What We Do

At Axe and Dagger Fitness we are unlike any typical gym. We don’t have rows of stationary bikes and resistance machines. Instead you will find pull-up bars, kettlebells, barbells, gymnastic rings and a wide open space for squatting, running, jumping, climbing, lifting and throwing – moving your body the way it is meant to be moved. It means that all your workouts will be comprised of exercises that mimic movements performed in day-to-day life and sports.

We don’t have the unsociable awkward atmosphere of a typical gym – instead you will find a friendly, welcoming environment where after your first session you will know everyone’s name and want to keep coming back again and again, not just to improve your fitness, but for the social aspect of the gym. Our goal is to build a strong community, with regular social events, team workouts and competitions where we all encourage each other and keep each other motivated to achieve our fitness goals.

As well as the scheduled classes we also provide various instructional workshops including Powerlifting, Olympic lifting, Kettlebell training, rope climbing, gymnastics and nutritional advice.

We also have open gym slots every day allowing you to come and train however you like, if you already have a training regime you want to stick to, or simply work on a specific area or weakness.

We can also provide training for sports teams, for example, a pre-season S&C programme for a rugby or football team, as well as personal training sessions for individuals and small groups.

Axe & Dagger Coaches

Ryan Wells Head Coach

Head Coach Ryan Wells

  • Nickname: Welzy
  • Occupation: Axe & Dagger Coach and Firefighter
  • Favourite Food: Peanut Butter
  • Favourite WOD: Nasty Girls
  • Least Favourite WOD: Fran

After serving over 7 years in the Royal Marines Ryan decided to leave the military to pursue his dream of opening up Axe and Dagger Fitness.

Before joining the Marines Ryan studied Sports therapy, and exercise sciences at Coventry University whilst played Rugby for Leicester Tigers Academy.

During his time in the marines Ryan completed several courses on Olympic lifting, Kettlebells, strength and conditioning and personal training.

Ryan also represented the Marines, Navy and Combined services at Rugby Union.

He was tasked in his last few years in the Marines with conducting all the physical training for his squadron while on base and on operations in Afghanistan.

This is where he was first introduced to CrossFit by some American Marines.

On returning home he completed his CrossFit level 1 course and started introducing the CrossFit methodology into his military training with great results.

Ryan goes to Nando’s way too much and eats a strict Paleo diet, as long as Ben and Jerry’s is Paleo.

Qualifications:

  • CrossFit Olympic Lifting Trainer
  • CrossFit Gymnastics Trainer
  • CrossFit Mobility Trainer
  • Master Personal Trainer Level 3
  • Sports Nutritionist level 3
  • British Weightlifting Association Certified
  • EKI Kettlebell instructor
  • KBT level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • HND Sports Exercise and Therapy Sciences
  • Community Sports Leader award
  • Award in Coaching studies (Sports Coach UK)
  • First Aid at work
  • First Person on Scene, and emergency trauma skill (BTEC level 2)
MeganCox_AxeandDaggerFitness

Megan Cox

  • Nickname: Meg
  • Occupation: Student Paramedic
  • Favourite food: Chocolate
  • Favourite WOD: Fran
  • Least Favourite: DT

Megan has been part of the Axe & Dagger team since it was established in 2013. Taking up competing in 2014, Meg finished 2nd in the UK, 8th in Europe and 106th in the world during the 2016 CrossFit Games for her division.

Through CrossFit Meg developed a passion and talent for Olympic Weightlifting. She went onto to be scouted for the BWL team and then onto the National Youth Squad for GB through the Golden Chance Program. In competition she broke three British Records in 2016 in the British Women’s Under 15 category for the Snatch, Clean + Jerk and overall Total.

Megs time competing in Olympic Weightlifting came to an end after a shoulder injury during a training camp with the GB squad. Surgery and time away from the sport meant that getting back to a highly competitive level was difficult.

Now a full-time student looking to join the Paramedic service and still sharing that same level of passion and enthusiasm for Olympic Weightlifting, Meg now spends her time working towards her dream job and coaching others how to lift at a high level.

Qualifications:

  • Ex GB Weightlifting Athlete
  • IKFF Certified
  • Olympic Weightlifting trainer