Brighton’s Best Strength & Conditioning Coaches

We get people of all levels Fitter, Faster, Stronger, Healthier & Happier, into the best shape of their lives. Using our experience in professional sport (since 2011) we’ve built a team of expert coaches and a supportive fitness community, who embrace high performance.

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S&C Coach Brighton
S&C Coach Brighton
S&C Coach Brighton
S&C Coach Brighton
S&C Coach Brighton
S&C Coach Brighton
S&C Coach Brighton
S&C Coach Brighton
S&C Coach Brighton
Best S&C Coach Brighton
Best S&C Coach Brighton
Best S&C Coach Brighton

Our mission:

To provide an incredible fitness experience that gets people into the best shape of their lives.

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We make High Performance Strength & Conditioning Coaching available to everyone in Brighton & Hove

Ascend Performance
5.0
Based on 57 reviews
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Jenni SalesJenni Sales
19:46 26 Nov 24
Aaron WestAaron West
17:51 13 Nov 24
Joshua SheppardJoshua Sheppard
10:20 10 Sep 24
After having been going through the motions in a commercial gym for a number of years, my fitness, mobility and functionality had hit a wall. I decided to try the unlimited one month intro offer at Ascend as I wanted something more personal and motivating that aligned with my own goals. Boy have I found it! Since joining Ascend, I feel fitter, more motivated and just generally more healthy. It’s already improving my performance in my sport and I have more energy in the mornings. The coaches are so nice, professional and absolute experts at what they do. The classes are really good fun but they also drive you to be at your best, which gives great results. There’s all types of levels of abilities from amateur to athlete but everyone is made welcome and only given exercises that are within their capabilities, a tailored , goal specific approach, backed by years of coaching experience, the most up to date S&C practices and science, all giving you the best opportunity to improve your general wellbeing. I absolutely love being a part of ascend, it feels like a real community and I’m excited to see what my body will look like, how it will perform and how I will feel after 6 months of smashing ascend and beyond. Thanks legends.
Luke ColeLuke Cole
12:52 30 Aug 24
Nothing but love for all the coaches here, friendly, welcoming environment where everyone wants to help eachother, good banter, very knowledgeable coaches, tough ( but great workouts ) massively enjoy coming here and will continue to come here with a smile on my face !
Richard MarshallRichard Marshall
09:51 08 Jul 24
5 weeks of sessions got my young son motivated to work on his S&C..
Karen LeonardKaren Leonard
04:44 02 Jul 24
Ascend Performance changed my life in the best way possible. After some frustrating years of injuries, working with Ascend has now gotten my speed and strength back up, building my confidence and leading to solid performances on the pitch. With the expertise and belief I've received from Ascend doors are opening for my football career that I've dreamed of. Besides weekly speed sessions, I got involved in strength classes, metcon, and cardio. The small format classes ensure intentional attention and space to set goals and work towards them. My body feels safe to move at the pace it needs and shame is not brought into the place. This summer I did the elite preseason program and it was the best part of my entire year-- I finished having made new friends, having had fun, and feeling fit, strongth, fast, and ready for my football season ahead.From a holistic standpoint, Ascend has many times been the reason I've gotten out of bed on my darkest days this year. The community I have gained and the care I've been offered reaches off the pitch and impacts my life in ways I could have only hoped for. To have a space I feel safe developing my athletics and also can be myself in on my best and worst days is special and I am so grateful I have found it with Ascend.
Harriet MannHarriet Mann
10:05 30 Jun 24
Amelia HazardAmelia Hazard
12:18 25 Jun 24
I love working with Acsend! Always wanting you to be the best version of yourself. So invested into making you a better person and a better athlete. 10000% recommended if you’re wanting amazing training with amazing people 🙂
Scott ForsythScott Forsyth
09:13 10 Feb 24
My 14 year old son does speedwork and agility training with Matt and Marcus at the Brighton Rugby Club.Both are knowledgeable and super friendly and maximum groups of 10 offer intimate learning on detailed technique.I've seen results in others to confirm their training works.
Christine DickensChristine Dickens
19:05 06 Aug 23
I love the small group strength training, it’s better than personal training due to the encouragement of both the coach and others in the session. It is intense but in a positive way and today I achieved another personal best - such a sense of achievement!
jez tilleyjez tilley
18:38 31 Jul 23
Great place, great people
callum blackburncallum blackburn
18:56 27 Jul 23
Small group training is great and the 1-to-1 coaching is top quality. Couldn't recommend Matt and rob enough!
Hayden QuiggHayden Quigg
06:56 26 Jul 23
Matt and Rob have created a community in which everyone who turns up is welcomed and encouraged to reach a level they may not have thought possible. Both of them are top tier S&C coaches who care about the individual, both athletically and personally.Couldn't speak more highly of them!
Tom BlackburnTom Blackburn
12:08 12 Jul 23
Highly recommend Ascend Coaching in Brighton. Matt has fixed both my long term injuries and has given me a very informative training programme. Have never felt stronger! The group sessions are also very good if you want to throw in a competitive edge!
