Con Economou
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Con Economou
Exercise Scientist
Con is one of our Exercise Science staff at Base Physio and Performance in Highett. Read below to learn more about what makes Con the clinician that he is.
Meet Con - Strength & Conditioning Coach at Base Physio + Performance in Highett
Con got his start studying Exercise Science at La Trobe, originally as a pathway into Physiotherapy. But somewhere along the way, he realised his passion wasn’t just about rehab, it was about helping people get more physically ready for whatever life throws at them. For Con, the gym isn’t just about lifting weights, it’s a way to build confidence and movement skills that actually serve people in real life.That’s why he leans heavily into Strength and Conditioning. Sometimes that means traditional gym work. Other times, it means athletic development for sport. But the goal stays the same: helping people move better, feel stronger, and stay engaged in the process.
Coaching Philosophy:
Con’s approach to coaching is built on one simple but important idea:Training should be effective, engaging, and actually fit into your life.
If your goal is to keep up with the kids or play a few decent quarters of local footy, Con will build you a great bang-for-buck program that gets results without chewing up your week.If you’re chasing high-level performance goals, he’ll make sure the essentials are covered, then structure your training so you’re ready and primed for game day.And yes, it’s got to be fun. If you’re not looking forward to your sessions, something’s off. That’s why Con puts time into making sure the program keeps you interested, not just accountable.
His Own Training Journey
Con didn’t grow up in the gym. He found it during uni, after years of playing and refereeing basketball. He quickly realised how much more targeted and interesting training could be. He went deep. From understanding how muscles actually work to refining general training principles, Con became the kind of coach who doesn’t just prescribe a movement, he understands why it works.
He also learned what it’s like to start from scratch. Conditioning never came naturally, so he tested everything on himself. Long runs, intervals, gym circuits, learning how to make progress without burning out. That balance between effort, enjoyment and effectiveness is something he still prioritises with every client.
What started as general gym training has grown to include powerlifting, sprint work, Olympic lifting, and even long-distance running (he ran his first 10km event in 2023). Each of these experiences has helped shape how he coaches and what he can relate to when working with clients and athletes.Now refereeing at VJBL, BigV and National Championships (Ivor Burge), Con has lived the reality of stepping up through the ranks and understanding the performance demands at each stage. When conditioning held him back early on, training became the answer. And now it’s the tool he uses to help others do the same.
Experience in Strength & Conditioning
Con has worked across a range of athletic development and rehab support settings in Melbourne, from youth athletes to semi-professional soccer players and post-rehab clients transitioning back to full performance.
Youth Athletic Development
Con spent several years delivering strength and conditioning programs in secondary schools across Melbourne, working with boys and girls aged 12–18. These programs focused on: • Teaching safe and effective technique for gym-based training • Building strength, speed, and coordination for sport • Laying a foundation for injury prevention and performance over timeHis approach emphasised long-term development and helping young athletes build confidence in the gym.
Sport Trainer Roles
Working as a sports trainer across local AFL and National Premier League (NPL) soccer, Con supported athletes through on-field rehab and return-to-play protocols.In these roles, he learned the importance of aligning rehab with sport-specific demands, and worked closely with physiotherapists to ensure communication and load management stayed on track—vital for high-level outcomes.
Melbourne Next Generation Academy
At the Next Gen Academy, Con coached athletes aged 12–15, delivering tailored gym and movement prep sessions to complement their skill training. He designed programs that improved: • Strength and control for change of direction • Conditioning for repeat effort sports like basketball and football • Athletic movement skills that transfer to competition
Head of Performance – Beaumaris Soccer Club (NPL3)
As the club’s Head of Strength and Conditioning, Con managed the training loads and performance prep of a full senior squad. He was responsible for: • Pre-season strength and power development • In-season conditioning and recovery strategies • Managing soft-tissue injury risk through load monitoringThis role gave Con hands-on experience in how to keep high-level athletes performing across a demanding season.
What to Expect When You Work With Con
At Base Physio + Performance in Highett, Con works with clients who are out of rehab and ready to focus on building strength, improving performance, or staying injury-free long-term.Whether you’re training for sport, trying to get more out of your gym sessions, or want help bridging the gap after physio, Con’s job is to create a plan that’s clear, effective, and tailored to your lifestyle.
Your First Session
Your first session involves a clear assessment of: • Your training goals and current routine • Any previous injuries or physical limitations • Lifestyle factors that impact how and when you train
Con takes the time to understand where you’re coming from so your program actually suits you—not just a generic plan pulled off a template.
Individualised Strength & Conditioning
Once your plan is built, you’ll train with Con in one of two ways:
In-person sessions at Base Gym (Highett)You’ll work together in our purpose-built strength and conditioning facility, with a focus on movement quality, smart progression, and training that’s adjusted as you go.Con is known for his attention to detail, coaching you through every set with the right balance of technique, intensity, and variety.
Online coaching through our external membershipIdeal if you live outside the Bayside area or train at another gym. You’ll receive a structured, personalised training program with ongoing updates, and support via: • Video analysis of your technique • Voice memos and text feedback • Weekly program adjustmentsThis allows you to get expert coaching support without needing to travel to Highett.
Ready to Work with Con?
Whether you’re looking for structured gym coaching in Highett, expert guidance after rehab, or a training plan that fits your lifestyle, Con’s here to help.
Give us a call today and we will find a time for you to start moving towards your goals!
Coaching Philosophy:
Con’s approach to coaching is built on one simple but important idea:
His Own Training Journey
Con didn’t grow up in the gym. He found it during uni, after years of playing and refereeing basketball. He quickly realised how much more targeted and interesting training could be. He went deep. From understanding how muscles actually work to refining general training principles, Con became the kind of coach who doesn’t just prescribe a movement, he understands why it works.What started as general gym training has grown to include powerlifting, sprint work, Olympic lifting, and even long-distance running (he ran his first 10km event in 2023). Each of these experiences has helped shape how he coaches and what he can relate to when working with clients and athletes.
Experience in Strength & Conditioning
Con has worked across a range of athletic development and rehab support settings in Melbourne, from youth athletes to semi-professional soccer players and post-rehab clients transitioning back to full performance.
Youth Athletic Development
Sport Trainer Roles
Melbourne Next Generation Academy
Head of Performance – Beaumaris Soccer Club (NPL3)
What to Expect When You Work With Con
Your First Session
Individualised Strength & Conditioning
Ready to Work with Con?
Whether you’re looking for structured gym coaching in Highett, expert guidance after rehab, or a training plan that fits your lifestyle, Con’s here to help.
Give us a call today and we will find a time for you to start moving towards your goals!
Ready to build back better?
Take the first step towards a healthier you! Contact us now and embark on a path to a stronger, pain-free life!
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