CGPT Trainer: Sophie O'Donoghue

Meet Sophie: The Adaptable and Empowering Trainer at Chris’ Gym

 

When you step into Chris’ Gym, you’ll definitely notice Sophie bringing a spark of energy and positivity to her training sessions. As one of the gym’s trusted personal trainers, Sophie has built a reputation for being adaptable, patient, and genuinely fun to work with. Her journey into fitness started with her own personal transformation, and she’s now passionate about helping others find the same balance, confidence, and strength in their lives. Here’s everything you need to know about Sophie, her training philosophy, and how she’s helping clients unlock their potential.

 

From Frustration to Fulfillment: Sophie’s Journey to Personal Training

 

Sophie didn’t always know she’d end up as a personal trainer. “I was feeling frustrated and a bit lost in my career,” she recalls. To manage her stress and gain clarity, she turned to fitness - not just for physical health but to boost her mental well-being as well. The more she trained, the more she realised how powerful fitness could be. “It wasn’t just about how I looked; it was about how much better I felt in every part of my life,” she explains. That realisation inspired her to pursue personal training as a career.

 

Now, Sophie uses her experience to guide others through their own transformations. Her goal? To show clients that fitness isn’t just about aesthetics or performance - it’s a tool for improving mental health, confidence, and quality of life.

 

Finding Joy in the Journey

 

Sophie’s most rewarding moments as a trainer happen when her clients reach milestones that go beyond just physical changes. “Whether it’s hitting a personal best, sticking to an exercise routine, or simply feeling stronger in their daily lives, those wins are what make this job so fulfilling,” she says. She believes these achievements reflect her clients’ growth, dedication, and willpower - qualities she loves helping them discover.

 

One particularly memorable transformation involved a client who underwent hip replacement surgery. Sophie worked with her both before and after the procedure, helping her regain strength and confidence. “Her determination and mental resilience were inspiring,” Sophie shares. The client not only made a full recovery but has since become one of the most consistent gym-goers Sophie has trained. “It reminded me that age and setbacks don’t define what you can achieve when you back yourself.”

 

A Training Style That’s All About You

 

If Sophie had to sum up her training style, it would be: Adaptable, Fun, and Patient. She understands that no two clients are the same, and she thrives on creating personalised programs that fit each person’s unique goals, abilities, and lifestyle. “Whether it’s modifying a workout for someone with an injury or designing a plan that fits into a busy schedule, I’m all about making fitness work for my clients,” she says.

 

Keeping workouts fun is another priority for Sophie. “Training should be something you look forward to, not dread,” she explains. She keeps her sessions fresh and engaging by introducing new exercises and approaches, ensuring clients stay motivated and excited to show up. And when progress feels slow, Sophie’s patience shines through. “I understand that change takes time, and I’m here to support my clients every step of the way - even if there are setbacks.”

 

Strength Training for Life

 

Sophie’s favourite type of workout to teach is strength training. For her, it’s not just about building muscle - it’s about building confidence and improving everyday life. “Strength training helps with functional strength,” she explains. “It makes daily tasks, like carrying groceries or playing with your kids, so much easier.” Watching her clients discover what their bodies are capable of is one of Sophie’s favourite parts of her job.

 

But the benefits of strength training go beyond the physical. Sophie has seen firsthand how lifting weights can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve mental health. “There’s something incredibly empowering about hitting a new personal best or seeing how much stronger you’ve become,” she says. “It shifts the focus from how you look to what your body can do, and that can be life-changing.”

 

Empowerment Through Positivity

 

For Sophie, the key to empowering clients is creating a non-judgmental, supportive space. “I want my clients to feel comfortable being themselves and confident in their fitness journey,” she says. She uses positive reinforcement to celebrate every bit of progress, no matter how small, and helps clients focus on their effort and consistency rather than comparing themselves to others.

 

Sophie also gives clients the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their fitness outside the gym. “It’s not just about the hour we spend together - it’s about helping them feel confident in their routines and decisions on their own,” she explains.

 

Sophie’s Secret to Success: Consistency

 

When it comes to fitness advice, Sophie has one golden rule: consistency is key. “It doesn’t matter if your goal is weight loss, strength, or general health - showing up is the most important part,” she says. Sophie encourages her clients to prioritise building a routine, even on days when motivation is low. “The habit of working out regularly is what creates sustainable results,” she adds.

 

By focusing on the long game and celebrating the small wins along the way, Sophie helps clients stay committed and build momentum. For her, fitness isn’t about perfection - it’s about progress.