Cana BaminCana Bamin
15:44 28 Jun 23
Ascend is by far the most professional and hard working team in the S&C industry from my personal experience. They have managed to support me several times with niggles and recovery that was needed after some tough rugby games. Not only do they have an outstanding attitude towards aiding you physically, but also show all the support psychologically and display general care towards their customers.Great team and super glad to be able to have them support me!!
Dean LukerDean Luker
14:37 28 Jun 23
Matt is a top class performance coach, used to operating at an elite level, but who also enjoys working with every-day people (like me!). He has helped me transform my fitness / strength and I’m a different person after nearly two years - no aches and pains, stronger and energetic. As well as being highly professional/ knowing his stuff, Matt’s also a really nice guy and I enjoy our sessions immensely.
JP Hamilton SavoryJP Hamilton Savory
12:25 26 Jun 23
The sessions are well structured, and importantly, very welcoming. In a short time my strength and conditioning has progressed, and I will definitely be continuing.If you're looking for experts who know how to build strong, resilient athletes from hobbyists to elite level, then give Matt and Rob a shout.They are awesome.
Tom BardenTom Barden
07:06 26 May 23
I personally could not recommend Ascend enough! It combines a great wealth of knowledge and drive to push you in every session to achieve sessions you can’t find anywhere else.Both Matt and Rob are excellent trainers and will push you to your limit, correct your form and keep a good fun atmosphere in the gym as-well.I have nothing but good things to say about ascend and easily rate it as a 5 star service, so get involved!
Sophia NSophia N
17:11 17 Apr 23
Following major back surgery, Ascend was an absolute godsend. The rehab soon turned into training and I was able to do so much than I never thought was possible. I don’t think I would have made the progress I did otherwise.I’ve since joined the Ascend strength and conditioning classes. These are amazing and I’ve really been able to work towards improving my fitness and strength. The small group training is inclusive and most importantly fun.I would recommend Ascend to everyone. They’re great. What more can I say.
stacey boxallstacey boxall
12:49 19 Mar 23
Absolutely love the MetCon sessions at Ascend. the small group classes are perfect for me as you get the energy of working out with other people (I hate exercising on my own, I don’t really know what to do and I get bored so quickly) but you also get the benefit of one to one corrections on form and technique from Rob and Matt that you just don’t get in big workout classes. The vibe and energy is always great and the session structure really gets you working hard and starting to seeing familiar faces each week makes it feel like a small community is building.Just hit my 10th session and can honestly say it’s the most consistent I’ve been with my personal workouts in years. Love these guys and what they’ve done with the space and could not recommend them more.
George SalmonGeorge Salmon
13:16 08 Mar 23
Great facility, great coaches!A tidy, well equipped gym with the most knowledgeable coaches around. I personally have been training with Matt for a fair amount of time and he has helped me so much. I've learnt so much and can say I am stronger than ever! Definitely would recommend Ascend to everyone/anyone!
Lee AllsopLee Allsop
15:21 02 Mar 23
My son Luca started at ascend performance a few months ago now and is absolutely loving it , the coaches are great and he really enjoys the sessions,Matt and his team have really improved Lucas running technique and speed it’s been great for him , would highly recommend these guys they are brilliant
chiara joneschiara jones
19:58 29 Jan 23
The group strength class was great! I thoroughly enjoyed.It still had private lesson vibes because Rob and Matt both watching everyone’s technique which I found really helpful but also because you’re in a group you feel like you push yourself a bit further. Great session!
Clarissa LoughridgeClarissa Loughridge
18:50 08 Jan 23
Today I participated in the Strength class run by Rob and Matt and it was such a good session! The two of them are very welcoming and knowledgeable and the gym was clean and tidy with a variety of different equipment to use. I will definitely be joining more classes!
Sarah JacksonSarah Jackson
13:06 15 Dec 22
What an epic space! Matt has been coaching me for the last 2 years as a professional windsurfer, where I have gone on to be 2 x Vice World Champion. He has supported my training and physical conditioning but also been a great support on the mental side too, through the highs and lows of professional sport. Matt is a fantastic and knowledgable S&C coach and I would highly recommend him, whether you want in person coaching at the Ascend Gym or online programmes for when your sport takes you away from home.
Oscar WaiteOscar Waite
22:24 14 Dec 22
I’m very fortunate to have worked with Rob for a few years at university and can preach that he’s one of the best in the game, this evening I was lucky enough to get coached by the other half of Ascend, Matt and can sat that these two are some of the most genuine and knowledgeable in the S&C space and to be honest good blokes to train with.They have a great set up for all athletes, even with various goals and I look forward to working more with them in the future to develop my fitness.
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Best Personal Trainer Brighton Ascend HQ

