Trainer Profile
Christian Cook - Personal Trainer and Former Professional Surfer
I am a registered Personal Trainer with Fitness Australia and owner/director of Fit4sport NSW in Brookvale. With my wife Nicki (also a registered Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor), we have developed a sport specific training facility to cater for all all fitness levels and abilities.
Since relocating with my family back to the Northern Beaches of Sydney in 2010, I have now set up the fit2surf Training Studio in Brookvale to work with surfers of all ages and levels that share the same passion for the sport that I love.
My experience in surfing, has allowed me to adapt different training principles and utilise my knowledge of exercise to help hundreds of clients improve their lifestyle and achieve their fitness goals.
I have been surfing from the age of 5 and was competing seriously from the age of 12. I was lucky enough to travel the world as a professional surfer, winning both amateur and professional events in Australia, New Zealand and America. I enjoyed travelling to some iconic surf locations around the world, but like any other elite sports person, to compete at a high level takes discipline and dedication.
Commitment to a regular training program was evident in my surfing, with a no frills approach and a strong backhand attack. Personally, I always tried to focus heavily on strength and conditioning to improve my surfing. Basic training principles for balance, strength and flexibility not only helped me to become a better surfer, but improved my posture, decreased the chance of injury and led to an overall healthier lifestyle.
From 1999, I was a Level 1 Surf Coach taking learn to surf classes at Sydney's iconic Manly Surf School. When my wife Nicki and I moved to Merimbula NSW in 2001, we started our own business - Sapphire Surf School where I began coaching young surfers to improve their technique, fitness and competitive strategy.
In 2002, we began a personal training studio to assist the wider community with their fitness goals. From May 2008, we expanded the business to within a major Registered Bowling Club - Club Sapphire Merimbula NSW.
Merimbula Health & Fitness now employs gym instructors, group exercise instructors and freelance personal trainers to service a general membership base of over 500. We have since sold the business to concentrate on our new business venture in Sydney. Check out the website www.merimbulahealthandfitness.com.au
