Frequently Asked Questions

5th Element Wellness is a holistic gym in Fitzroy North specialising in personal training for adults over 40. We focus on building strength, improving mobility, reducing pain and supporting long-term health. Our approach combines structured strength training, accountability, recovery and lifestyle support in a calm, non-intimidating environment.

We primarily work with adults aged 40 to 60, although we regularly train people well into their 70s and 80s, including first-time gym-goers. Most members are professionals who sit for long hours, experience back or joint stiffness, declining strength or low energy, and want a sustainable approach to health rather than extreme fitness culture.

Our environment is calm, supportive and wellness-focused. We do not cater to bodybuilding culture, elite athletes or teenage gym trends. The majority of members are mature, professional and health-focused. Sessions are coached, the space is never overcrowded, and the emphasis is on quality movement and long-term confidence.

We offer one-on-one personal training, semi-private personal training and small group strength training. At 5th Element Wellness, semi-private personal training and small group fitness refer to the same service. Sessions are capped at six people and coached throughout, allowing members to receive high-quality technical guidance with the value and energy of a small group.

Semi-private training follows a structured session framework, however exercises are always progressed or regressed in real time based on each person’s ability, injury history and movement quality. This allows members to receive a personalised training experience within a small group setting, particularly suited to people with sedentary jobs, postural issues or limited training history.

Yes. Many members join as beginners or after long periods of inactivity or injury. Our coaches specialise in safely rebuilding strength and confidence, particularly for people managing back pain, knee issues, shoulder limitations or general movement restrictions.

Yes. A large proportion of our members work desk-based jobs and experience postural issues, back discomfort or general stiffness. Training focuses on developing posterior chain strength, improving mobility and restoring functional movement patterns that support everyday life.

Yes. We provide personalised nutrition coaching as part of many programs. Our team includes both a qualified nutritionist and a nutritional therapist, each with relevant university degrees. Nutrition support is practical, realistic and designed to complement training and lifestyle rather than rely on restriction or extremes.

Functional blood chemistry analysis is an optional service for members who want deeper insight into their metabolic, hormonal and nutritional health. We assess markers related to energy, inflammation, recovery and overall wellbeing, then use that information to guide training, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations. This is typically delivered as part of a structured 12-week program.

5th Element Wellness was founded and is run by Matthew Hoo, an industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. Matthew has worked across more than 50 gyms in five countries and built 5th Element Wellness as an alternative to the large commercial gym model where many people sign up but fail to achieve lasting results.

After personally losing more than 30kgs of body fat, Matthew understands firsthand the challenge of reclaiming health while managing work, family and real-world responsibilities. Now in his mid-40s with two children, his philosophy centres on balance, consistency and sustainability rather than perfection.

Our coaching team includes highly qualified trainers, many with university degrees in exercise science and related fields. Anthony Masino, Australia’s Personal Trainer of the Year 2025, is a senior coach and mentor who oversees technical standards across the team and specialises in complex cases involving pain, rehabilitation and long-term progression.

Yes. 5th Element Wellness has received multiple national awards including Best Holistic Fitness Business 2026, Gym of the Year 2025 – Melbourne, Best Holistic Gym & PT Studio 2024, and multiple AUSactive and Fitness Australia awards. Anthony Masino was also named Australia’s Personal Trainer of the Year in 2025.

Yes. We intentionally do not oversell memberships. Capacity is managed to ensure coaching quality, availability and a calm training environment. This allows us to maintain high standards and long-term consistency for members.

Every new member begins with a personalised consultation to understand goals, training history, injuries and lifestyle. From there, we recommend the most appropriate training format and build a structured plan focused on consistency, safety and long-term results.

Yes. If you complete your first 30 days of training and genuinely feel the program has not met your expectations, you can request a full refund. We offer this because we are confident in our coaching systems, provided members engage with the process as agreed.

Most new members can begin within the same week, depending on availability. Because we cap membership numbers, start times depend on space rather than sales volume.

Most new members can begin within the same week, depending on availability. Because we cap membership numbers, start times depend on space rather than sales volume.

Programs are personalised, so pricing varies. As a general guide, members invest anywhere from around $40 per week for group-based options up to around $200 per week for more comprehensive personal training, nutrition support and 12-week programs.

Yes. We are registered with AUSactive, the peak industry body for fitness professionals and facilities in Australia.