Marc Stafford
Head Coach & Founder
Marc is the founder and head trainer at LAT (Formerly known as MSHF Training). Marc has over 20 years experience in the health& fitness industry.
Born and bred in Hampton Marc has a real passion for the local community, family and highlighting the importance of physical, social and mental health.
With a sense of adventure Marc’s other passion is found in travel and adventure experiences. For over 10 years Marc has lead groups across the Kokoda Track, through the alps of Europe, up and over volcanoes in Indonesia and along some of Victoria’s best walking trails. As well as helping implement physical activity and sports programs for children in Ho Chi Minh City. His trekking and pre-departure training knowledge is exceptional.
Strengths: Male/Female specific coaching. Resistance Training, Nutrition coaching and trekking adventure training.
Qualifications: With over 20 years experience his qualifications range from exercise scientist, strength & conditioning coach, remedial massage therapist and adventure trekking guide.
Fun Fact: Nicknamed “Little Boss Man” by the local porters in PNG
James Young
Strength & Conditioning Coach
With over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, James has worked with an incredibly large range of different fitness goals and demographics.
Specialising in strength training and body composition, “JY” adopts a client centred approach to building long term habits with his clients, that enable them to achieve life long results.
James’ favourite thing about coaching is helping people to fall in love with strength training, just as he did when he was starting out. No matter their age or experience, he believes everyone is capable of becoming a stronger, better functioning human being.
When he’s not coaching, James is a competitive powerlifter in the USAPL, as well as an ex physique competitor and footballer.
Strengths: Nutrition Coaching, Coaching for Strength, Resistance Training, Sports-Specific Coaching.
Qualifications: Precision Nutrition Lvl 1, Powerlifting Australia Lvl 1 & 2, MSC Coaches Development Program, JPS Health and Fitness Mentorship, Personal Trainers Collective Graduate, Cert 3/4 in Health and Fitness.
Fun Fact: James is also an avid lover of music, a Pina Colada enthusiast and a diehard Liverpool FC fan.
Matthew Rushworth
Personal Training Head Coach
Matt has been a trainer at LAT for over two years. Clients love him for his holistic approach to fitness and that he always keeps their sessions interesting. He believes exercise and especially strength training is a must when wanting to live a healthy life and ageing well.
Matt enjoys working with everyone, whether you are a complete newbie to the gym or an experienced athlete.
If you don’t find him at the gym either coaching clients or training himself he loves spending his time outdoors either open water swimming or hiking. He also likes to keep up with his boxing training.
Strengths: Resistance Training, High Intensity Interval Training, Outdoor Training,
Qualifications: Certificate 3/4 in Health and Fitness.
Fun Fact: Matt used to be an accountant and project manager before following his passion of working in health and fitness
Emma Vella
Group PT Coach
Emma is a welcomed addition to LAT and brings high high energy & fun to every session. She always wants to challenge & push you to your maximum & will be your biggest cheer leader.
Emma’s daggy dancing & 80’s playlists are famous for pumping the up the room!
She believe technique is more important than speed so often repeats the chant, “Glutes On & Abs On”.
Strengths: Hi Intensity Interval Training, Strength & Resistance Training, Male and Female Training, and Outdoor Training.
Qualifications: Certificates 3 & 4
Fun Fact: has an obsession with runners. She has a very wide runner collection and loves her outfits to be matchy-matchy.
Carl Zaidenberg
Melissa Marshall
LAT Run Coach
Mel is LAT’s resident expert trail runner! Her passion for running has lead Mel to complete multiple marathons, half-marathons and trail runs, inspiring many people along the way to join the sport! On top of that, she has coached multiple first time competitors to some crazy finishing times.
Alongside her love for running, Mel works tirelessly to help her clients build strength in the gym and become confident in their own abilities!
Strengths: Female-Specific Coaching, Coaching for Runners, Outdoor Training, Resistance Training.
Qualifications: Lvl 2 Athletics Victoria Run Coach, Athletics Australia Certified Coach, Certificate 3/4 in Health and Fitness.
Fun Fact: Mel absolutely loves to breakdance, and often competes in breakdance battles against some of the best in Melbourne.
Lorraine Thompson
Lorraine has been a trainer with LAT for over 10 years. She loves the motivating & social aspect of LAT’s training style and the combination of training in the gym & the beautiful outdoors.
Lorraine understands juggling family, work and socialising with fitness & weight management. She believes in enjoying life to the full and finding a balance to keep you healthy & happy. Lorraine’s friendly and strongly motivating approach will help you reach your goals .
Strengths: Male/female coaching, Resistance training,
Qualifications: Certificate 3/4 in Health & Fitness
Fun Fact: Lorraine has run the Oxfam 100km Trailwalker event 9 times (7 of those with Marc!). She also sported a pink Mohawk in her teens...