Former Royal Marines Physical Training Instructor
Marcus Cole
Eight years of military service taught me that real fitness isn't about looking good in a mirror - it's about being capable when it matters. Since 2020, I've been helping Bristol professionals over 35 reclaim their physical confidence through functional strength training that translates to real life.
Military Foundation
From Royal Marines to civilian coaching
My eight years as a Royal Marines Physical Training Instructor, including deployments to Afghanistan, taught me the difference between training for show and training for capability. In the military, your fitness can be the difference between mission success and failure - between coming home and not coming home.
- ▸ Responsible for the physical conditioning of Royal Marines across multiple deployments
- ▸ Developed injury prevention protocols for high-stress operational environments
- ▸ Trained personnel to maintain peak physical condition under extreme circumstances
- ▸ Learned to adapt training programs to real-world demands and constraints
When I left the military in 2019, I saw how civilian fitness had lost its way. Gyms focused on aesthetics over capability. Programs prioritized looking strong over being strong. I knew there was a better approach.
My approach to functional strength
Five principles that guide every training session
Train movements, not muscles
Every exercise must have a real-world application. If it doesn't translate to carrying shopping, lifting children, or climbing stairs, it doesn't belong in your program.
Consistency beats intensity
Sustainable progress trumps dramatic transformations every time. I'd rather you train consistently for years than burn out in months.
Address the person, not just the program
Your training must account for sleep, stress, work demands, and family commitments. Cookie-cutter programs don't work for real people with real lives.
Build capability that lasts
Long-term joint health and movement quality matter more than short-term strength gains. We're building a foundation for decades, not just months.
No ego, no intimidation
Fitness should enhance your life, not consume it. Leave the gym-bro culture at the door - we're here to build practical strength for practical people.
Qualifications and continuing education
Royal Marines Physical Training Instructor
Since 2020 in Bristol
Over 35 specialists
CIMSPA Level 4 Advanced Personal Trainer
The highest level of personal training qualification in the UK, covering advanced program design, injury prevention, and specialist populations.
Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified
Evidence-based nutrition coaching certification focusing on sustainable habit change and performance nutrition.
Royal Marines Physical Training Instructor
Military qualification in physical conditioning, injury prevention, and performance under pressure.
I invest in continuing education every year because the science of strength training constantly evolves. Recent courses include injury-specific exercise programming, advanced movement screening, and nutrition for over-35 professionals.
Why Bristol, why Redland
I chose Bristol because it's a city that values substance over flash - much like my approach to fitness. The converted industrial unit in Redland perfectly captures what I'm about: functional, no-nonsense, and focused on getting the job done.
- ▸ Private studio environment away from gym intimidation and ego
- ▸ Partnership with local healthcare providers for comprehensive client care
- ▸ Outdoor training options at Blaise Castle Estate for variety and fresh air
- ▸ Serving the professional community that makes Bristol's economy thrive
Beyond the training floor
When I'm not coaching, you'll find me hiking the Cotswolds, reading about exercise science, or working on my own movement practice. I believe in living the principles I teach - staying active, managing stress, and maintaining perspective on what really matters.
Family time is sacred
I protect my Sundays
Continuous learning
Keeps me sharp and current
Physical activity should be enjoyable
Not punishment
Real strength comes from consistency
Not intensity
Ready to train with purpose?
If you're tired of fitness fads and want to build strength that actually matters in your daily life, let's talk. Start with a movement assessment and discover what's possible.