Thu 24 / 07 / 25
Meet Ascend Performance
Meet the Co-owners of strength and conditioning gyms, Ascend Performance, Rob Nitman and Matt Dickens - and our July Chamber Breakfast sponsors! We asked them a few questions to get to know what drives their business, what's next for Ascend and of course, a couple of fun facts too.
By Matt Dickens & Rob Nitman of ASCEND Performance
Can you tell us a bit about who you are and what you do?
We are the co-owners of Ascend Performance and operate two Strength & Conditioning gyms in Brighton - HQ Waterhall located at Brighton Rugby Club, and Edward Street in town. Our mission is to provide an incredible fitness experience that gets people into the best shape of their lives.
You've both worked with professional athletes for a number of years - how do you use this experience to support your clients?
The idea for Ascend was built off our time spent in elite sport, and we wanted to bring elite level support to every level of athlete. Just because someone only competes as a hobbyist, or doesn’t compete at all, doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be looked after like a professional.
We pride ourselves on having the best coaching team in Brighton, all of them having completed – or still studying towards – a masters degree in Strength & Conditioning (except Rob). We also boast 4 UKSCA Accredited Coaches on our team, with two more working towards it, which is more than a lot of professional sports teams. The level of knowledge and experience in our gyms is incredible, and this is why we are able to make such a big impact for so many people.
What role does community play in what you do?
Community is huge. We recently held our Summer Social, where over 100 members turned up – with their families – to do some fitness, have fun and enjoy good food with their fellow members.
What’s an even bigger testament is that at the recent Brighton Fitness Festival our members volunteered to help us out, and were singing our praises to people passing by and showing interest in what we do. When people go out of their way to tell others of your impact, you know you’re doing something right.
We find that people often sign up to reach a fitness milestone or goal, but they stay for the community.
What's next for Ascend - anything exciting on the horizon?
We are in the process of trying to secure a new location, to upsize our Edward Street facility and have the ability to impact even more people on a daily basis. And we’re in continued discussions to renew our S&C Contracts with the University of Brighton, University of Sussex, Brighton Blues FC RFU and other teams.
We’ve also got some exciting education workshops that we’re hoping to announce soon; sports psychology, sports nutrition and a deep dive into all things women’s health.
A couple of questions to get to know you a little better. If you could only have three apps on your phone, what would they be and why?
Rob:
- YouTube, so that I can play Moana Lullabies to my daughter at nap time.
- Spotify, because music and podcasts are a big part of my day to day.
- WhatsApp, so I can continue to stay in touch with my nearest and dearest.
Matt:
- WhatsApp, best form of comms.
- Instagram, main used social channel for work & marketing.
- Spotify, it’s hard to dance without music.
What's one thing people are surprised to find out about you?
Rob: I was friend requested on Facebook by Mike Brown, England Men's Rugby's most capped full back.
Matt: I formerly coached Lewis Hamilton.
A big thank you to Rob and Matt! Ascend Performance are sponsors of our July Chamber Breakfast with guest speakers Vicky Alexander, Women and Girl's Growth Activator for England Rugby. Book your tickets for July 25 on our events calendar.
If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk