Doug Black is more than a coach — he’s the engine room behind Ascend Fitness Studio and the man setting the standard every day. With 20 years in the trenches as a personal trainer, strength coach, and combat athlete, Doug has spent his life helping everyday people become strong, capable, and unshakable — inside and out.

Before launching Ascend, Doug founded and ran The Fitness Shed — a powerhouse gym that took out back-to-back awards for outstanding fitness services in Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. His expertise in Olympic lifting, powerlifting, and performance coaching is unmatched, but it’s his obsession with correct form, smart progression, and injury prevention that makes his coaching next level.

Doug’s background as a professional MMA fighter and certified Krav Maga instructor adds real-world grit to everything we do. From strength training to self-defense, his coaching style is precise, powerful, and purpose-driven.

What sets Doug apart isn’t just his knowledge — it’s his heart. He knows what it’s like to be knocked down in life and fight your way back. That’s the foundation of Ascend: real transformation, real resilience, and strength that serves a higher purpose.

This isn’t just fitness. It’s a mission. And Doug’s leading the charge.

Steve Whitbread brings the backbone, discipline, and warrior mindset that defines Ascend Fitness Studio. A former Australian Army soldier who served in Afghanistan, Steve knows firsthand what it means to lead under pressure, fight through adversity, and show up when it counts — values he now brings into every session, every rep, and every conversation at Ascend.

After the military, Steve teamed up with his brother-in-law Doug to build something that went beyond just a gym. Together, they created Ascend — a space where men and women are equipped not only to train hard, but to rise above life’s battles and become stronger in body, mind, and spirit.

Steve’s coaching style is raw, real, and relentlessly encouraging. He specialises in strength and conditioning, mindset development, and team-based training. Whether it’s group sessions or one-on-one, he brings structure, clarity, and accountability — with a military edge and a heart to see people genuinely thrive.

He’s not here to bark orders or throw around ego. Steve leads by example — training alongside the crew, pushing himself just as hard, and showing what it means to live the “Strength is for service, not for self” ethos.

If you want someone in your corner who’s walked through the fire and come out the other side stronger — Steve’s your man.

Peter Mullen, our trusted Naturopath, is one of Newcastle’s leading experts in holistic health and functional medicine. He helps Ascend members get to the root cause of fatigue, hormone imbalances, gut issues, and more through detailed testing and personalised treatment plans. From food intolerances to stress and sleep, Peter works on a cellular level to restore balance, boost performance, and support long-term health — because feeling great isn’t just about training hard, it’s about what’s happening on the inside.

Tom, our partnered Physiotherapist works closely with Ascend members to prevent injury, improve mobility, and fast-track recovery. Whether you’re dealing with niggles, rehab, or just want to move better and train pain-free, our physio offers hands-on treatment and personalised plans that complement your strength and conditioning — all with the goal of keeping you strong, mobile, and in the game.

Our Vitamin Infusion Specialists (and registered nurses) offer on-site IV therapy designed to support recovery, boost energy, strengthen immunity, and enhance overall performance. Whether you’re training hard, feeling run down, or just want to level up your health, these tailored infusions deliver high-quality nutrients straight into your system for faster, more effective results — exclusively available for Ascend members.