
Michael McCavana
Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre
Belfast





7 votes
About
Qualifications
Specialisms
Location
Reviews
About
Hi, my name is Michael, I have been a personal trainer for over 3 years.
I was previously a chef for over 20 years and during lockdown realised how much health and fitness improved my physical and mental health, so I felt compelled to change careers and help others on their fitness journey.
I believe exercise is for everybody and the benefits are worth the time invested not only from a physical health perspective, but it also provides great mental health benefits.
As a busy parent of two I understand how challenging it is to make time for yourself, so I create tailored programs and packages to suit your lifestyle and help you achieve your goals.
Over the last three years I have helped a wide variety of people improve their health and reach their fitness goals, ranging from weight loss for a wedding, improving fitness for sport and building muscle and strength.
I take a very simple approach to training and nutrition to make things as easy for you as possible and along the way I'll teach you the skills to keep making progress for a lifetime.
I was previously a chef for over 20 years and during lockdown realised how much health and fitness improved my physical and mental health, so I felt compelled to change careers and help others on their fitness journey.
I believe exercise is for everybody and the benefits are worth the time invested not only from a physical health perspective, but it also provides great mental health benefits.
As a busy parent of two I understand how challenging it is to make time for yourself, so I create tailored programs and packages to suit your lifestyle and help you achieve your goals.
Over the last three years I have helped a wide variety of people improve their health and reach their fitness goals, ranging from weight loss for a wedding, improving fitness for sport and building muscle and strength.
I take a very simple approach to training and nutrition to make things as easy for you as possible and along the way I'll teach you the skills to keep making progress for a lifetime.
Qualifications
Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training
PFCA Functional Fitness Coach
Level 2 Mental Health Awareness
Level 2 Fitness Instructor
Level 2 Indoor Cycle Instructor
PFCA Functional Fitness Coach
Level 2 Mental Health Awareness
Level 2 Fitness Instructor
Level 2 Indoor Cycle Instructor
Specialisms
Functional Fitness
Mental Health Awareness
Strength Training
Building Muscle
Fat Loss
Habit Building
Mental Health Awareness
Strength Training
Building Muscle
Fat Loss
Habit Building
Location
7 Reviews
7 out of 7





I have been training with Michael for 3 years. My main objective was to loose weight and improve my overall fitness. Michael’s gentle approach to training and realistic goal setting has undoubtedly enabled me to achieve and surpass my objectives. I have lost the weight I had hoped for and kept it off whilst getting stronger at the same time. Training, especially weight lifting has now become part of who I am rather than a chore and I miss the gym if I can’t go. The benefits of the training are really noticeable now especially when doing day to day stuff like a bit of gardening or dog walking.
I would highly recommend Michael as an extremely knowledgeable, helpful and professional trainer.
Simon Toye
I would highly recommend Michael as an extremely knowledgeable, helpful and professional trainer.





I first met Michael around two years ago when I tried a strength class for the first time. To say I felt daunted was an understatement because to this day I’ve never attended a more popular and busy class. That class was full of novices like myself amongst others, and experienced people who had been attending his classes for years. I’ve never felt more at ease in any other class and the knowledge that he has around weights and capabilities was second to none. I progressed through his class with quality advice week on week and eventually I had outgrown his class, which Michael himself spotted long before I did. I needed to take up training on my own, which was also recommended by Michael. He provided me with my first ever weights program, along with the best implementation advice I could ask for. And he watched, tutored and advised from afar as I’ve progressed well in that area too. His knowledge, support, guidance and encouragement is always there, and never goes unnoticed or overlooked. I’ve got gym floor confidence I couldn’t have purchased two years ago, and Michael provided it without fail. Best decision I made was listening to him, best decision he’s made is backing himself. Best in the business and a clear front runner in his field.
Don’t look past this guy in any fitness field you endeavour to try, you’ll want the best from day one and Michael will provide it in abundance. And he’ll make you laugh along the way too !!
Neil M
Don’t look past this guy in any fitness field you endeavour to try, you’ll want the best from day one and Michael will provide it in abundance. And he’ll make you laugh along the way too !!





