MEET OUR PEOPLE

FOUNDER | COACH | CHAMPION OF WOMEN’S STRENGTH

janine couchman

Janine is the heart and backbone of The Resistance. She has coached women through all stages of life - beginners, returners, movers, shakers, doubters, and the late-night Googlers quietly wondering if their knees are supposed to do that.

She understands midlife deeply. Hormones. Injuries. Energy dips. That sense of not quite recognising yourself anymore. She also understands confidence rebuilds, and just how powerful they can be.

Janine holds a Masters in Educational Psychology, which sits at the core of how she coaches. This psychological foundation, combined with postgraduate study in exercise, menopause, plant-based nutrition and epigenetics, shapes a coaching approach that supports both the body and the mind.

Her work is thoughtful, evidence-based and deeply human, with a strong focus on helping women create meaningful, lasting change rather than chasing short-term results.

Based in Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay, she’s a proud mum of three, loves good food and meaningful conversations, and is often training for her next personal challenge, because she genuinely believes strength is for life, not just the gym.

There’s no drill-sergeant energy here. No gym-bro nonsense. Just a coach who genuinely wants women to feel strong, capable and confident.

our coaches

  • LILLI

    STRENGTH COACH
    1 : 1 COACHING

    Lilli is on a mission to help more women discover the lifelong benefits of strength training. With a background in healthcare and years of strength training experience, she combines practical knowledge with a deep understanding of female physiology. Her coaching gives women the confidence to move well, lift safely and build strength that supports them through every stage of life.

  • CATH

    STRENGTH COACH

    Cath believes strength training can change every woman's life, regardless of her age, experience or starting point. As a mum of three teenagers, she understands the challenge of balancing family, work and your own wellbeing. With a background in physical education and nearly a decade of coaching, she creates an environment where women feel capable, supported and proud of what they can achieve.

  • NAT

    STRENGTH COACH

    Nat brings energy, positivity and encouragement to every class. With seven years of group fitness experience, she's passionate about helping women build strength, confidence and consistency in a way that feels both achievable and enjoyable. Whether you're new to training or building on your experience, you can expect expert coaching, genuine encouragement and plenty of motivation along the way.

  • LAURA

    STRENGTH COACH
    1 : 1 COACHING

    Laura understands the realities of balancing family, changing hormones and trying to make time for yourself, because she's lived it too. As a qualified personal trainer and mum of two, she believes the best programme is one that fits your life. Her coaching is practical, compassionate and focused on helping women build lasting strength without guilt, pressure or perfectionism.

  • MELANIE

    STRENGTH COACH
    PHYSIO

    Melanie is passionate about helping women move with confidence through every stage of life. With more than 25 years as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist, she combines clinical expertise with practical coaching to help women build strength, improve movement and support their long-term health. Her calm, evidence-based approach empowers women to feel stronger, more capable and confident in their bodies.