When he, and wife Chrissie, came across the chance to take on a gym in Benalla, there was only going to be one outcome.
“It’s been like a pipe dream,” Ant said.
“It's something we’ve always wanted to do.”
That dream turned into reality quickly after a chance encounter with the previous owner of the gym, at 1/53 Carrier St.
Avalanche strength and conditioning classes
Mayhem — strength is a state of mind, conditioning is a process — all-inclusive mayhem affiliate functional fitness programming.
Endure — to outlast is to endure — these no-barbell metcon-style classes offer lots of sweat, hard work and fun.
Strength — building the beast — hypertrophy focused program — this one is all about quality and control.
Weightlifting ‘the bar’ — meet me at the bar! Sixty minutes of Olympic-weightlifting strength and technique.
Gymnastics — challenge your muscles, joints and nervous system — functional gymnastics designed to enhance your balance, agility, flexibility and stamina.
Mobility — mobility is the ability to move freely — learn to perform effectively, increase power and prevent injury.
L.i.f.e — for our masters — a gentler program more focused on mobility and longevity than intensity.
Running — we run this mother — once a week program of interval, aerobic and anaerobic style running — unleash your running potential.
Hyrox — get ready to ‘Rox’ — learn how to tackle fitness racing at its best. Race-specific programming available.
Personal training — it’s all about you — all levels of individualised training.
Speciality programming — available on request.
“They asked the question, and we said ‘let’s think about it’. But it was the right place at the right time, and it’s happened quickly.”
Avalanche Strength and Conditioning is now officially open, and there are plenty of options for people of all abilities.
Whether you’re a seasoned sporting professional looking for a gym to call home, or just starting out, Ant is there to advise on the right program for you.
“We’re a conventional strength and conditioning gym,” Ant said.
“There’s no machines in here, it’s all free weights, barbells, weight plates and a lot of cardio equipment.
“We offer endurance training, we offer athlete development, we offer one-on-one personal training.”
Avalanche also offers Hyrox training sessions, which traditionally includes combined endurance and functional fitness exercises, such as running, rowing and sled pushes.
“We offer Hyrox sessions once a week at the moment. If people want to compete, they can come and start that.
“And close to the time when the events are coming up, we’ll put a training session together.
“We also offer Olympic weightlifting twice a week.”
Throughout the week there are 30 hours of classes gym members can join in.
The gym is located centrally in Benalla, only 150m from Bridge St East.
If you’d like to join Avalanche Strength and Conditioning, you can simply pop in during opening hours (Monday to Friday, 6am to 7pm and Saturday, 6am to noon). Alternatively, you can call 0419 218 752.
“I am the only coach, so when you come in, you get the owner and head coach, so you don’t get any other staff members, it’s just me,” Ant said.
For more information, visit Avalanche Strength and Conditioning on Facebook or Instagram.