Team
Our Team of Specialists
Alex Backhouse
Founder
Alex first qualified as a Personal Trainer in 2005, after giving up a career as a professional musician. He travelled the world for a few years in search of and working with some great coaches.
He opened Encore in 2015, and has watched it has grow from strength to strength. The mission has become to create a space that’s the opposite of everything that’s wrong with most gyms… somewhere friendly, happy, fun, and with the best possible levels of coaching.
Alex also has an MSc in Strength & Conditioning from St Mary’s in Twickenham.
Marshall
Head Coach
Marshall has spent nearly a decade building his knowledge through internships, mentorships and education from around the world and is a student of world renowned powerlifter and strength coach JM Blakley.
He has trained alongside Olympic and Commonwealth Games Athletes as a Weightlifter and with coaches such as Andy Bolton and Dan Green after transitioning to Powerlifting.
Marshall has coached internationally including Seminars and Head Coach positions.
Lauren
Strength & Wellness Coach
Lauren started her career in fitness in 2014 and has a background in martial arts, previously holding titles in karate, both in the UK and New Zealand.
Lauren also qualified as a yoga teacher in India, which means she has a more holistic approach to exercise and coaching with a passion and emphasis on strong healthy movement.
She has qualifications in pre and post natal exercise and as a tutor and assessor within the fitness industry and loves bringing in home-made healthy treats for her colleagues!