S&C Coaching and Personal Training

S&C Coaching and Personal Training

Our expert S&C coaches provide all the support & guidance you need to deliver a training programme that’s tailored to your health, fitness & performance goals.  Get fitter, stronger and into the best shape of your life with our exclusive introductory offer.

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Best performance gym in Brighton centre

Fitness Classes

Fitness Classes

Our classes take your fitness to the next level.  Train with like minded people in a supportive team environment.  Each class follows a structured & progressive programme where you can track your progress. Guaranteed to make you fitter & healthier.

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Youth athlete speed and agility coaching

Youth Athlete Development

Youth Athlete Development

We coach young athletes because we want to give them the best chances of athletic success for the rest of their lives.  From age 11 to 18, they have the biggest window of opportunity to maximise their health, fitness & all round athleticism.  The best way to make the most of this is guided by professional coaches who know what they’re doing.

Youth Athletes
strength and conditioning for injury rehabilitation

Injury Rehabilitation

Injury Rehabilitation

Our multidisciplinary team of experts use their knowledge & experience from working in professional sports to get you back fitter, faster & stronger than ever before.  Click below to find out more.

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Best S&C Coach Brighton

Speed & Agility

Speed & Agility

Speed & agility makes the biggest difference to performance on the sports field and EVERYONE CAN GET FASTER.  We’ve worked with the best coaches and athletes in the world to develop our coaching skills.  Whether you’re a grassroots or professional footballer, track sprinter heading to the next Olympics or academy rugby player, we can make you faster.

Speed & Agility

Meet Our team

Best S&C Coach Brighton
“Performance Director”
Matt Dickens MSc ASCC
Best S&C Coach Brighton
“Programme Director”
Rob Nitman BSc ASCC
Best S&C Coach Brighton
“Senior S&C Coach”
Marcus Condon MSc ASCC
Best S&C Coach Brighton & Hove
“S&C Coach”
Damon Harman MSc
Best Brighton Personal Trainer
“Women’s Health Lead & S&C Coach”
Katie Longden MSc
Best S&C Coach Brighton & Hove
“Junior S&C Coach”
Oli Giorgiou MSc
Best Yoga in Brighton
“Yoga Teacher”
Anna Des Clayes
Best Yoga in Brighton
“Yoga Teacher”
Sarah Williams

How Strength and Conditioning Coaching can help you

We start by getting to know you with a 1-1 consultation to understand exactly what you want to achieve. Then we’ll use your first training session to assess how well you move and take some baseline fitness tests. From there we can make a plan that’s tailored to you and your goals. We’ll focus on what you like doing, improve upon your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Above all you’ll make loads of gains and have plenty of fun along the way. Our coaching is always aimed at improving your fitness in a way that transfers to your life and/or performance in your sport.

We believe coaching is about more than just training hard and making gains, it’s about providing a positive and supportive environment. Similarly we like to work with good people because we try to be good people. And we love what we do because it’s so rewarding seeing people make progress that impacts both their physical performance and quality of life. As a result we’re confident some of our enthusiasm will rub off and you’ll enjoy the process too!

