Ant V
Who am I?
I am Anthony V (you can call me Ant), the founder of Circle8. With more than a decade in the sport therapy and personal training industry, I have gained a wealth of experience that has taken me from working with Olympic athletes and high-profile triathlon teams to simple, holistic & sports massage treatments for everyday aches and pains.
My passion is in sports rehab. They say the best way to learn is to experience something yourself and for me, that came about when I dislocated both shoulders in a snowboarding accident several years ago. Following an operation, I took on my own rehab program (physician heal thyself?) and was able to understand the process from a new perspective.
What do I do?
Over the years I have gained several qualifications in my field including Level 2 & 3 Personal Trainer, level 3 & 4 Sports Massage and level 4 in Exercise Referral. Additionally, I have a diploma in Posture & Corrective Exercise. Like most practitioners, I also work hard to keep my training up to date on a continuous basis.
In recent years, I have settled into offering all types of massage, chronic injury management, sports rehab and training programs. I am also an accredited member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists.
I am incredibly privileged to have worked with professional athletes including the Elite USA Triathlon teams in 2019 – massaging two world class sports triathlete’s , Matt McElroy and World number 2 Taylor Spivey and winter Olympian Zoe Brier.
My vision
I have a deep understanding of the human body – how it moves and the underlying causes of a number of chronic conditions that can restrict our movements and reduce our mobility. My aim is to get people back into peak physical health, no matter their shape, size or fitness levels. I believe that mobility is one of the most important aspects of our mental health and that is what really motivates me.
We see Circle 8 massage as being a core part of our community and we are well on our way to achieving that goal.
Jessika S
I’m Jess and I’m originally from Canada where I trained to become a Registered Massage Therapist. The RMT program is a two year program that focuses on anatomy and physiology, assessment of common musculoskeletal injuries, and a variety of massage techniques including deep tissue and trigger point work. I am a qualified sports massage therapist having completed a Level 4 Sports Massage course at St. Marys University. I also do Dynamic cupping, which utilises silicon cups rather than hard plastic or glass. The silicone cups are able to glide over the treated area, allowing for more tissue manipulation and helps muscles in the way that hands cannot.
I became a massage therapist because I know how much good it can do, from helping rehabilitate injuries to reducing pain and stress. My own perspective on massage therapy is that it can not only help in the recovery of individuals, but also become an integral part of maintaining health.
When I’m not working I like to be out exploring the English countryside; living in the Calder Valley I’m spoiled for places to walk. I also really enjoy skiing and miss having the mountains on my doorstep, so whenever the opportunity arises you can bet I’ll be on the pistes.
Jennifer
I’m Jennifer Rose and I have worked within manual therapy for 8 years now. Starting as a sports massage therapist in Sunderland, where I am originally from, I was then inspired to deepen my knowledge and become a Bsc Sports & Exercise Therapist.
I have gained further experience working with various sporting disciplines including rugby and football, with clubs such as Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls, Halifax FC, Hunslet RLFC and Queensbury RL. I also hold a private clinic at Full Force Kickboxing gym for their fighters and other members.
I provide a safe and inclusive space for your care and treatment, where I will combine my knowledge of your physiology, biomechanics and anatomy to reach the goals that you are aiming for. From injury assessment and rehabilitation to massage and manual therapy, I always like to keep the sessions collaborative and clear on what the next steps are.
Recreationally you will find me hiking, cycling, relieving my stress in the gym and practicing aerial arts. I love to try new things and I understand how your sense of identity can be impacted when you are in pain and unable to do the things you love, so don’t suffer in silence!
Ellie
Hello everyone, I’m Ellie and have recently just graduated in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation from Leeds Trinity University!
For 3 years through my degree I have gained clinical skills through shadowing both physiotherapists and sport therapists that are highly experienced in the healthcare industry. Through doing this, I have been inspired to gain my Level 3 Sports Massage qualification and I am currently doing my Level 4!
I have always been curious about the human body since being very little and this is the inspiration behind my career choice! Working with different people from different backgrounds and lifestyles has always been a goal of mine and that’s just what I get from working within the healthcare industry!
Holly
Hi I’m Holly! I am currently coming to the end of my BSc Sport and Exercise Therapy degree at Leeds Beckett University. Prior to starting my degree I was studying Sport and Exercise Science for 3 years at college where, alongside this, I achieved my Level 3 Sports Massage qualification at the start of 2020.
