More Than Coaches. A Team That Genuinely Cares.
Every member who walks through our doors deserves more than access to equipment. They deserve support, guidance, accountability and a team that genuinely wants to see them succeed. At Bubba's Project Gym, we've built a coaching team that lives and breathes our values every single day.
From your very first session to every milestone you achieve along the way, we're here to educate, motivate and help you become stronger, healthier and more confident.
Built on Passion. Driven by People.
Bubba's Project Gym began with one simple belief — fitness should never be intimidating. It should be a place where everyday people feel welcomed, supported and coached by people who genuinely care about helping them improve their lives.
Founder Bubba Ali turned his passion for health and performance into a coaching career that has now spanned more than 16 years. Throughout that journey, he has helped thousands of clients transform their health, coached hundreds of athletes across football, GAA and soccer, and mentored coaches who now deliver outstanding coaching throughout the fitness industry.
Known for his high-energy style, technical knowledge and ability to build genuine relationships, Bubba became recognised as one of Northern Ireland's leading personal trainers. In 2016, alongside his wife Lindsay, that vision became reality with the opening of Bubba's Project Gym.
Since then, the facility has continued to evolve, culminating in its major 2026 expansion — featuring one of the most complete strength and functional training environments anywhere in the UK and Ireland.
Today, Bubba's Project Gym isn't simply known for incredible equipment. It's recognised for something far more valuable: an atmosphere where people feel welcomed, a coaching team that genuinely cares, and a community that pushes each other forward.
Four Values That Define Us.
Passion.
We care deeply about every member who trusts us with their journey.
Energy.
Every session should leave you feeling better than when you walked in.
Knowledge.
Expert coaching creates long-term results, not short-term fixes.
Fun.
Training should be something you look forward to every week.
Five Industry Awards.
Our greatest achievement will always be the lives we've helped change — but we're also incredibly proud to have been recognised across the fitness industry for our commitment to coaching, community and service.
Best Medium Gym – Northern Ireland
Best Male Personal Trainer
Community Engagement Award
COVID Lockdown Champion
Industry Recognition for Coaching Excellence
While the awards are something we're proud of, they're really a reflection of our incredible members and coaching team who make Bubba's Project Gym what it is today.
Meet the Team.
Bubba Ali
Founder | Gym Owner | Head Coach
For over 16 years, Bubba has dedicated his career to helping people become stronger, healthier and more confident. His coaching combines elite-level knowledge with infectious energy, creating an environment where complete beginners and experienced athletes alike feel challenged, supported and motivated.
Whether coaching a personal training session, leading a packed Bootcamp or mentoring coaches behind the scenes, Bubba's mission remains the same: help people perform better, feel better and enjoy the journey.
Elaine Connelly
Operations & Client Relations Manager
Elaine is often the first friendly face you'll meet at Bubba's Project Gym. From helping new members feel at home to ensuring every part of the member journey runs smoothly, Elaine plays a huge role behind the scenes.
Having seen the Bootcamp journey from the client's side — and a transformation of her own — she now inspires so many on their journey with genuine care, organisation and positivity.
Inga
Head Coach
As Head Coach at Bubba's Project Gym, Inga leads the delivery standards our members experience every single day. With over a decade of experience in the health and fitness industry, she returned to Bubba's after previously coaching with us — proof of both her passion for our community and the standards we uphold.
Renowned for her exceptional attention to detail, Inga is one of the most technically driven coaches you'll ever work with, with an outstanding eye for movement quality — helping members understand not just what they're doing, but why. She brings professionalism, energy and genuine passion to every session.
Vilija
Personal Trainer & Coach
Vilija has been an important part of the Bubba's journey for many years, progressing into a highly experienced professional with over six years in the industry. Her background spans strength training, CrossFit, Olympic lifting, physique development, distance running, athletics and strength & conditioning.
A busy mum herself, Vilija understands balancing family, work and health. She creates an environment where members feel comfortable, supported and confident while still being challenged — combining encouragement with accountability to build lasting results.
Nicole Hawthorne
Personal Trainer & Coach
One of the newest additions to the team, Nicole brings over six years of experience and an infectious enthusiasm for helping people succeed. Affectionately known as the “Smiling Assassin,” she pairs a warm, welcoming personality with high-energy coaching that pushes members beyond what they thought possible.
Whether leading Small Group Personal Training or bringing the atmosphere to our Bootcamps, her passion is impossible to miss. A busy mum herself, she's passionate about helping members improve their health, reduce stress and enjoy the journey.
Ready to Meet Us in Person?
The best way to understand Bubba's Project Gym isn't by reading about us — it's by experiencing the atmosphere for yourself. Come and meet the team, tour the facility and discover why so many people choose Bubba's to transform their health, fitness and confidence.