Strength and Conditioning uses evidence based principles of training that can be applied to anyone. Whether you’re a young footballer or CEO, we train towards specific adaptations, whilst moving efficiently and effectively to make gains that improve your performance.

Contact us via the form below to start the conversation:

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“Working with Matt was crucial running up to my Olympic debut. Not only is he technically advanced, but he is also a skilled motivator!”
Chris MearsrnOlympic Gold – Rio 2016
“Working with Rob has been really beneficial to my performance in the ring. I’m able to land more powerful punches, and I can keep that power going later into the fight. He’s also helped me understand how to structure my training week so that I can perform better in each session, and has taught about better recovery and nutrition to go alongside my training.”
Sonny P.rnBoxer u0026 Coach
“MotoGP is a complex equation: be strong, be agile, be out on track (even after injury). Matt is able to turn text book into reality and keep it fun along the way. The job’s not for everyone, but those who can do it, make a huge difference.”
Bradley SmithrnMoto GP – Aprilia Racing
“Matt’s coaching has allowed me to perform at my peak, week in week out. I would strongly encourage anyone looking to get ahead of the competition to enlist Matt’s help.”
Matt MilesrnEngland Counties Captain
“Rob has been super accommodating with my programming, and I feel comfortable chatting to him about anything that may have an impact on my training, from injuries to simply having a stressful week. He is always quick with his replies and happy to adapt my programme if I need changes. I always liked lifting weights but with Rob’s help I am way more excited about training, especially as he tailors my programme to my jiu jitsu as well as weight lifting goals. He manages to make my workouts challenging but achievable, keeping my other commitments in mind.rnRob is very knowledgeable and makes me feel confident about what I can achieve in the gym”
Anna Z.rnBJJ Purple Belt
“Since following Rob’s strength and conditioning programme I have noticed gains in my speed and strength on the mats, and had numerous comments from training partners. My bodyweight has decreased and levelled out to a comfortable weight whilst my numbers have gone up in the gym. Rob creates workouts that are testing, interesting to do whilst also challenging, and he has helped me work around a few injuries whilst strengthening my weak points to help avoid future injury. I would recommend him to anyone trying to improve their sports performance.”
Roman S.rnBJJ Purple Belt u0026 Judo Brown Belt

Strength & Conditioning Coaches in Brighton & Hove

We improve athletic performance through professional strength & conditioning and injury rehabilitation coaching. Matt and Rob have a combined experience of over 23 years working with elite level athletes. We work with individuals and teams in Brighton, Hove and the surrounding areas of Sussex.  Using our coaching knowledge, skills & experience from working with athletes in a wide variety of sports, we’re confident we can take your performance to the next level. Click the button below to contact us and make a plan today:

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Best Brighton Personal Trainer

Matt Dickens MSc ASCC

Matt Dickens MSc ASCC

Performance & Rehab Director Matt has worked in professional sports since 2011; with Olympic champions & international rugby players to World Champion Formula 1 drivers including Lewis Hamilton, MotoGP racers & World Cup podium alpine skiers. He is an accredited coach with the UK Strength and Conditioning Association, has an MSc in Strength & Conditioning from St Mary’s University and a wealth of science-based knowledge in all areas of human performance.

Matt’s skills lie in getting the best out of people.  He loves making people faster, more powerful & agile, making gains that transfer to performance in your sport and rehabilitating injuries back to a fitter, faster & stronger position than you were before.

I’m grateful to have supported some incredible people push the limits of human performance throughout my career.  In some cases, not long after suffering near career ending injuries.  Now I’m thrilled to combine my knowledge and skills with Rob and our team; to work with all kinds of people aspiring to be their best, whilst working closer to home and delivering an incredible fitness experience that I’m truly proud of.

Best S&C Coach Brighton

Rob Nitman BSc ASCC

Rob Nitman BSc ASCC

Programme & Coaching Director Rob is an accredited Strength & Conditioning Coach (UKSCA) who’s been working in the S&C industry since 2014, with roles varying from professional Rugby Union to Higher Education institutions such as leading the athletic development at Eastbourne College and The University of Brighton.

Rob’s motto is “Don’t just train, perform!” He believes that the improvements we make in the gym have got to make a difference to your performance in life and the sporting arena.  Rob’s mission is to create an environment for athletes to maximise their potential and believes we have everything you need to do just that at Ascend.