Skip to main content

About Us

Functional Adaptive Movement™ Ltd (FAM™) is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through group exercise classes and personalized one-on-one training sessions. Our establishment in 2018 marked the beginning of a journey that has since touched the lives of over 500 individuals with disabilities in New Zealand, each with their unique abilities and challenges.

As we continue to grow, our unwavering mission remains constant: to offer people with disabilities the opportunity to partake in strength and conditioning training, promoting improved fitness and daily functionality. At FAM™, we don't merely see our clients as participants; we view them as athletes who form the very bedrock of our FAMily.

Our FAMily extends its embrace to encompass healthcare and disability organizations, devoted support workers, aspiring students, and, most significantly, our knowledgeable and passionate coaches. Beyond the evident physical benefits of participating in FAM™ sessions, being a part of our FAMily cultivates a profound sense of belonging. It serves as a bridge to the community, fostering the growth of social and professional networks.

Join us at FAM™, where we're more than just a fitness program; we're a community committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Michael Hynard

CEO / Founder

Michael's journey in the realm of health and fitness isn't just a career; it's a profound calling and a heartfelt passion deeply rooted in a personal connection.

In 1996, Michael's daughter Siobhan, only one year old at the time, received a life-altering diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and other conditions. This moment ignited a resolute sense of purpose within Michael.

Inspired by his own experiences, Michael founded the FAM™ Program. He believes that success in this field requires a collaborative approach, especially for those with special needs. Michael collaborates with specialists from various fields to ensure the program serves athletes comprehensively.

Michael is an AdaptX-Certified Inclusive and Adaptive Fitness Coach, an ATA (Adaptive Training Academy) certified Adaptive & Inclusive Trainer, and a national martial arts champion. He also holds a CrossFit Level 2 trainer designation and a 1st Dan in traditional Jiu Jitsu.

Before founding FAM™, Michael gained experience in the corporate sector as a salesperson and sales & leadership coach. These experiences honed his adaptability and people skills.

Clients describe Michael as enthusiastic, profoundly knowledgeable, impeccably professional, and exceptionally motivating. His commitment to enriching lives is unwavering and humbling.

Meet the Team

Karla Granville

Operations / Delivery Manager & Coach

Kia Ora ! After having worked in several operational management roles in the hospitality industry, I recently completed a BSR in Sport and Exercise Science & Nutrition, this has allowed me to gain an academic and professional focus of functional fitness. Programming movement for the body and mind results in increased overall strength and wellbeing, FAM™ facilitates this through inclusive group exercise and one on one training sessions which then quickly brings about enhanced happiness, and improves quality of life.

My time with FAM™ began as a Volunteer, gradually following with becoming a Coach, and now I’m grateful to be working with Michael to help improve and extend the FAM™ programs in an operational management role. With research, education, and support for our team of coaches, collectively we will find ways to continue championing inclusion, adaptation, and accessibility for all in safe and supportive environments.

Personally, I am also looking forward to part-time post graduate studies with a focus on adaptive functional fitness and clinical physiology. Still love a bit of competitive sport more recently with Surf Lifesaving and surf boat rowing, but these days it’s mostly all about swimming in the ocean or getting on my kayak when I can, walking in the forest and finding my happy place with my dog. JOY!

Diogo Friere

Coach

Diogo is a Strength and Movement coach who is passionate about working with people to develop their skills, strength and confidence in everyday tasks. Through his experience coaching kids and adults, he focuses on where his clients are at and helping them enjoy the small incremental wins a good process brings.

He takes his work seriously, all the while not taking himself too seriously - he believes that having fun, some banter and connecting with people is paramount for an enjoyable workout (and life, isn't it?). When not working with his clients, he's likely to be practicing Olympic Weightlifting (his sport/obsession of choice) or doing some core strengthening as his two young boys use him as a human trampoline





Ally Gow

Coach

Hi everyone! My name is Ally and I’m a recent graduate from a Bachelor of Science majoring in exercise science and psychology at the University of Auckland. For the past 2 years I have been working as a support worker helping differently abled people with a variety of programs each tailored to their unique interests. Many of the people I supported had a keen interest in exercise and given my background I eagerly put my hand up to take them to the gym. However, I soon realised how modern day gyms simply were not equipped or inclusive enough for the people I was supporting which lead me to searching for gyms that had a specific focus on people with disabilities. I knew as soon as I found FAM it was something special. Everyone deserves to feel the amazing benefits of strength training no matter your ability level, that is exactly what FAM provides, an inclusive exercise space specifically adapted to anyone and everyone's skill and fitness level. 
At the start of 2024 I started my personal training journey alongside support working and am so excited to now merge my two worlds together at FAM. My passion for fitness has been life long with my main focusses now being strength training and distance running. I’m looking forward to helping FAM athletes on their fitness journey becoming stronger in both the body and mind. See you there!!!!



Yuan Pu​

Coach

Kia Ora! 

I'm Yuan. 

I just finished my BSR, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Nutrition. I enjoy discovering people's different strengths through daily training to help them improve their strength, skills and self-efficacy more effectively. In addition to this, being active in training and experimenting with different cuisines is what makes me happiest outside of work and I aim to share this with my friends by associating food with an active and healthy lifestyle!





Claudia Wollaston

Coach 

Tēnā koutou katoa,
I joined with FAM™ as a volunteer way back in 2017 during my BSR in Sport and Exercise Science. After a break where I studied both a Masters in Applied Sciences in Dunedin, and a Masters of Teaching and Learning in Christchurch, I now am a full time PE teacher. I coach the Saturday class as I love the environment provided at FAM™, working together with everybody's strengths to push each other and become the best versions of ourselves through fitness. I am passionate about providing a space for people to achieve their goals, build confidence, try new things, and most of all enjoy themselves. When I am not coaching or teaching, I love to spend my own time being physically active, I love hiking and spending time outdoors as well as strength training and running. Hope to see you at class sometime soon!



Connor Dann

Coach 

My name is Connor and I am a graduated sport and exercise science major who has been working in the disability sector for the past three years. I used to work at ParaFed Otago which is where I found my love for adaptive sport. Right now, I also work at Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust as a rehabilitation coach and continue to be actively involved in the disability sector. In my spare time, I coach women's football and love to get out in nature, usually through trail running. I couldn't be happier to be involved with FAM and I hope to see you in the gym soon! 






 

See our work in action 

If you are curious about what we do, we would love to hear from you!