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.
"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 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."
"I've got a stronger back and it's more or less got rid of my chronic low back pain that's been an exception eye outcome"
"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."
"The things I like best about HENCH is that coaching is really good. And it's made me think about exercise differently in terms of structuring it through my weight, giving myself rest days, allowing myself time to recover, eating well."
"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"
"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."
"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 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."
"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 think I've made more progress in the first 6 months being here than I did in the last 6 years."
"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."
Joshua
24th April 2021
Started at Hench recently, on the 8 week strength programme for beginners. Cool, genuine bunch of people, that are incredibly supportive, know their stuff and are more than willing to help guide you in the right direction. The gym has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, making it non-intimidating for people that are just starting, whilst offering a range of small group PT sessions that are suited to a varying range of capabilities/goals. As a beginner, I'm always learning something new, and each session is good fun - 100% :)
Keith
25th May 2023
I had been training by myself for a few years & felt things had plateaued, i was getting a bit bored with my commercial gym so decided I would give the Hench a try. It was exactly what i needed, i signed up & with the coaches help, I set some new personal goals. I joined their small group classes & 2.5 years later I am still making progress, still loving it & still learning all the time. They run excellent programs designed to get the most out of your workout and most importantly you learn how to do things right. The equipment is great, the coaches are sound & are dedicated to movement quality & precision. This is the best gym in town, go check them out.
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
Eoin
25th May 2023
Great gym with really knowledgeable and passionate staff. A community of likeminded people, all looking to better themeselves in one way or another. Equally suitable to both the beginner and advanced trainer. Without doubt the best decision I have taken in respect of my health and well-being has been joining Hench. I cannot recommend the place enough.