About

Alex McLaren is an Edinburgh-based Strength Coach and Kinstretch® Instructor, specialising in joint health and strength training for longevity.

Alex mostly helps active people who have experienced injuries become stronger and more resilient through private, one-to-one training or group classes. He also helps people get back in shape in a smart, sustainable way.

Alex’s successful training methods combine conventional strength training, with a newer, holistic approach to movement, aimed at increasing longevity, while at the same to boosting performance.

Alex is Edinburgh’s only provider of Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), Functional Range Assessment (FRA), and Kinstretch, which are all systems of assessment and training now being utilised by the world’s top athletes for longevity and performance. Alex has a strong background in strength & conditioning and is a former elite-level competitive swim coach. One of his athletes went on to break Michael Phelp’s age group (LCM) record in 100 butterfly.

Continual growth and development as a coach is extremely important to Alex, who has studied under the tutelage of world-renowned professionals in the fields of biomechanics, rehab and performance. He is currently doing a mentorship with US-based Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Zac Cupples.

Alex’s background is as a former international-level swimmer for Canada. During his athletic career, he was plagued with injuries and had to throw up his goggles shortly before the 2012 London Olympic Trials, where Alex was trying to earn a spot on Canada’s Olympic Team.

Since then, Alex has been on a mission to find the best, most sustainable ways to train for long-term health and success. He has a deep understanding and empathy for people who suffer from injuries that hold them back from their passions, whether they are training for sports, or for life in general.

Alex’s passions include running, wild-swimming and eating local organic food, and the odd gin-based cocktail (former bartender), amongst many other things!

Part of the story that lead Alex to where he is now, is that (in 2014) he experienced acute gastrointestinal inflammation that forced him to take nutrition and diet very seriously. Initially having had to take 4 pills/day to manage his symptoms, Alex has now made it to the point where he no longer needs to use pharmaceuticals.

Alex sees his past history with injuries and gut problems as a blessing that has helped guide him to a place where he can help others take ownership of their own health.