Founded in 2012, HENCH is a pioneering coaching gym in Belfast City centre that’s dedicated to you becoming stronger for life. We've helped 5000+ people like you build a stronger, healthier lifestyle that transforms every aspect of their daily lives.
Learn about our members resultsWe work with you to define your individual fitness goals and our team of coaches are always on hand to guide you based on your individual needs. Every member has their own personal coach who provides one-to-one accountability and advice via face to face and remote consultation.
Learn about membershipsOur mission is to help you look, feel, and live stronger – with the confidence, resilience, and determination to take on anything life throws your way. We build bodies and minds that are primed to meet the demands of modern life - your physical and mental wellbeing is as important to us as your ability to squat, row or bench press. We work with people of all ages and backgrounds and focus on getting to know you as a person, understanding your goals and supporting you every step of the way.
We have an inclusive community of like-minded people from diverse backgrounds of all ages who come together to create a fun, welcoming environment to get results and build a long-term sustainable relationship with your health and fitness. Our members come together with a shared goal - to become stronger for life. We love and enjoy what we do and take down to earth approach to delivering our mission.
Our expert coaching team is led by Head Coach Conor Johnson, with coaches John Watson, Bronagh Donnelly and Joe McGreevy working alongside Founder Rory Girvan (Former Ireland No. 1 ranked Powerlifter, ambassador for mental health charities and Irish News Fitness Columnist). Our coaches are highly experienced and hold bachelors, masters degrees or PhDs in exercise science and undergo regular, rigorous training and development to stay up-to-date with the latest in strength training and coaching techniques.
"There's so many things that I love about HENCH. It's quite hard to pinpoint just one. I'd have to say my favorite thing is the time commitment that they give you."
"I began to understand that if you dealt with people who knew what they were talking about, you got results very, very quickly and the wonderful thing about HENCH is that it allows you to constantly pursue new goals too"
“What surprised me the most was the amount of progress you can make - in such a short time”
"I was kind of hoping to learn more about the actual basics. And ever since I've kind of been a bit hooked. I've seen pretty good progression since I've joined."
"I really really enjoy here. I just love coming here because it's fantastic facility the information and the knowledge of the guys have the equipment is second to none."
"I think over the last nine months I've actually transformed completely physically, but mentally and to be strong is like really cool, especially as a woman."
"Unparalleled coaching provided at Hench, I have trained in lots of different gyms and with different coaches and have never made as much progress, or enjoyed my training, as much as I have at Hench."
"I've gotten more out of Hench and I have in the previous 10 years of going to gyms"
"It's had a really positive impact on my work-life balance, I have more energy and I've never been stronger, and just really enjoy it here. It's just a great place to train."
"It kinda reminds me of Cheers. You know, like you know where everybody knows your name. I feel like I'm part of something in the community, and the coaches here are smiling at me and encouraging me and making me feel like I can accomplish whatever I wanted"
"I do think I'm a better runner. I just hit a PB this weekend on the exact same race I did this time last year, so you can see the difference."
"I'm hitting PB'S in my 40's, that I couldn't even get close to in my 20's, as well as putting myself in the best position to be fit, healthy & strong for my family"
"I'm spending half the time in the gym as I did previously but making much better progress. I feel less fatigued during long and stressful work days, and better in general - happy that I can carve out space in my day to lift."
Esther
19th March 2024
If you’re looking to change your life, this is the place for you! I joined Hench nearly two years ago. At the time I was desperate for change and knew I needed support, structure and to be educated on how to train properly. I got into the best shape of my life through the encouragement & expertise of the incredible coaches, an amazing safe environment and built such a strong fitness foundation in myself. From there, I got married & got pregnant and I’m still training right up to being 39 weeks pregnant. I wouldn’t be here without my journey at Hench and I know I’ll be stronger for life because of them! Cant wait to see what life will be like for me post baby! I honestly would recommend Hench to everyone that wants to take training seriously, become your best self and achieve goals over a long sustainable period of time!
Neil
25th May 2023
I’ve been to quite a few gyms, but Hench is in a different class. The coaching is of an extremely high standard with a good attention to technique and form. There is great variation in the programming and I have been able to make excellent progress in a short space of time. I would recommend this gym to anyone, even to a complete beginner.
Sinead Henry
19th March 2024
I’ve been with Hench for around 6 months and it is the best gym I’ve been a member of. If you’re looking for transformation pics or 1000 calorie diets this isn’t the place for you. Focus is on strength, health and wellbeing and the coaches always strive to make you as comfortable as possible no matter what your goal is, this gym is for everyone
Sameen
I joined HENCH 2 years ago as a complete beginner and have been training there consistently ever since. HENCH has shifted my mindset around strength training and has provided me with an opportunity to view my fitness journey from a more balanced perspective. I love the great atmosphere at HENCH and have always felt comfortable training there without the fear of being judged. Coaches are also very knowledgeable, they helped me build a strong foundation which has guided me to be more confident in strength training. I would highly recommend this place to everyone, especially beginners who are looking for a healthy environment to start their training journey.