The S.T.R.O.N.G Method - Mattie Russell Coaching & PT
I help people who feel lost or intimidated in the gym become capable, confident gym-goers who can boss any workout, despite the confusion and noise of modern fitness culture.
WHO I HELP...
I help people who feel lost, anxious, or out of place in the gym
- You walk in and feel like everyone else knows what they’re doing except you
- You want to train properly, but don’t know how to structure it
- You’re constantly second-guessing your technique
If this sounds like you, you’re exactly who this is for.
ABOUT ME...
Hi, I’m Mattie.
Born in the UK, but I grew up around Europe.
I’ve always been into sports: martial arts, rugby, anything competitive really. I was the type to just get stuck into whatever was in front of me.
Before all of this, I was a Policeman in the Royal Navy.
And then life took a bit of a turn.
I was diagnosed with anxiety and PTSD.
That forced me to slow down, take a step back, and actually deal with things properly. I went through therapy, left the military, and had to figure out what was next.
And somewhere in that process, I found something I genuinely cared about:
Helping people feel stronger — not just physically, but mentally as well.
Because I know what it feels like to feel stuck, unsure, and completely out of your depth.
What That Looks Like Now
Now, I get to wake up every day and help everyday men and women move towards becoming stronger, more capable, and more confident versions of themselves.
Not just in the gym, but in how they carry themselves day to day.
And it’s not just talk. This is what it actually looks like:
- Jeevan — had been on a fitness journey before but didn’t really understand the gym. Now he trains consistently 4+ times a week, confidently, and knows how to boss every workout
- Kam — complete beginner, never touched weights before. Now deadlifting 100kg+, hit his first pull-up, and can walk into any gym and get to work without hesitation
- Gemma — mum of two who wanted to start but didn’t know how. Now she trains independently, understands her nutrition better, and walks into the gym knowing exactly what she’s doing
- Callum — neurodivergent and needed the right environment to learn. Now lifting safely, comfortably, and hitting some seriously impressive strength numbers
- Dan — had some gym experience but no structure. Now lifting heavy across all lifts and confident enough to adjust his own training based on his knowledge
Why This Matters To Me
Because I’ve been on both sides of it.
I know what it’s like to feel lost.
And I know how much changes when that turns into confidence.
That’s what this is really about.
Not just getting stronger — but becoming someone who knows what they’re doing.
If you’ve made it this far, I appreciate you taking the time to read it.
I’ll make sure it’s worth it.
Mattie.
Before you crack on with your day, if you feel like it, drop me a message using the button below and let me know how your training’s going at the moment.
It could be a one-liner or the full story, I’ll read it either way.
Don’t Take My Word For It…
JON
John came in as a busy professional, short on time and struggling to build strength later in life.
We focused on locking in solid technique and a structured approach to training that actually worked for him.
Over time, he became stronger, more resilient, and far more confident—both in the gym and in his running, without the usual aches and low energy.
Now he walks into the gym knowing exactly what he’s doing, training with purpose and zero second-guessing.
SAM
Sam came in with a solid gym background but no clear structure, especially around training for her performance as a footballer.
We focused on refining technique and introducing new movements, building real skill through consistent, repeatable training.
Over time, her confidence grew massively, both in the gym and in her performance at work and on the pitch.
Now she can programme for herself and walk into any gym knowing exactly what she’s doing—completely independent and in control of her training.
GEORGIA
“Can’t thank Mattie enough for our sessions – made the gym go from something I hated the thought of to something I look forward to. I feel stronger and more confident and it was so much fun, was the best time working with him so thank you Mattie :)”
MAX
“Mattie is the perfect PT. He takes time listening to your goals and aims and perfectly shapes the training around them. His programs are unbelievable and there are always new things which is super helpful so that you don’t get bored of doing the same exercises all of the time. He also caters the program around your weekly schedule which is very useful and it doesn’t make you feel like you have extra pressure when you don’t have the time. I genuinely couldn’t recommend Mattie more!!”
LAURA
Laura came in as a busy mum and professional, struggling with knee pain and lacking confidence in her training.
We focused on building solid technique, exploring different training styles, and finding ways to work around her knees without holding her back.
Over time, she became stronger, more capable, and confident training both in classes and at home.
Now she moves pain-free, fits training around her lifestyle, and knows exactly what to do when she steps into her own gym.
CALLUM
Callum came in with no clear direction in the gym and struggled with confidence when training on his own.
We focused on building strength, creating structure, and developing confidence through consistent, repeatable sessions.
Over time, he became significantly stronger, made real progress with weight loss, and grew in confidence both inside and outside the gym.
Now he can walk in knowing exactly what he’s doing, train with purpose, and continue building strength for life on his own terms.
SAM H.
Sam came in wanting to learn everything he could about the gym so he could eventually train independently.
We focused on building strong technique, exposing him to different training styles, and teaching him how to structure and programme his own workouts.
Over time, he developed real understanding, not just of training, but how to build routines that actually stick.
Now he trains confidently using his own programmes, making decisions based on his goals—not what he sees on social media.
HASTI
Hasti came in with no gym experience and very little confidence in the training environment.
We focused on building strong fundamentals through barbell training, developing technique while working around injuries and pain points.
Over time, she became significantly stronger, more capable, and confident in how her body moves and performs.
Now she trains independently in her own home gym, knowing exactly what she’s doing and moving without second-guessing herself.
PAULINA
Paulina came in as a busy traveller with no experience using barbells, relying only on home workouts.
We focused on building strong technique, developing strength fundamentals, and introducing gymnastics work she genuinely enjoyed.
Over time, she built real strength and achieved her first unassisted pull-up through consistent, focused training.
Now she confidently trains at home with barbells, making the most of her time and relying on her strength no matter how busy life gets.
DAN
“Prior to working with Mattie, my background with the gym was that I would occasionally get motivated for a 1-3 month span of time, and would ultimately fall out of the habit fairly quickly.
I had some experience in the gym but I didn’t truly know what I was doing, how to set goals, and how to actualize them in the gym.
I’ve been training with Mattie for a year and a half, and in that time he has helped me build confidence in the gym, gain muscle mass, hit multiple PRs, dial in my nutrition, lose weight (>10kg in ~12 weeks under a sustainable and supervised cut phase), but most importantly he’s helped me build the right habits and a sustainable routine for healthy living. Training with him in person has been helpful for improving my form, challenging myself with some more dynamic/unique movements, and has been a fun way to start my week. Outside of our in-person sessions, his training routines helped me stay on target and actually hit my goals and see demonstrable improvement in my physical and mental health, and my physique.
Now I’ve started working with him remotely under his STRONG method, where I’m still guided by Mattie via his training app and regular check-ins. I see that I have built the skills to train independently in the gym, and can utilized Mattie’s expertise where I need it most with personalized workout plans and regular feedback on my progress.
Mattie’s training philosophy is truly flexible to your life, and he’s able to work with you to build a realistic plan for you. Not everyone has the time to do strength training 5 times a week; Mattie made my plan work with the time I had in my schedule, worked with/around goals I had for my other sports/interests in cycling and running, and can adapt movements based how my body responds to specific exercises or any injuries/weaknesses etc.
On a personal level I’ve enjoyed spending time with Mattie at the gym every week, and I look forward to seeing what the next year brings in terms of gains and improving my health and fitness.
I highly recommend Mattie!”