About Us
We’re more than just a gym – we’re a passionate community dedicated to unlocking your full potential through strength, support, and camaraderie.


About Ascend Fitness Studio
At Ascend Fitness Studio, our mission is to transform your health and fitness journey into a sustainable lifestyle.
We strive to provide a holistic approach to fitness, combining personalised, quality training, and result-oriented nutritional guidance.
Our goal is to empower individuals at all fitness levels, helping them achieve their personal health objectives in an environment that feels like home.
Ready to take the first step on your fitness journey? Contact us today to schedule a tour, sign up for a class, or learn more about our membership options. We can’t wait to welcome you to our family!


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Join Our Team
Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve endurance, or simply lead a healthier lifestyle, Ascend Fitness Studio is here to support you every step of the way. Join us and become part of a community that celebrates progress, embraces diversity, and believes in the power of strength to transform lives.

Head Coach
With nearly two decades of experience as a personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach, Doug Black is the heartbeat of Ascend Fitness Studio. His passion for fitness and commitment to helping individuals achieve their health goals have established him as a leader in the industry. Doug’s journey began as the proud owner and operator of the award-winning strength and conditioning gym, The Fitness Shed.
Under his guidance, The Fitness Shed earned accolades for the most outstanding fitness services in the Lake Macquarie and Hunter region in both 2018 and 2019. One of Doug’s key strengths lies in his unwavering focus on form and technique. As a seasoned professional, he is proficient in Olympic lifts and powerlifting movements, ensuring that every client receives personalized attention to maximize their performance and minimize the risk of injury. In addition to his accomplishments in strength and conditioning, Doug competed at a professional level in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).
Beyond his expertise in fitness and combat sports, Doug is a qualified Krav Maga instructor. His commitment to self-defense training adds a unique and valuable dimension to the offerings at Ascend Fitness Studio. At Ascend, we believe in Doug’s holistic approach to fitness – blending technical precision, athletic prowess, and a passion for empowering individuals on their wellness journey.
Meet Us



Designed by Athletes for Athletes.
This program provides a weekly training schedule that builds on each training plan from week to week.
Our athletic training program is: