Stuart

Stuart Mc Keating (Stu), Co-founder of BIA, is in his 11th year of coaching and has had the opportunity to work with thousands of individuals in multiple settings. He works with Commonwealth, European and National Gold Medallists along with amateur and professional International and Inter-county teams and athletes. 

A big part of Stuart's early career was improving individuals' health and quality of life through rehabilitation, injury management and chronic disease management including heart disease, cardiopulmonary disease, autoimmune disease, diabetes, and brain injury. He also developed and delivered large scale community health initiatives like Jog Belfast South and Ormeau Parkrun. 

Stuart has a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science, an accreditation in Strength & Conditioning with the ASCA, and multiple performance and health based certificates and training.

Following a serious accident in 2017 which resulted in spinal cord compression, muscle wastage and loss of power in his limbs, Stuart was told his coaching career may be cut short, with his only option to undergo an operation that would prevent his conditioning worsening. But, in 2018, after a successful operation, self-lead rehabilitation, motivation and determination, Stuart’s career resumed 6 months post op. 

Stuart has a genuine interest in all things Strength & Conditioning and Sports Science and is invested in lifelong learning regularly attending workshops and seminars. He spends at least 1 hour a day exploring and studying the latest research within those disciplines, a habit Stuart formed when he was at university and has proudly kept to this day (excluding special occasions and hangover days).

Stuart is driven by data and results and motivated by his ability to help others achieve their personal or professional goals. He lives by the quote 'Knowledge isn't power until it is applied'.

CONOR

Co-Director, Conor Duffy, is one of our founding coaches at BIA. With 4 years of experience in Powerlifting, he specialises in strength training & fat loss, & holds an accreditation in Strength and Conditioning with the ASCA, allowing him to provide an improved service to clients & athletes.

Conor has over 9 years of coaching experience, beginning as a coach with the IFA. Since obtaining his gym-based certificates over 5 years ago, he has worked with individuals & small groups looking to structure their training & improve on nutrition and lifestyle markers, as well as club, inter-county & National athletes & teams looking to improve their performance.

Conor studied Law for 2 years before changing vocation after realising his passion lay in Sports Science. Graduating from University of Ulster with a 2:1 BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Sciences. Alongside completing his degree, he attended UKSCA workshops, obtaining multiple certificates in Strength & Conditioning. Using his knowledge & expertise in Powerlifting & strength training, Conor led Belfast’s most renowned strength programme for 3 years, earning him the reputation as one of Belfast’s best Personal Trainers.

Outside his profession, Conor plays Gaelic football for St. Pauls, Holywood & was part of the Down Junior Championship winning squad of 2020 - the first Championship title in his club’s history. In his free time, he loves a game of Warzone & is big into tattoos & travelling.

Through his own experiences with poor mental health, Conor has witnessed first hand the positive impact that training can have on mental well-being. His mission statement is to use his knowledge to not only improve physical qualities through structured training, nutrition & lifestyle but to use these key markers as part of a healthy approach to exercise. During patches of heightened anxiety, stress & depression, a structured training programme & routine with a clear goal in mind can help massively. The importance of this approach cannot be understated, not only for those actively experiencing poor mental health, but for the maintenance of good mental health.