Our Team
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Renee Hinks
FOUNDER
Renee is the Founder of Blkout and has been a dedicated force in the health and fitness industry for over seven years. Her experience spans from supporting complete beginners to guiding aspiring athletes, bringing both passion and expertise to every stage of the fitness journey.
Renee began her professional path in 2018 with her personal training business, Renee Hinks Personal Training, working from various locations before bringing her vision to life with the launch of Blkout. Her mission has always been clear: to create meaningful change in people’s lives through health, fitness, and empowerment.
In December 2024, Renee welcomed her first child, shifting her focus from hands-on training to strengthening the community within Blkout and managing the gym’s operations and administration. While her role has evolved, her commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and inspiring space remains at the heart of everything she does.
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Jess Sullivan
COACH
Jess is a dedicated coach at Blkout and an integral part of the gym’s heartbeat. Known for her infectious energy and positive presence, Jess brings fun and motivation to every session she leads. Her ability to create a welcoming and uplifting environment makes her a favorite among members, whether they're new to fitness or seasoned athletes.
Beyond her vibrant personality, Jess is deeply committed to the safety and progress of every individual she works with. She has a keen eye for technique and pays close attention to detail, ensuring that exercises are performed correctly and efficiently. Her balanced approach—bringing both energy and precision—helps members feel confident in their movements while staying injury-free.
Jess is also pre- and post-natal certified, and she’s especially passionate about supporting women through pregnancy and postpartum. She takes pride in helping women feel strong, capable, and empowered during every stage of motherhood—offering tailored guidance to ensure they train safely and confidently.
Jess’s impact goes far beyond the workout floor. She plays a key role in building the Blkout community, supporting members in and out of sessions, and fostering a space where everyone feels seen and supported. Her passion, professionalism, and genuine care for others make her not just a coach, but a cornerstone of the Blkout experience.
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Jake Obrien
COACH
Jake is a powerhouse coach at Blkout! Known for his no-nonsense approach and high-energy delivery, Jake is the go-to for those looking to push their limits and break through mental and physical barriers. His sessions are intense, challenging, and always purposeful—designed to help members realize they’re capable of far more than they thought.
What sets Jake apart is his commitment to education. Every session is not just a workout, but an opportunity to learn. Whether it’s improving technique, understanding training principles, or developing mental resilience, Jake ensures his clients walk away with more than just sweat—they leave empowered with knowledge.
Jake’s ability to motivate and challenge, while still providing support and guidance, makes him a powerful presence on the coaching team. He brings out the best in people, inspiring confidence, discipline, and growth. For many members, Jake’s sessions have become a turning point in their fitness journey—a place where they not only work hard but discover what they’re truly capable of.
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Annie O'Farrell
COACH & DIETICIAN
Annie is a highly respected coach and the in-house dietitian at Blkout, bringing a unique blend of fitness and nutrition expertise to the team. With over five years of experience working alongside Renee, Annie has been a key part of Blkout’s growth and community from the very beginning. Her holistic approach to health and wellness helps members not only train smarter but also fuel their bodies for sustainable results.
As a qualified dietitian, Annie provides evidence-based nutrition guidance tailored to individual needs, helping members build healthier relationships with food while supporting their fitness goals. Whether it's performance-focused advice, weight management, or general well-being, Annie's compassionate and practical support empowers members to make lasting, meaningful changes.
In the gym, Annie is just as impactful. Her coaching style is supportive yet driven, creating a positive training environment where members feel both challenged and cared for. Annie's long-standing partnership with Renee and deep understanding of the Blkout philosophy make her an essential part of the team—trusted by members and staff alike for her knowledge, kindness, and unwavering commitment to helping people thrive.
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Lucy Livanes
COACH
Lucy is the newest coach to join the Blkout team, and she’s already making a powerful impression. With a fresh perspective and a passion for helping others, Lucy brings a vibrant energy to every session. Her enthusiasm for fitness is contagious, and she’s quickly becoming a familiar and friendly face within the community.
As a coach, Lucy is focused, approachable, and driven to see every member succeed. She’s committed to learning and growing alongside the team, and her attention to detail ensures that members feel supported, seen, and challenged in all the right ways. Lucy brings a thoughtful, hands-on coaching style that blends motivation with a genuine desire to help people move better and feel stronger.
While she may be new to Blkout, Lucy is already embodying the values the gym stands for—community, empowerment, and progress. Her presence is a welcome addition to the team, and there’s no doubt she’ll play a key role in many members' fitness journeys moving forward.
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Annalise Panayi
CRECHE
Annalise is a valued member of the Blkout team, working in our on-site crèche and playing an essential role in supporting our gym families. With a natural ability to connect with children and create a safe, welcoming environment, she ensures that parents can train with confidence, knowing their little ones are in caring and capable hands.
Currently completing her degree in Early Childhood Education at university, Annalise brings both passion and purpose to her work. Her studies deepen the knowledge she applies every day in the crèche, and she’s always looking for ways to engage and support each child’s unique needs and personality. Her calm, nurturing nature helps children feel at ease, turning crèche time into a fun and positive experience.
Annalise’s dream is to one day open her own daycare centre—a vision that’s clearly reflected in the care, professionalism, and love she brings to her role at Blkout. She’s not just looking after the next generation, she’s actively building her future around them. We’re lucky to have her as part of our team and our community.
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Phil
PERSONAL TRAINER
Phil is a dedicated Personal Trainer at Blkout and a constant presence on the gym floor. While he doesn’t coach group classes, you'll regularly find him working closely with clients in one-on-one or small group sessions—delivering highly personalised training that’s focused, effective, and results-driven.
With a calm yet motivating approach, Phil takes the time to understand each client’s goals, needs, and limitations, ensuring every session is tailored for maximum impact. Whether it’s strength building, fat loss, mobility, or performance-based training, he combines expert knowledge with practical coaching to help members make real, lasting progress.
Phil’s consistency and commitment have made him a well-respected figure in the Blkout community. Always approachable and supportive, he’s more than just a trainer—he’s a go-to source of guidance, accountability, and encouragement for those looking to level up their training in a more personalised setting.