meet DARAGH
coach daragh Q&A
Daragh O’Donovan, 22, BSc (Honours) Sports and Exercise Management (Level 8) Personal Training Qualification
What were you doing before you started at Rocky Fitness?
Before I started in Rocky Fitness, I was doing a degree in Sports and Exercise Management in UCD. I was also working in retail part time.
What’s your role within Rocky Fitness?
My main role in Rocky Fitness is coaching. I work 5 days a week coaching on the gym floor where I explain the class setup, give tips on technique and advice on how to get the most out of lifts.
What inspired you to become a coach?
I always had a passion for exercise from a young age playing various sports growing up. I found great joy in pushing myself physically and I loved to compete whether it be with myself or with others. My first experience with the gym however was when my gaelic and hurling teams had us doing strength and conditioning classes for preseason.
At this stage my brother, Rocky, was already coaching and started to fall in love with lifting weights and exercising in a gym environment. I used to drive Rocky up the wall asking him question after question on certain exercises or training styles. And I think it was then, when Rocky realised there was a place for me in this industry and for years he used to tell me (I thought it was jokingly) that I would be working for him in a couple years time. So, I guess the thing that inspired me to become a coach was a mixed of my own love for self improvement and exercise as well as having Rocky to look up to and show me the benefits of this type of lifestyle.
What’s your favourite part about being a coach?
I think I have 2: The first is having the convenience of having both the gym and your workplace together. The second is the satisfaction of seeing someone improve and learn, especially someone that wouldn’t have had that much experience in a gym or training. And I guess the feeling that you played a small role in that, is an incredible feeling
What’s your least favourite part about being a coach?
Trying to pick a playlist that everyone likes… because it’s impossible
What piece of advice are you always repeating to members?
Consistency over intensity. I like the analogy that it’s far better to train twice a week all year than to train four times a week for six months and then do nothing for the next six.
What’s one common fitness myth you wish more people understood?
A common fitness myth I wish more people understood is that high-intensity “sweat classes” should be the main staple of your training. They’re fun, they feel productive, and they leave you drenched—but that doesn’t make them the most effective path to real, long-term progress. The truth is, strength training should be the primary focus for most people.
What’s your proudest moment within Rocky Fitness?
Getting to work alongside my family as well as friends.
coach daragh PERSONAL LIFE
What are you currently training towards?
Hyrox Dublin
Favourite Rocky Fitness Class?
Friday Fusion
Favourite & least favourite exercise?
Favourite: Cable flys.
Least favourite: Bulgarian Split Squats
Favourite workout music?
Fred Again
When you’re not coaching, how do you spend your time?
Playing/watching sports, Djing, going out with friends
Favourite cheat foods?
Curry Koka Noodles
Give us a fun fact about you
My friends call me Dartboard because I’m so good at darts
Finish the sentence: I love it when our members… try something that is new to them e.g. energy classes, running, competitions
Finish the sentence: I hate it when our members… don’t try our delicious Rocky’s Coffee
Describe Rocky Fitness in 3 words:
Community, Laughs, Inspirational
Describe the Rocky Fitness members in 3 words:
Inspirational, Kind, Fun
our 30 day programme
We help members lose weight, get stronger, improve energy levels, or simply return to a regular fitness routine, our coaching team knows how to support you throughout your journey. Our 30-Day Programme has helped hundreds of people in Dublin become fitter, healthier, and more confident. We focus on more than just workouts by helping you with nutrition and habit change to finish with a sustainable lifestyle. We want to make positive lifestyle changes, and maintain your results for the long term. Get in touch to start your fitness journey with Rocky Fitness!