MEET THE TEAM
Ben Quigley’s talented team of instructors is comprised of leading fitness experts who share his vision for teaching with a smile and a genuine passion for helping people fulfil their fitness and health goals.
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BEN QUIGLEY
FOUNDER & OWNER
Ben is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientist, and holds a Bachelor of Health Science boasting over 20 years in the industry. He's a Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach and the founder and owner of Symetrie. He is a true Clovelly local with over 25 years experience as a professional lifeguard. His fitness career began with a fascination for functional and corrective exercise, and he appreciates the inclusivity that group training offers for all fitness levels, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. He finds motivation in the collective group, even on days when a challenging session seems daunting. Outside the gym, Ben's hobbies include swimming, surfing, and participating in SwimRun events. As a dedicated family man, he can often be found cheering for his kids on the sporting fields of Sydney. If Ben weren't a trainer, he envisions himself as a paramedic or doctor, drawn to the opportunity to help people as a first responder—a testament to his genuine passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others.
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ELLA TURNER
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST & PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Ella is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Accredited Exercise Scientist, and newly graduated Doctor of Physiotherapy with a passion for combining science, movement, and human connection to help people perform at their best. With a distinction average in her doctoral studies and multiple awards for academic and clinical excellence, she brings both deep expertise and a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to every session.
Since joining Symetrie in 2021, Ella has worked with a wide range of clients from your everyday athlete to individuals managing musculoskeletal, neurological, and metabolic conditions. She specialises in strength and conditioning, injury rehabilitation, and tailored exercise prescription, always with a strong focus on long-term outcomes.
Outside of the gym, Ella has built extensive on-field experience as a sports trainer across rugby, AFL, cricket, and basketball, working closely with physiotherapists and medical teams to manage injuries and guide safe return-to-play pathways. Her collaborative approach and commitment to ongoing professional development mean she’s always refining her skills to better serve her clients.
When she’s not coaching or on the sidelines, Ella enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors, and continuing to learn from the best in her field. Driven by a genuine passion for helping others feel stronger, move better, and live well.
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MARTY FREESTONE
HEAD OF PROGRAMMING
Marty is our Head of Programming at Symetrie. He is a soccer enthusiast from England turned fitness expert. After a US soccer scholarship, he played in New Zealand before settling in Sydney. Marty holds a Bachelor's in Exercise Science & Kinesiology, boasting a decade of coaching experience. His passion lies in guiding transformative physique journeys and pushing limits in strength. With group training, Marty fosters inclusive communities where everyone, from beginners to advanced, supports each other. Beyond fitness, he enjoys tennis, football, UFC, coastal walks, and coffee. If not a trainer, Marty envisions a role working with animals, perhaps as a zookeeper, showcasing his diverse interests.
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CONNOR CODY
HEAD OF COACHING
Connor is our Head of Coaching at Symetrie. Connor brings over a decade of experience in the fitness industry, blending technical expertise with a passion for movement. Hailing from the south coast of the U.K., he spent three transformative years coaching in Sydney before returning home to launch his own small-group personal training studio. Alongside running his business, Connor studied a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, further refining his knowledge of anatomy and movement mechanics.
As a semi-professional soccer player for the past 14 years, including representing England at the schoolboy level, Connor has a deep understanding of athletic performance. His coaching style emphasises precise technical instruction, helping clients of all levels master foundational movement patterns to unlock their full potential. Known for his energy and enthusiasm, he ensures every session is both challenging and rewarding, no matter where you are on your fitness journey.
When he’s not coaching or on the soccer field, Connor enjoys live music, photography, travel, and running. If not a coach he dreams of one day perfecting the art of baking and crafting the best almond croissant in town.
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LIAM VELDSMAN
SENIOR COACH
Liam brings vibrant energy and sass to Symetrie, drawing from his background as a sole trader in 1-on-1 personal training. His journey into fitness began with his own weight loss and functional training experience, fueling his passion to help others achieve similar success. With 8 years of experience, Liam takes a holistic approach to fitness, focusing on helping clients better understand their bodies and the importance of balancing fitness with a vibrant, energised life.
Certified in Health and Fitness (Cert III & IV), Liam is committed to continuous learning, regularly expanding his expertise in movement mechanics, fitness programming, and nutrition. He believes fitness should be fun, always aiming to bring laughter and smiles to his clients. Outside the gym, Liam enjoys watching anime, gaming, spending time at the beach, and discovering new food spots.
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EMMA MACDONALD
SENIOR COACH
Originally from London, Emma moved to Sydney to embrace the vibrant health and fitness lifestyle (and, of course, the sunshine!). With over four years of experience in 1:1 coaching and group training, she specialises in pre and postnatal exercise, helping clients safely build strength and resilience through all stages of life.
Emma’s own fitness journey began with high levels of anxiety stepping into the gym, but it’s now become her “happy place.” Having experienced her own weight loss transformation, she’s deeply passionate about helping others gain confidence both in and outside the gym.
Emma’s approach centres around functionality over aesthetics, focusing on sustainable, individualized progress. She believes there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to exercise, and she’s committed to guiding clients in finding what works best for their unique needs and goals. -
LUCIA CAJIAS
EXERCISE SCIENTIST & COACH
Lucia is a Group Fitness Coach and Exercise Scientist with a passion for helping people build strength, confidence, and resilience through movement. A Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science graduate, she is currently completing her Graduate Certificate in High Performance Sport, specialising in strength and conditioning for performance and rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance nutrition.Lucia’s coaching experience spans boutique personal training studios and high-performance settings, where she has worked with diverse clients, from athletes striving for peak performance to women navigating pre and postnatal training, and individuals rehabbing injuries. Her approach blends evidence-based programming with a strong focus on technique, creating a safe and supportive environment where every client can thrive.
Fluent in Spanish and known for her warm, community-focused style, Lucia is dedicated to making the gym a place where everyone feels welcome. She thrives on building genuine connections and tailoring sessions to each individual’s goals, whether it’s hitting a personal best, returning to training after injury, or simply feeling stronger in everyday life.
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ASHLEA QUIGLEY
PILATES INSTRUCTOR & COACH
Ashlea is passionate about health and fitness and is always looking to further her education and use that knowledge of the human body in her sessions. She has over 10 years of experience and has previously worked as a Sports Therapist for national and international sporting teams. After suffering from a back injury and treating it through pilates, she witnessed the benefits firsthand – the source of inspiration to study and become a Pilates Instructor!
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NICOLE WINTERBURN
YOGA INSTRUCTOR & THERAPIST
Nicole is a yoga teacher and yoga therapist. While she has practised for over 30 years and taught for 16 of those, she still considers herself a student of yoga. She has a synergistic approach and loves to learn from clients, including their likes, dislikes and expectations. Yoga is more than just the poses – it's a philosophy that encompasses the breath, the body and the mind. Nicole’s classes tap into all of these elements.
