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CGPT Trainer: Laurence LaRosa
Meet Laurence LaRosa: The Technical and Tailored Trainer at Chris’ Gym
At Chris’ Gym in Hawthorn, personal trainer Laurence LaRosa brings an exceptional blend of technical expertise, personal experience, and a true passion for helping people become their best. With a background in sport science and physiotherapy, Laurence’s journey to personal training was driven by a love for fitness and science. Now, he’s one of Chris’ Gym’s most dedicated trainers, known for his methodical and tailored approach to each client’s fitness journey. Here’s an inside look at Laurence’s story, his training philosophy, and why he’s so committed to guiding clients toward their fitness goals.
From Pizza Place to the Gym Floor
Laurence’s career in personal training began during his university days when he balanced jobs, studies, and fitness. “In high school, I focused heavily on science and stayed active,” Laurence recalls. It was this blend of interests that eventually led him to a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Science, followed by a Master’s in Physiotherapy. To fund his studies, Laurence took a job as a waiter at a local pizza place, Santoni, and attended night classes to earn his Certificates III and IV in Fitness. These early experiences taught him dedication, discipline, and time management, which he applies daily at Chris’ Gym.
Laurence joined Chris’ Gym after graduation and has been part of the team ever since. His combination of academic knowledge and practical experience with local sports teams - where he works with medical staff on weekends - has given him an edge in understanding the body’s movement, recovery, and performance needs. Laurence’s background is extensive, but his personal training style is anything but one-size-fits-all.
Prioritising Technique and Safety in Training
Laurence’s approach to training is rooted in technique. “Technique always comes first,” he says. With his education and hands-on experience, Laurence designs training sessions that are as safe as they are challenging. His sessions are structured to push clients to their limits, but never at the cost of proper form or safety. “Once the foundation is solid, then we challenge them to go beyond what they thought possible,” he explains.
Laurence describes his training style as “Tailored, Technical, and Rigorous.” Every workout he creates is customised to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, meaning no two sessions are the same. With a strong emphasis on technicality, Laurence ensures clients develop correct form early on. “You’ll feel the effort, but you’ll never regret it,” he says. Laurence’s approach might be intense, but his clients appreciate his focus and dedication to helping them progress safely.
Strength and Hypertrophy: Laurence’s Preferred Training Styles
Laurence loves to alternate between hypertrophy and maximal strength training. This approach allows his clients to achieve noticeable strength gains while seeing consistent progress in muscle size and endurance. “It’s effective because clients can see their hard work pay off,” he shares. By incorporating hypertrophy (muscle growth) with strength training, Laurence ensures his clients build both power and endurance - a balanced approach to fitness that benefits clients of all levels.
Laurence has seen transformations of all kinds over the years, but one story stands out. “I was assigned a client who’d been to gyms before but hadn’t yet reached his full potential,” Laurence recalls. This client trusted Laurence to help him reach his strength goals, and after nine months, he surpassed his expectations, lifting twice his body weight. Moments like these remind Laurence why he loves personal training - helping clients reach heights they never thought possible is what keeps him motivated and passionate.
Empowering Clients Through Customised Coaching
A big part of Laurence’s success as a trainer is his ability to adapt his coaching style to suit each client. “No one size fits all,” he says. By carefully observing his clients and communicating openly, Laurence identifies the best coaching style and programming for each individual. This approach ensures that clients feel empowered, engaged, and supported, regardless of their fitness level.
Laurence’s philosophy is about more than physical fitness; it’s about mental growth, too. “A lot of people avoid personal training because they’re intimidated or unsure,” he says. “But we’re all in the same boat, just trying to get through the waves.” Laurence’s clients quickly discover that his coaching style is about guiding them through every step, and no one ever regrets giving it a try. By offering a supportive and encouraging environment, Laurence helps clients overcome fears, build confidence, and make fitness a positive part of their lives.
Beyond the Gym: Futsal, Soccer, and Hidden Talents
When Laurence isn’t at the gym, he stays active through his love for soccer and futsal. “I hate running - except after a ball,” he jokes. Laurence plays casual futsal on weeknights and represents his local soccer club, OSFC, in competitive matches. This passion for team sports keeps him sharp, and it’s something he brings into his personal training sessions - Laurence believes that fitness should be as enjoyable as it is challenging.
Outside of fitness, Laurence has some unique hobbies. He’s a pool shark with a talent for distilling his own gin, something his clients might not guess! These unexpected skills showcase Laurence’s multidimensional personality and along with his relatable energy, makes clients feel like they’re working out with a friend.
Fitness Advice from Laurence: Don’t Underestimate the Basics
Laurence believes that strength is the foundation for all fitness goals, but he always emphasises the basics, especially for beginners. “A lot of people avoid gyms and personal training, often because they’re intimidated,” he says. “But we’re all on the same journey, and it’s worth trying.” His advice to every client, no matter their fitness goal, is to trust the basics and build a solid foundation. Consistency and patience go a long way, and as Laurence puts it, “you’ll never regret giving it a try.”
By helping clients build a strong foundation and gradually push past their limits, Laurence ensures they achieve long-term, sustainable progress. He encourages clients to start with realistic goals, work consistently, and stay focused on gradual improvement. “Throughout my coaching experience, I’ve never had anyone regret giving it a try,” he says with confidence.
Why Train with Laurence LaRosa at Chris’ Gym?
Laurence LaRosa brings an exceptional level of expertise, technicality, and dedication to Chris’ Gym. His tailored approach ensures every client receives a unique program that caters to their goals, strengths, and abilities. For clients who want to improve their form, build strength, and see results that last, Laurence’s technical training style is ideal.
Laurence’s dedication to fitness is matched only by his commitment to empowering each client. With his background in sports science and physiotherapy, his experience with local sports teams, and his tailored approach to each session, Laurence is a trainer who combines science with passion.
Ready to transform your fitness? Join Laurence at Chris’ Gym and discover how tailored, technical training can help you achieve your personal best. Get started today and see the difference a customized approach can make in reaching your fitness goals.