I first met Michael in 2023 when I was doing fitness classes. I started strength training with him at start of 2024. He spoke with me at length to get to know me and encouraged me to start work on the gym floor following doing his strength classes. He advised me on the benefits of this type of training.
He is a very caring sensitive coach and very experienced in building your confidence and making feel your absolute best. He has tailored a number of programmes for me. Kept in contact and is an inspiration to me. He has made me view excercise and movement in a difference way. He has supported me and continues to do so each week to strive me to do my best and full of encouragement.
When I started training it was all about weight loss he's changed my mindset in regard to this. I am in the process of getting stronger and building my confidence on gym floor.
Such a positive guy who wants the best out of you and is always available for advice and guidance. He is like a breath of fresh air to be honest he's kind considerate and if your seeking to get into strength training, Michael is the guy to go too💪
Thank you for your continued support guidance reassurance regarding my training schedule and letting me view fitness and movement in a different respect.
Here's to many more years of training and being active.
My only regret is I wish I had of met him 3 years ago when I commenced my fitness journey.
Michael your a 💎. Here's to being the best version of ourselves. 💪💪💪💪
Lisa
He is a very caring sensitive coach and very experienced in building your confidence and making feel your absolute best. He has tailored a number of programmes for me. Kept in contact and is an inspiration to me. He has made me view excercise and movement in a difference way. He has supported me and continues to do so each week to strive me to do my best and full of encouragement.
When I started training it was all about weight loss he's changed my mindset in regard to this. I am in the process of getting stronger and building my confidence on gym floor.
Such a positive guy who wants the best out of you and is always available for advice and guidance. He is like a breath of fresh air to be honest he's kind considerate and if your seeking to get into strength training, Michael is the guy to go too💪
Thank you for your continued support guidance reassurance regarding my training schedule and letting me view fitness and movement in a different respect.
Here's to many more years of training and being active.
My only regret is I wish I had of met him 3 years ago when I commenced my fitness journey.
Michael your a 💎. Here's to being the best version of ourselves. 💪💪💪💪





I started training with Michael 1 year ago. I was unsure where to start. I had recently become a mother and my child was 18 months old. I wanted to get out and do something for myself that was good for my body and my mind. I had read how beneficial it is for women to do weight training but it felt very out of my comfort zone. I had never really gone to the gym and I am small, petite and slim and wasn’t sure how well I would do. I had lost weight and muscle mass postpartum and I hoped that I could work on that and get some confidence back. I met Michael for a coffee and a chat and felt very much at ease in his company. I found him easy to talk to and he was very willing to answer any questions and listen to any concerns I had. He was upfront and clear about what would be involved and the cost. I had an initial session with no obligation to carry on. The first session went really well and one year later we are still training twice a week. Michael has pushed me and spurred me on whilst also being understanding to how I am feeling. He is considerate in his approach and understands that the whole picture is about how you are feeling physically, but also mentally. Michael is clear in his instructions of what he wants you to do and effective in demonstrating how to do something. I found this particularly helpful as a complete beginner. He focuses on perfecting what you are doing before moving on to the next stage, ensuring you don’t injure yourself. I feel he progresses the training at the right speed and has good judgment, and he is flexible and willing to adjust when needed. He is good at giving feedback and suggesting improvements in a clear and considered manner. I find Michael to be a knowledgeable, reliable and respectful trainer. He always checks in after a session and I find him easy to talk to and always enjoy our chats in between the working out. I feel that my progress has been steady and I am really pleased with what I have achieved. I am lifting weights that I never thought I would be able to and I would never have got this stage or persevered without a good trainer. Michael has helped me increased my confidence in myself and I am proud that I have been able to stick to regular training for so long. Michael is empathetic, passionate about what he does and really dedicated to helping his clients succeed. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending him to anyone who wants to give weight training a go, especially if it’s your first time, and it really is the best investment for your physical and mental health.
Clare O’H





I've been training with Michael for over a year now, and it's been such a positive and empowering experience. As a busy working mum of two, I was completely new to the gym and a bit nervous at first, but he made me feel completely comfortable and supported from day one.
Every session was tailored to suit my energy levels and what I needed in that moment – whether it was strength-building, stress relief, or just moving my body after a hectic day. The small group class I joined always left me in a great mood, and it quickly became something I genuinely looked forward to each week.
Michael creates such an encouraging and inclusive environment, and I’ve come away not only stronger physically but with a real boost in confidence. I can’t recommend him enough!
Anna
Every session was tailored to suit my energy levels and what I needed in that moment – whether it was strength-building, stress relief, or just moving my body after a hectic day. The small group class I joined always left me in a great mood, and it quickly became something I genuinely looked forward to each week.
Michael creates such an encouraging and inclusive environment, and I’ve come away not only stronger physically but with a real boost in confidence. I can’t recommend him enough!





I have been training with Michael since 2023 and his approach to training has been a breath of fresh air! Realistic person centered training that goes at your pace and works with your needs. Having started with Michael shortly after having my first baby he helped me get my confidence back in training and work on building strength in a gradual safe way. He really knows his stuff and is always happy to help or change things as needed. Highly recommend!
Nainsi Stewart





I started training with Michael 1 and 1/2 years ago and wish I had of started sooner! I had previously always went to hit classes or spin classes but after having my little girl the thought of these was daunting.
Michael introduced me to weights training that was tailored around my needs with helpful advice and tips to encourage me.
Immediately I felt comfortable and it wasn't long before I started to feel and see results.
Highly recommend if you want a knowledgeable coach who is passionate about improving physical and mental well being, especially if you are a busy mum like myself!
Courtney
Michael introduced me to weights training that was tailored around my needs with helpful advice and tips to encourage me.
Immediately I felt comfortable and it wasn't long before I started to feel and see results.
Highly recommend if you want a knowledgeable coach who is passionate about improving physical and mental well being, especially if you are a busy mum like myself!