Factory 21, 95 Tulip Street, Cheltenham, 3192
ALLY HOWARD
I would like to wholeheartedly endorse Rella’s Movement Studio as a fantastic place to train. It continues to be a key and deeply beneficial part of my overall health and wellbeing lifestyle.
Head Coach Cindy is an exceptionally impressive athlete and fitness professional, with well-documented sporting achievements spanning multiple disciplines and decades. This speaks volumes about her credibility, commitment, and versatility. Those same qualities are reflected in how she runs her business, which has proudly achieved the highest Fitrec & AUSactive accreditation.
While Cindy is a highly qualified and experienced gym instructor and personal trainer, it is the environment and culture she has created that truly sets Rella’s Movement Studio apart. Rella’s is far more than a typical gym, many of which can feel clinical, transactional, isolating, or intimidating. Yes, Rella’s has a wide range of strength and conditioning equipment, but it also has indoor plants, colour, comfy seating, and, if you choose, coffee and conversation. It looks different because it is different.
The studio is genuinely welcoming and inclusive. The clientele spans all ages, sizes, and abilities because Cindy attracts and welcomes everyone. Even more importantly, Cindy is always present as founder and head coach. Her personal dedication to each individual who walks through the door makes being there feel like a gift. For me, Rella’s is both a sweat session and a sanctuary, all in one.
I met Cindy about 15 years ago when I was a beginner distance runner at an event on Beach Road in Mentone. She ran alongside me for a while, offering encouragement, and we began to chat. I very quickly realised she was a kind-hearted ball of energy, and she soon became a lifeline. Over the years, she has supported me in losing over 20kg through a nutrition and exercise plan, coached me to complete countless 5km, 10km, and half-marathon runs, and, incredibly, helped me complete my first full marathon in 2025 at the age of 54. She has also expertly rehabilitated me through many injury niggles and the physical changes that come with ageing and menopause.
Cindy’s knowledge and her generosity in sharing it are boundless. The moment I mention a loss of confidence or uncertainty about an exercise, she is there to reassure, support, and guide me. She is qualified in everything I need to know and has a unique ability to turn any slide into negative thinking into a positive with a combination of credible sports science and humour. I honestly can’t count the number of times she has taken me from tears to laughter.
Beyond being a coach and mentor, Cindy is a teacher. She consistently explains the value of functional movement, not mindless or pointless repetitions, but purposeful movement that supports the body to do what it needs to do in everyday life: lifting groceries, pets, children, or being able to jump, reach, and twist safely. Once I truly understood that her exercise programming was personalised to suit my restrictions, goals, and lifestyle, everything clicked, and I was able to commit fully.
As a runner, foot strength is critical for balance, stability, shock absorption, and energy transfer. Cindy has taught me how neglecting foot strength can create flow-on effects throughout the body. This is knowledge I simply cannot imagine gaining in a mainstream gym setting.
Finally, Cindy brings fun and genuine connection into every session. She is open about her own challenges and struggles, which makes her deeply relatable and encouraging. She understands and empathises without judgement, lecturing, or preaching when setbacks occur. Seeing Cindy dedicate her personal time to championing fundraising efforts for charities supporting adults, children, and animals is all the proof I need that she leads through meaningful action, not just words. She genuinely cares, with her whole big, beautiful heart. Her purpose is to help people enjoy the gift of pain-free living and long-term mobility.
Rella’s Movement Studio is a truly fabulous choice for anyone wanting to regain movement and improve strength and mobility in a unique, supportive, and deeply human environment.