Most Back Pain Comes From Imbalances, Not Age
Years of sitting and stress weaken the glutes, tighten the hip flexors and throw posture off.
This creates tension through the lower back and makes simple movements feel harder than they should.
A lot of people try to stretch their back or go to yoga classes hoping it will fix things.
But stretching the area that hurts rarely solves the real issue.
Back pain improves when you strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
That is where we come in.
Why Massages, Quick Fixes and Generic Gyms Don’t Work Long Term
When pain flares up, most people try one of these:
- Stretching the painful area
- Massage, physio or chiro
- High repetition classes
- Fast circuits or impact heavy workouts
- Generic council centre programs
- YouTube rehab routines
They may feel better for a day or two, but the pain comes back.
That is because the root cause hasn’t been addressed.
It is like mopping the floor while the tap is still running.
Until you fix the underlying pattern, the symptoms repeat.
Meet the Team
Sam Roberts
Fitness Director
Sam lights up when he’s helping people with their health and fitness—whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned gym veteran. He’s a nutritionist who’s been in health & fitness for 10 years, and has owned his own gym!
Woody Greene
Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach
With a background in behaviour coaching and support work, Woody brings a calm, patient, and uplifting energy to every session. He combines strength and cardio training to help you feel capable, confident, and clear on your goals – physically and mentally. His grounded, holistic style makes the journey feel approachable, sustainable, and genuinely empowering.
Anthony Masino
Functional Diagnostic Performance Coach
Anthony is a truly impressive wealth of knowledge and is dedicated to empowering you to understand and unlock your health. He’s clocked thousands of hours studying biomechanics and exercise, nutrition, mental health and counselling.
Tim Hewitt
Senior Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach
Tim’s analytical approach to training and wellness will bust any misinformation you might have about health, while you seriously upgrade your movement skills! He loves teaching calisthenics and supporting people to better understand how their habits impact their outcomes.
Steph Flores-Tapia
Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach
With a degree in Exercise & Sports Science and an extensive background in allied health, Steph has used her knowledge to help turn fitness goals into realities since 2017. Her warm and supportive approach to training will unveil your bravery, patience, and persistence to achieve your goals.
Matt Hoo
Founder
With two decades in health and fitness, nothing brings more fulfilment to Matt than helping people to live a better quality of life. He’s the 5EW founder and is passionate about personal development, living better longer, and working smart.
Mehmood Reza
Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach
Reza’s background in mixed martial arts, powerlifting, stage preparation bodybuilding and sprinting has fostered a love of discipline and the power of consistency. But don’t be fooled, he’s got a big heart.
Ciaran Garland
Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach
With a Master’s in Strength & Conditioning and a passion for holistic approaches to recovery and overall health, Ciaran’s got the knowledge and skills to unlock your full athletic potential. His science-backed methods build both mental and physical resilience, and his positive approach means your transformation won’t just be in the gym – it’ll be the catalyst for a healthier and more empowered you!
Ally Bates
Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach
From Division I collegiate basketball to a Master's in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, Ally's diverse background fuels her holistic approach to fitness and wellness. She excels in strength and high-intensity training, guiding you to unlock your strongest self, all while helping you develop healthy habits that’ll serve you for years to come.
Emma Vanhala
Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach
With over a decade in health and fitness, Emma has knowledge in strength training, muscle building and gymnastics. Plus holistic health practices to support your nutrition and wellness journey.
Ollie Dyson
Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach
Basketball champion turned personal trainer, Ollie’s passion for moving well and recovering better are unmatched. With a bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and extensive experience in holistic health, he’ll help you improve every facet of your exercise, stress management and sleep for optimal wellbeing.
James Henderson
Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach
James, a seasoned Senior Sports Trainer and ex-Division 1 basketball player, brings over seven years of experience to our team. His fun, challenging, and technique-focused sessions are paired with his passion for cultivating a positive mindset via holistic recovery, so you’ll not only reach your goals, but feel energised and nourished every step of the way.
Ethan Richards
Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach
A former teacher turned holistic coach, Ethan's approach to training is as much about the mind as it is about the body. With a national-level cross-country background, he brings precision, focus, and fun to his coaching that helps you go above and beyond with your fitness goals.
Guiseppe Di Mauro
Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach
Giuseppe transitioned from chef to personal trainer and brought his holistic perspective on health with him. His focus goes beyond just exercise, emphasising a healthier relationship with yourself, a balanced lifestyle, and nourishing food to transform how you look, move and feel.
How We Improve Your Movement and Reduce Back Stress
A Full Movement Assessment
We check posture, mobility, breathing, glute activation, hip tightness, core function and the patterns created by years of sitting.
This gives us a clear starting point.
Strength That Supports Your Spine
We focus heavily on the posterior chain.
More glutes, hips and back.
Less of the chest and quad dominant training most people default to.
You learn to move properly, not just sweat.
Controlled, Safe Progressions
You will master exercises like:
- Dead bug
- Face pull
- Split squat variations
- Couch stretch
- Hip hinge progressions
- Gentle core activation
- Slow tempo strength work
Your coach is there every step to guide technique and adjust when needed.
Programs Updated Every 4 Weeks
We reassess your movement and update your plan monthly so you keep building strength and mobility without guessing.
Data That Shows What Is Changing
We use body scans to track changes that matter for long term back health:
- Lean muscle around the spine and hips
- Fat levels (including visceral fat)
- Bone density
- Symmetry and posture indicators
You see real numbers improving, not just vague “I feel better” guesses.
Real Member Stories
4.9 Rating | +300 Google Reviews
- No more knee or back injuries
- Dropped 10kgs – hasn’t felt this good in 15yrs
- Better role-model, keeps up with kids
- No more knee or back injuries
- Dropped 10kgs – hasn’t felt this good in 15yrs
- Better role-model, keeps up with kids
– Vince
– Vince
- At 57 has never been this physically strong, mobile, and fit – ever
- Aging with confidence and empowerment
- At 57 has never been this physically strong, mobile, and fit – ever
- Aging with confidence and empowerment
– Melissa
– Melissa
- Chronic back pain fixed in weeks
- 52 and fitter than he’s ever been
- First time joining a gym
- Chronic back pain fixed in weeks
- 52 and fitter than he’s ever been
- First time joining a gym
– Geoffrey
– Geoffrey
Why Our Approach Works Better for Adults With Back Pain
- Calm, adult focused environment
- Slow, controlled training, not rushed classes
- Coaches who specialise in movement and imbalances
- No ego, no intensity pressure
- Programs built around longevity
- Suitable alternative to loud gyms and crowded council centres that prioritise volume over technique
You get the guidance your body needs, not a one size fits all workout.
Find Us in Fitzroy North
5th Element Wellness is conveniently located in Fitzroy North and easily accessible from Clifton Hill, Collingwood, and nearby suburbs.
Visit our boutique studio and experience personal training designed around your goals, with expert coaching and a focus on long-term results.
Want to find out how
1:1 Personal Training
can benefit you?
Book your Free 1:1 consultation