 

Life Outside the Gym: Walks with Winston and Cartwheels

 

When Sophie isn’t leading training sessions or lifting weights herself, you’ll likely find her exploring the outdoors with her dog, Winston. “I love going for walks or hikes,” she says. Whether it’s a quick stroll around the neighbourhood or a longer hike in nature, these moments help her recharge and clear her head.

 

As for hidden talents, Sophie admits she doesn’t have many - but she’s got a knack for two things: Cluedo and cartwheels. “If that counts, I’m pretty good at both,” she laughs. Her light-hearted personality and genuine love for life make her a joy to work with, both inside and outside the gym.

 

Why Train with Sophie at Chris’ Gym?

 

Sophie’s approachable and adaptable style makes her an incredible asset to Chris’ Gym. Her passion for strength training, her focus on creating a positive environment, and her dedication to personalising every workout make her a standout trainer. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to take your training to the next level, Sophie will help you find joy in the process and achieve results you never thought possible.

 

Ready to build strength, confidence, and consistency? Join Sophie at Chris’ Gym and see how her supportive, fun approach can transform your fitness journey. With Sophie in your corner, you’ll feel empowered every step of the way.

CGPT Trainer: Jamie Hoopmann

July 5, 2025
Meet Jamie Hoopmann: The Strong, Athletic, and Resilient Trainer at CGPT At CGPT in Hawthorn, personal trainer Jamie Hoopmann combines elite athletic experience with evidence-based coaching to help clients build strength, move better, and become more resilient. From rowing at a state and national level to coaching youth athletes in AFL, rugby, and rowing, Jamie has seen firsthand how the right training transforms not only performance but also confidence and quality of life. His mission? To bring those same high-performance principles into accessible, personalised programs for every client who trains at CGPT. From Elite Rowing to Coaching Others Jamie’s turning point came during his years as an elite rower. Training at the highest level showed him the profound impact of great coaching and strength and conditioning. “I saw how much difference proper training made, not just for performance but for health and confidence outside of sport,” he explains. That realisation sparked his passion to turn coaching into a career. Today, Jamie is completing a double degree in Exercise & Sport Science and Exercise Physiology while working as a strength and conditioning coach. His background gives him a unique edge: he understands the science behind training but also knows how to apply it in a way that makes sense for both everyday people and athletes. A Training Style Built for Progress Jamie describes his coaching philosophy in three words: Strong. Athletic. Resilient. · Strong: because strength underpins everything, from daily function to athletic performance. · Athletic: because he coaches movement, not just muscles, ensuring clients build balance, agility, and coordination. · Resilient: because life comes with setbacks, and training should prepare people to handle load, stress, and challenges with confidence. Every session with Jamie is tailored, challenging but achievable, and built to create lasting results. “I meet clients where they’re at, explain the ‘why’ behind each movement, and celebrate the small wins that build consistency,” he says. His approachable style ensures every client leaves feeling stronger and more capable. Why Jamie Loves Strength and Power Training Jamie’s favourite type of workout is strength and power training - barbell lifts, explosive movements, and athletic accessory work. “It’s effective because it goes beyond burning calories,” he explains. “It builds strength that carries over into sport and everyday life, improves movement quality, and helps people feel and perform at their best.” Whether it’s an athlete preparing for competition or someone who just wants to feel younger, fitter, and stronger, Jamie’s programming delivers measurable, meaningful results. Transformations That Go Beyond the Gym One of Jamie’s most impactful coaching experiences involved working with a rower who had broken his leg. After months of rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence, Jamie witnessed him return to the water for the first time. “It wasn’t just physical rehab, it was giving him back the sport and identity he thought he’d lost,” Jamie says. For him, this reinforced the true power of coaching: helping people reclaim not just their fitness, but their confidence and independence. Life Outside the Gym When Jamie isn’t coaching clients at CGPT, he’s usually outdoors, staying active with cycling or running. Movement has always been his reset button, keeping him refreshed and ready to bring energy back into the gym. He also has a hidden passion for 4WDing. Whether it’s mechanical upgrades or planning the next camping trip, Jamie enjoys problem-solving and building systems — the same mindset he applies to helping clients achieve peak performance. Why Train With Jamie at CGPT? If you’re looking for a personal trainer in Hawthorn who blends scientific knowledge, athletic experience, and a supportive coaching style, Jamie Hoopmann is ready to help you reach your next level. His sessions are built to make you stronger, more athletic, and more resilient - whether your goal is improving sports performance, returning from injury, or simply building confidence in everyday life. At CGPT, Jamie empowers clients to move with purpose and discover just how capable they really are. His mantra is simple: “Consistency beats intensity. Stack small wins, keep showing up, and you’ll achieve more than you ever thought possible.”

The High-Performance Edge: How Strength Training Translates to Career Success

June 30, 2025
The High-Performance Edge: How Strength Training Translates to Career Success Executives and professionals are no strangers to performance metrics. You measure results in meetings closed, projects delivered, and strategies executed. But what if the biggest performance enhancer for your career wasn’t found in the boardroom, but in the gym? At CGPT in Hawthorn, we work with many corporate professionals who’ve discovered that strength training isn’t just about building muscle - it’s about building resilience, presence, and stamina that directly translate into success at work. When your body performs better, your career does too. This is how consistent strength training can sharpen your edge in business, from focus and decision-making to confidence and stress management. Strength and Resilience: The Mental ROI of Training High performers know that the difference between success and burnout often lies in mental resilience. Strength training plays a surprisingly powerful role here. · Sharper focus and decision-making – Lifting weights requires concentration, discipline, and progression - skills that carry into high-pressure projects and negotiations. Regular training improves executive function, which is linked to better problem-solving and planning (Erickson et al. 2011). · Energy management – Instead of the 3pm slump, strength-trained professionals report steady, consistent energy across long days. Improved metabolic efficiency and better sleep quality are common side effects of training. · Confidence under pressure – Knowing you can physically lift heavy loads builds a quiet confidence that shows up when the stakes are high in business. As one CGPT client, a director at a Melbourne firm, put it: “Deadlines don’t intimidate me the way they used to. I feel sharper, calmer, and more in control after I started training.” Posture and Presence: How You Show Up Matters In leadership, your presence speaks before you do. Strength training - particularly core, back, and mobility work - transforms posture and body language in subtle but powerful ways. · Improved posture means fewer slouches over laptops or in boardrooms, projecting authority and energy instead of fatigue. · Mobility gains make standing tall and moving confidently effortless. · Body language becomes more open, engaged, and commanding - critical in presentations and client pitches. This is not just about looking strong. It’s about embodying the resilience, discipline, and focus that colleagues and clients notice instantly. Stress Management: Why Lifting Beats Burnout Stress is part of any high-performing career. The question is how you manage it. Strength training is one of the most effective tools available: · Physiological reset – Lifting weights lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, while boosting dopamine and serotonin, the brain’s “feel good” chemicals (Meeusen & De Meirleir 1995). · A mental outlet – Training sessions create a deliberate break from email and strategy, giving your mind time to reset. · Long-term resilience – Consistent strength training has been linked with lower risks of anxiety and depression, which can quietly derail even the most successful careers (Gordon et al. 2017). At CGPT, corporate clients often describe their sessions as “the hour that makes the rest of the day possible.” Injury-Proofing for a Demanding Lifestyle Executives don’t just spend time in boardrooms - travel, client golf days, and long-haul flights are often part of the job. Without strength training, these can take a physical toll. · Back and shoulder strength reduces the risk of pain from sitting on planes or working long hours at a desk. · Core stability and hip mobility protect against injuries on golf courses or tennis courts. · Stronger joints and connective tissue mean fewer setbacks that pull you out of action during critical times. A corporate leader sidelined by back pain or fatigue isn’t operating at peak performance. Strength training is insurance for your career as much as your body. The CGPT Advantage: Structure Without Distractions Time is the most valuable currency for corporate professionals. That’s why CGPT is built for efficiency and results: · Private, distraction-free environment – No crowds, no wasted time waiting for equipment, no noise competing for your focus. · Tailored programming – Each session is designed for you, maximising outcomes in as little as three sessions a week. · Expert trainers with diverse specialties – From Andrea’s empathetic, personalised coaching to Laurence’s physiotherapy-informed technical expertise, our team ensures your training is safe, effective, and aligned with your goals. · Accountability built in – Every session moves you closer to your targets, with trainers invested in your progress. It’s the same principle you use in business: get the highest return possible from your time and effort. The High-Performance Edge Strength training doesn’t just keep you fit. It makes you sharper, more resilient, and more confident - qualities that directly impact career performance. Whether you’re leading a team, pitching to clients, or flying interstate for meetings, strength training ensures your body and mind can handle the demands. Email Andrea today at andrea@chrisgympt.com to discover how CGPT can give you the high-performance edge - in the gym, in business, and in life. References · Erickson, KI, et al. 2011, Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(7), pp. 3017–3022. · Gordon, BR, et al. 2017, Resistance exercise training improves depressive symptoms in adults: a meta-analysis, JAMA Psychiatry, 74(6), pp. 566–576. · Meeusen, R & De Meirleir, K 1995, Exercise and brain neurotransmission, Sports Medicine, 20(3), pp. 160–188.

