Our People

Meet our
Team

Image for Emma Bowerman

Emma Bowerman

Club Manager and Personal Trainer

Emma transitioned from a corporate career to pursue her passion for the fitness industry. Having experienced the challenges of balancing work, fitness, and personal goals, she now helps others navigate their busy lives, ensuring they prioritise their health and strength. With a focus on sustainable progress, Emma is dedicated to helping clients feel their best and achieve lasting results.

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Omar Abed

Personal Trainer

Omar has extensive experience in sports, resistance training and basketball coaching. With a Diploma in Sports & Recreation, majoring in Exercise Science, and further studies in strength and conditioning, Omar works with clients of all levels, specialising in training athletes to excel. Functional Fitness is his home base, where he’s proud to help clients achieve their goals. 

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Caitlin Bowden

Receptionist, Videographer & Social Media

Caitlin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Science and has a rich professional background spanning over a decade. For the past 11 years, she has worked as a sports coach, combining her passion for fitness, health, and sports with a commitment to helping others grow and succeed. She has also gained valuable experience in childcare, further showcasing her ability to connect with and inspire people of all ages.

With a lifelong interest in social media, Caitlin decided to pursue a career in the field this year. Her unique blend of academic knowledge, coaching expertise, and creative energy allows her to craft engaging content that resonates with audiences.

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Josh Gilmore

Personal Trainer

Josh is a REPs registered personal trainer and fitness coach at Functional Fitness. He has a passion for helping people become fitter and stronger. With a background in health science, he uses evidence-based methods to ensure you receive the most effective training tips and techniques to reach your specific goals. 

Qualifications:

- certificate of personal training, fit futures academy 

- bachelors degree in health science, AUT

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Prene Govender

Co-owner & director

Prene’s fitness journey began with personal training in the NZ Navy straight out of high school. His career has since spanned roles in financial sales in Australia, gym management in South Auckland, and account management for Glanbia Nutrition.

Now, as a co-owner of Functional Fitness, Prene balances his professional life with family, spending time with his wife Michelle and their two young sons.

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Anthony Cooke

Co-owner & director

Anthony’s fitness journey began in high school with weightlifting and continued through rehab for multiple knee injuries sustained while playing soccer. With decades of experience in New Zealand's health sector, Anthony established a franchised gym in South Auckland and later ran an e-bike store in Botany. Now, he helps oversee the operations at Functional Fitness.

Anthony has participated in Masters Games, reached the final of the men’s 100m sprint at the 2017 World Masters Games in Auckland, earned medals in indoor rowing, and recently competed in his first powerlifting event.