength, members follow their own programmes. The person next to you might be lifting a different weight or working on a different exercise, and that’s perfectly normal.

There are no more than ten people in a session, so you’ll have the support of a coach who knows what you’re working towards. You’ll also have the chance to get to know the people around you.

I’ve never lifted weights before. What if I don’t know what I’m doing?

You don’t need any experience with weights or gym equipment before joining.

Your coach will show you each exercise and explain how to do it safely. They’ll help you choose a suitable starting weight and keep an eye on your technique as you work through the session.

You can ask questions at any point, and there’s no expectation that you’ll remember everything the first time. We’ll help you get familiar with the exercises as you go.

Will I have to keep up with everyone else in the group?

No. Everyone follows their own training programme and works at a level suited to their ability.

During a session, some members may be lifting heavier weights or doing slightly different versions of an exercise. Your coach will make adjustments based on what works for you.

The group gives you people to train alongside, while the coaching makes sure you’re working towards your own goals.

I have a bad back, sore knees or an old injury. Can I still join?

Possibly, and it’s worth having a conversation with us about it before you start.

We can adjust many exercises around injuries or physical limitations, depending on the circumstances. Your coach will want to understand what movements you find difficult and whether you’ve been given any advice about exercising.

We work alongside multiple physiotherapists to include your rehab exercises in your training programme, so you get a personalised session every time you come. If you’re experiencing new or worsening pain, it’s still worth checking with your doctor first; we can then discuss how training might work for you.

I’m a bit nervous about coming in on my own. What happens on my first visit?

You can come on your own, and we’ll help you get familiar with the place when you arrive.

We’ll show you around, explain how the sessions work and talk through your goals and any concerns you have. You can ask about the equipment or the exercises before getting started.

Once you’re training, your coach will guide you through what you’re doing. You won’t be expected to arrive knowing how everything works.

How many people are in each session, and will the coach have time for me?

There are never more than ten people in a small-group personal training session.

Everyone has their own programme, and the coach is there throughout to explain exercises, check technique and make adjustments when needed.

It’s a chance to train with other people while still getting individual attention from someone who knows what you’re working on.

What is Your First Week Free, and do I have to join afterwards?

Your First Week Free gives you the chance to experience training at Strength2Strength before deciding whether you’d like to become a member.

You’ll get to meet the coaches, experience the sessions and see what the atmosphere is like. It’s a useful way to find out if you enjoy the approach and can see yourself continuing.

After your introductory week, we’ll explain the membership arrangements and answer any remaining questions. You can then decide what you’d like to do.

I’m busy with work and family. How often would I need to train?

We generally recommend two or three strength training sessions per week, although the right approach will depend on your circumstances and goals.

If you’re getting back into exercise, we can talk through what feels manageable with your existing commitments. Consistency matters, so it’s worth finding a routine that you can maintain.

You can also look at our current timetable to see when sessions take place.

Come and find us in Ashtown.

We’re based in the grounds of Coolmine Rugby Club on River Road. When you arrive, head around the back of the AstroTurf pitches and you’ll find us there.

  • Address

    Coolmine Rugby Club
    6 River Road
    Ashtown, Dublin 15
    D15 NV66
Coolmine Rugby Club from the air: the Strength2Strength building beside the AstroTurf pitch on River Road

Inside the gym, week by week

Sessions, small wins and the odd high five. Follow along on Instagram.

Come and give it a go

Your First Week Free.

Come in and spend a week training with us. You’ll get to know the coaches, meet some of our members and see how the sessions work before deciding if you’d like to continue.

Chat on WhatsApp