When Your Gym Stops Working for You: How to Spot the Signs It’s Time for a Change

June 23, 2025
When Your Gym Stops Working for You: How to Spot the Signs It’s Time for a Change Most people join a gym with good intentions: a fresh membership card, a new water bottle, and the determination to make a change. But somewhere along the way, that excitement fades. You’re doing the same routine on autopilot, the results have plateaued, or worse - you’ve stopped looking forward to going at all. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The truth is, not every gym is built to grow with you. Sometimes, what worked at the start stops serving you as your life, goals, and body change. And if you’ve already read our blog on Why Strength Training at Chris’ Gym Outshines Other Fitness Options , you know that not all gyms are created equal. This follow-up digs into the signs it might be time to rethink your gym membership, and what to do if you’ve outgrown the “one-size-fits-all” approach. The Subtle Signs Your Gym Isn’t Working Anymore It doesn’t usually happen overnight. Instead, you start to notice small shifts: · You’re doing the same exercises over and over, with no clear sense of progress. · You arrive, plug in your headphones, and leave without feeling inspired. · You avoid peak hours because you know you’ll be waiting for equipment. · You feel invisible in a crowded space, with no trainer checking in or offering guidance. Individually, these may not seem like deal-breakers. But together, they create a cycle of frustration that can quietly erode your motivation and results. Key Red Flags to Watch Out For If you’ve been wondering whether your gym is still working for you, here are some classic warning signs: 1. No Progression If you’ve been lifting the same weights or running the same distance for months without change, you’re not being challenged. Progress requires progression - and a plan to get you there. 2. Feeling Invisible In large gyms, it’s easy to feel like just another membership number. If no one knows your goals, checks your form, or notices when you don’t show up, it’s easy to drift off track. 3. Fighting for Equipment Peak-hour chaos can derail even the most committed member. If half your workout is spent waiting for a machine, it’s no wonder consistency becomes harder. 4. Lack of Accountability Without a trainer or program guiding you, it’s easy to fall into the habit of doing the same thing, or skipping workouts altogether. Accountability is often the missing piece that separates people who plateau from those who progress. The Emotional Side: When Training Becomes a Chore Exercise should leave you feeling energised, empowered, and proud of yourself. But when your gym isn’t working, those feelings get replaced with something else: · Boredom - Going through the motions without excitement. · Frustration - Seeing little to no progress despite showing up. · Guilt - Skipping sessions because you’re uninspired. · Disconnection - Feeling like your gym is just a building, not a supportive community. It’s not that you’ve lost your drive, it’s that the environment no longer brings out your best. Why This Happens There are a few reasons people outgrow their gym: · Changing goals - Maybe you started out wanting weight loss but now care more about strength, bone health, or injury prevention. · Busy schedules - Life gets hectic. If your gym doesn’t offer structure and efficiency, it won’t fit into your day. · Lack of personalisation - Cookie-cutter programs and generic group classes can only take you so far. · One-size-fits-all environments - Big gyms are designed to serve everyone at once, which often means they don’t truly serve anyone well. So, What’s the Alternative? This is where CGPT comes in. Unlike crowded gyms or impersonal memberships, CGPT in Hawthorn is designed around you . Our approach is private, personalised, and results-driven - the opposite of the “one-size-fits-all” model. Here’s what you can expect: · Personalised Programs - Every session is tailored to your body, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you want to rebuild strength, improve performance, or simply feel fitter, your trainer will guide you every step of the way. · Private Environment - No waiting for equipment. No competing for space. Just focused training in a calm, supportive setting. · Expert Trainers - Our team (Andrea, James, Laurence, Mia, Sophie, and Tim) each bring unique expertise, from technical physiotherapy-informed coaching to fun hybrid athletic sessions, ensuring you’re always matched with the right trainer for your needs. · Built-In Accountability - With a trainer invested in your progress, you’ll never feel invisible. Every win is noticed, every challenge is supported. An Invitation to Reflect If you’ve been coasting, plateauing, or simply feeling uninspired, it might be time to ask: · Is my current gym helping me move forward, or am I just maintaining? · Do I feel supported, seen, and motivated where I train? · Am I excited about my fitness, or has it become just another task on the list? If the answer leans towards the second option, it could be time for a change. Why CGPT Could Be the Next Step Switching gyms isn’t just about swapping buildings - it’s about finding an environment that reignites your motivation and helps you get results that last. At CGPT, we specialise in helping people who are ready for more: more accountability, more progress, and more support. Your fitness journey should never feel stagnant. With a private, personalised approach, we’ll help you break through plateaus and rediscover the joy in training. Email Andrea at andrea@chrisgympt.com to learn how CGPT can get you moving again with purpose, progress, and confidence.