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 Jay Malcolm, Joe McGreevy, Bronagh Donnelly and John Watson working alongside Founder Rory Girvan (Former Ireland No. 1 ranked Powerlifter, ambassador for mental health charities and Irish News Fitness Columnist) and Business Manager Ciara Girvan. 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.
"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."
"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 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"
"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."
"I learned more in a matter of weeks, than in 10 year of training on my own"
"My favorite thing about HENCH is the balance that it gives me. Before joining, I was looking for a place that I would be able to train and feel independent, have my own sense of autonomy"
"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 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."
"Within a short time, I hit my initial targets in terms of weight loss and muscle gain and can feel the benefits of the training sessions in every interaction outside the gym too."
"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've gotten more out of Hench and I have in the previous 10 years of going to gyms"
"I think I've made more progress in the first 6 months being here than I did in the last 6 years."
"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"
Sameen
19th March 2024
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.
Noyona
25th May 2023
I love this place. And I hated gyms and all things gym-related before joining Hench. Not only is the quality of their training and facilities second to none, the coaches are pretty special too. Their passion and knowledge is really impressive and they are completely focused on teaching you the right technique, discipline and attitude, so you can push yourself in the right way. They are always on hand to give advice and help you achieve your goals, whether you are a professional athlete, a regular gym-goer, or a gym newbie. So even though Hench delivers its programme largely through small group sessions, what you actually get is tailored training from very experienced coaches, every time you go. Plus there is no time for posturing or egos in Hench… which is important, especially if you’re a woman. Just a lovely bunch of people looking out for each other, working hard and having a bit of fun in the process. Like I said at the start, I love this place and can’t see a time when I would stop coming to Hench.
Barry
19th March 2024
Top notch facilities, brilliant coaching & programming. Hench takes all the thinking and hassle out of a structured training program. I’ve made better progress here in 6 months than in the past 5 years training on my own. I’d highly recommend Hench to anyone interested in strength training, from complete beginner to experienced athletes.
Sean
Excellent gym! Very practical model - you’re given a personalised program, attend scheduled times, and trainers talk you through each exercise, so you’re not doing the same thing as everyone else in the class. Quality of the coaching is superb, and I’ve really noticed great progress which I wouldn’t have done on my own.