Frequently Asked Questions.

5th Element Wellness is a holistic gym in Fitzroy North specialising in personal training for people 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 people 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.

A regular gym hands you equipment and leaves the rest to you. We bring coaching, strength training, movement classes, recovery studios and health testing together under one roof and coordinate them around your goals. The focus is long-term health and consistency, not just a workout.

We offer one-on-one personal training and semi-private personal training. In semi-private PT 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 experience.

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 portion 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 are based at 79 Queens Parade in Fitzroy North, a short walk, ride or tram from Carlton North, Clifton Hill, Collingwood and Northcote. Many members travel in from across Melbourne’s inner north for the coaching and our facility.

Very much so. A large part of our community is aged 40 to 60, and our programs are built to keep you strong, mobile and consistent for the long term rather than chasing short-term results. Every plan is scaled to your body, history and goals.

Yes. Our studio runs yoga and mat pilates alongside the gym floor, with a focus on mobility, core strength and recovery. Classes can be included with membership and complement your strength and recovery work in one place.

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 clients 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.

Yes. The infrared sauna and cold tub can be booked as single recovery sessions without a membership. Many people have started this way, then joined once they have seen how the space and the team work.

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.

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. Sam Roberts is the Fitness Director and a qualified nutritionist who mentors the coaches on a 1:1 basis with a focus on exceeding client expectations, and delivering meaningful results.

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.

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.

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.

At 5th Element Wellness, your membership can give you access to a complete, holistic fitness environment designed to support strength, mobility, recovery, and long-term wellbeing. Our facility includes expert-led personal training, semi-private personal training, small group training, mobility-focused training, yoga and mat pilates sessions, infrared sauna, cold tub therapy, nutrition coaching, lifestyle guidance, and accountability support. Everything is delivered under one roof in our Fitzroy North facility.

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.

Most new members can begin within 1-2 weeks of enquiry, depending on availability. Because we cap membership numbers, start times may depend on space rather than sales volume.

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

To learn more, please book in a consult and a team member can help map out the option that would make the most sense for you.

We are at 79 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North 3068, on the edge of Melbourne’s inner-north suburbs. The facility is easy to reach by tram or bike, and our reception team can talk you through access and parking when you book a consult.