I have had work experiences and placement opportunities both clinically and working pitch-side, mainly within a rugby setting. At the end of last year I worked alongside the Women’s England Rugby League team during the RL World Cup where I carried out pre and post event massage treatments. This was a huge opportunity as it marked my first introduction into a professional sporting environment; where I was further inspired by the many career paths afforded by this profession.
Clinically, I have been working in the Leeds Beckett Injury Clinic where I was exposed to numerous different injuries which moulded me to become a better therapist. My confidence and ability has continued to improve since working with the Beckett Rugby Union team, where I provided soft tissue treatments, supported players to return to play from injury and worked alongside the team’s physio during match days, providing pitch-side assistance.
Outside of work I recently have taken up yoga and have enjoyed exploring the benefits it can have for the body and mind; and my goal for this year is to take part in my first half marathon!
As a therapist, I enjoy studying the proactive steps we can take in order to prevent injuries.
My biggest passion and motivation is to not only help treat the surface level discomfort, but to provide my clients with the education surrounding their injury in order to continue their journey towards optimal health. 🙂
Max
I’m Maksymilian, but you can call me Max. Born and raised in Poland. I have been really fascinated by sports and the human body for as long as I can remember. I always wanted to find out more about it and on top of that, I love helping other people, so I thought sports therapy will be the perfect job for me!
I was really determined to achieve my goals and since arriving in the UK have gained many qualifications within the sports massage world! I started off gaining my Level 2 Fitness instructor course In which I was awarded student of the year.
From there I went on to completed my Level 3 in Sports massage therapy, dry and wet cupping, IASTM therapy and now I am currently studying Level 4 in sports massage therapy.
Throughout the years I have worked with bodybuilders, MMA & Ju-Jitsu fighters, football players, running athletes and even shooters from target shooting sports – which gave me a lot of experience and confidence in working with not only athletes but people with a range of different sporting backgrounds
Sport is a really big chunk of my life, I started doing Judo when I was 5 years old and and knew then I wanted to work with people in a sporting environment.
My aim is to help my clients achieve their individual goals, whether it be to fix muscular pain, recover from an injury or get ready for a sporting event.
Ant was welcoming, took my pain history and talked me through what he was manipulating. Been having a lot of trouble with my left hip, went for a walk today and no hint of old pain. He sent me exercises to do after my appointment to continue to strengthen my problem areas. Will be booking again soon.
Jennifer
Ant is brilliant – he really knows anatomy and massage, and will not only fix you with his hands, but also send you exercises to help prevent issues reoccurring. In addition, you'll have a good chat, get film recommendations, and all with alt rock background music – far better than the usual ambient pan pipe nonsense. Highly recommended!
Carrie
Ant is brilliant ! He has the knowledge of a great physio combined with strong and targeted massage technique that just works and gets me moving again ! Turned up with a sore kneee that wouldnt bend left completely fine and fixed plus a clear understanding of what had caused the problem. He even emailed me exercises later that day to help avoid future problems. Cannot recommend enough !! Thanks Ant !
Paul
Really good massage. I've been used to massage therapists just going in with their hands and not asking questions, but Jessika talked to me about my motivations for booking and then worked on the specific areas that needed it. I came out feeling like I had clouds for muscles, and my posture is already better. Amazing!
Leanne
I’ve had chronic issues with my neck and back and I always leave Circle 8 feeling miles better. Ant is very knowledgeable and always makes sure to explain what may be causing the pain and discomfort. He is brilliant at what he does and is also really friendly. Definitely would recommend!
Meenakashi
Circle8 is top notch for any niggles you might have, however big or small. Ant and the team are mega knowledgeable, they can feel exactly where you pain might be coming from, release your tension professionally, and even offer follow up exercises and mobility work to treat and prevent further issues. I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for sports massage in Leeds city centre.
Sarah Cotterill
Best massage ive ever had. Ant is really friendly, great to chat to on the more painful areas of the massage and excellent aftercare advice. Wish I'd have found this place sooner! Cannot recommend enough, will definitely be back!
Ash
Book online today
When you come for a massage at Circle8 we don’t just treat your issue and send you away, we find out exactly which movements and muscles are causing it, explain to you what’s actually happening, give you exercises in the gym and at home that you can do to help alleviate and eventually get rid of your issue.
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0113 403 3391
07735 986040
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