Jack McDonagh is an Exercise and Sports Scientist at the Institute of Sports and Spines, with a strong passion for exercise, fitness and helping people improve their health and performance through practical exercise prescription.

Jack completed his studies in Exercise and Sports Science at Australian Catholic University, where he developed a strong interest in strength and conditioning, sports performance, exercise testing and working with clients across a range of fitness levels. He brings a fresh and relatable approach to exercise science, while still focusing on evidence-based and goal-focused training.

Through his own background playing semi-professional football, Jack understands the demands of sport and the importance of strength, conditioning, movement quality and confidence in performance. This experience has helped shape his interest in working with athletes and active individuals who want to improve their fitness, return to sport, or take their performance to a higher level.

Jack also enjoys working with beginner gym clients and people who may be new to structured exercise. “I understand that starting in the gym can feel intimidating, so my aim is to make exercise feel clear, achievable and suited to each individual”. His approach focuses on building confidence, improving movement, and helping clients develop long-term habits that support their health and fitness goals.

In addition to exercise prescription, Jack has a strong interest in sports performance testing and exercise capacity testing. This includes testing such as VO2 max, submaximal fitness testing, body composition testing, max power testing and blood lactate testing. These tests can be useful for athletes looking to improve performance, weekend warriors wanting to better understand their fitness, or individuals wanting baseline and follow-up measures to track their progress over time.

Jack’s goal is to help clients get the most out of their training, whether they are just starting out, improving general fitness, or working towards a specific sporting goal. He aims to provide a supportive and practical approach that helps each client move better, train smarter and feel more confident in their exercise journey.

Performance testing available includes:

• Body composition testing – including percentage body fat and lean muscle mass.
• VO2 max testing – providing a reliable measure of aerobic fitness for athletes, active individuals and weekend warriors.
• Submaximal fitness testing – useful for assessing current exercise capacity and tracking changes over time.
• Max power testing – useful for sprint-based athletes and individuals wanting to assess maximum power output.
• Blood lactate testing – designed for athletes wanting to establish specific training zones to improve performance.

Ready to take your exercises to the next level?  Book in to see Jack today to see what a tailored testing and exercise program can do for you!