Introduction
Andrea Conti is the latest student to feature in our Setanta Student Stories series. Andrea is a personal trainer at Sandcastle Fitness Club and is a current student on our BSc in Strength & Conditioning.
Andrea discusses how he became interested in health and performance, his coaching approach and tailoring his approach to meet the needs of various clients.
An Interest Sparked By Martial Arts
Andrea’s interest in health and performance began at a young age, stemming from his love of martial arts. “I’ve always been passionate about movement and sport. Growing up, I was drawn to martial arts and eventually Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which led me to develop a deep interest in how the body works and performs under stress,” he shared. “Over time, that curiosity evolved into a career in health and performance, as I saw how strength and conditioning could empower not just athletes, but everyday people to feel better, move better, and live stronger lives.”
Sandcastle Fitness Club
At Sandcastle Fitness Club, Andrea works with a wide variety of clients ranging from athletes to the general population. “I work with a wide range of clients, from the general population to amateur athletes, including BJJ competitors. A typical day involves one-on-one sessions, small group coaching, and designing personalised programmes,” he shared. 
Along with individual coaching, he runs a number of group sessions designed to cater for varying populations. “I also run a few themed classes like Strength Lab and StrongHER, which focus on technique, strength development, and female-focused conditioning. Outside the gym floor, I spend time programming and checking in with my online clients.”
Seeing his clients’ transformations, both physical and mental, is what motivates Andrea the most. “Seeing people grow in confidence, strength, and mindset. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone achieve a goal they once thought was out of reach. That transformation, both physical and personal, is what keeps me passionate,” he said.
Athlete-Centred Coaching Approach
Andrea takes an athlete-centric approach with his clients, tailoring training according to each individual.
“My approach is athlete-centred and performance-driven, but always individualised. Whether someone is training for a championship or just wants to play with their kids without pain, I prioritise function, quality of movement, and long-term sustainability,” he said. “I blend strength training, mobility, and corrective work into programmes that build physical and mental resilience.”
Working with a wide range of clients requires Andrea to tailor his coaching approach for each individual. Listening plays a key role in this. Every client’s programme is created based on their individual needs, whether they’re professional athletes or general fitness clients.
“It starts with listening. I assess each client’s goals, movement patterns, and lifestyle to create a roadmap that makes sense for them. Athletes might need more speed, power, and recovery protocols, while general fitness clients may need to work around injuries or time constraints,” he said. I also consider mental and emotional factors, because coaching is more than just sets and reps.”
Advice for Aspiring Coaches
For aspiring coaches hoping to make a career in the personal training or strength & conditioning industry, Andrea offers some advice. “Be patient, stay humble, and never stop learning,” he advised. “Get hands-on experience, listen more than you speak, and build relationships. The technical skills matter, but your ability to connect with people and stay consistent will take you further than any certification. And remember, your own training and lifestyle should reflect the values you coach.”
Studying with Setanta College
With a desire to build his knowledge and enhance his coaching practice, Andrea chose Setanta College to further his education.
“Setanta stood out because of its strong connection to sport and performance, especially within the Irish and UK athletic systems,” he explained. “The flexible, high-level curriculum aligned perfectly with my desire to keep working full-time while gaining a deeper academic understanding of strength and conditioning. It felt like the right balance of theory, science, and practical application.”
This combination of practical and academic learning has had a positive impact on his career, with Andrea quickly putting what he has learned into practice.
” The modules on biomechanics, coaching science, and programming have had a direct impact on how I design and explain training. I’ve found myself applying concepts from lectures into my client work almost immediately. It’s made me a more thoughtful and evidence-informed coach,” he noted.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Andrea is aiming to expand his business and create a coaching legacy.
“Long-term, I see myself continuing to develop TrueForm Athletics, my coaching brand that focuses on health, performance, and longevity for combat athletes and active adults,” he shared. “I’d love to work more with teams, run workshops globally, and maybe even mentor younger coaches. Ultimately, I want to create a legacy of smart, compassionate, and effective coaching.”
