Meet the Team

Mario Palma – Head Coach

Mário is the Head Coach at Titan Fitness Algarve and a qualified Personal Trainer and CrossFit Instructor with over eight years of experience. He specialises in strength and conditioning, Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics, and mobility — basically, everything that makes you stronger, faster and fitter.

Known for having eyes in the back of his head, Mário somehow spots every missed rep and half-hearted squat (so no hiding at the back of class!). He pushes people to reach their best while keeping the energy high and the technique sharp. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, he’s the driving force that keeps everyone at Titan moving and improving.

Training pet peeve: Dropping barbells!

Most likely to be found: Shouting no rep!

Favourite exercise: Anything involving a slam ball

Tiago Brota - Coach

Tiago is a coach at Titan Fitness Algarve with a passion for helping others move better, get stronger, and feel their best – always with a big smile and plenty of encouragement!

His own journey began ten years ago when he transformed his health—losing 40kg of fat and gaining 10kg of lean muscle. That transformation sparked his love for powerlifting, weightlifting, and CrossFit, which he has been practicing for the past three years. Now, Tiago uses his experience and knowledge to support others as they begin their own fitness journeys, guiding them to find confidence and strength through training.

Training pet peeve: Changing his playlist!

Most likely to be found: Lifting heavy and making the best coffee

Favourite exercise: Deadlift

Evelyn O’Brien – Yoga and Pilates Instructor

Evelyn is the Yoga and Pilates Instructor at Titan Fitness Algarve, and the calm, collected energy that keeps the rest of the team balanced! With over a decade of yoga practice and 600+ hours of teacher training experience to her classes. She helps students develop strength, mobility, and overall well-being through mindful, dynamic movement. Recently expanding her expertise into Mat Pilates, Evelyn offers a well-rounded approach to balance both body and mind. Evelyn offers the perfect mix of flow and focus and is passionate about creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every student can move with awareness and confidence.

Training pet peeve: Phones and smart watches during practice, it’s one hour of the day to switch off!

Most likely to be found: Napping on the beach in the sun.

Favourite posture: Balancing Half Moon - challenging, fun, satisfying!

Joana Periera - Coach

Joana is a coach at Titan Fitness Algarve our very own flexible force and mobility master. A certified Personal Trainer, Yoga Teacher, and former professional circus performer. With 11 years of gymnastics experience, she has a deep understanding of mobility and flexibility. After sustaining a career-ending injury, Joana transitioned into coaching with the goal of helping others move safely, build strength and reduce injury risk. Joana brings a huge range of knowledge and expertise to her strength & technique, yoga, circuit and mobility classes.

Training pet peeve: Not warming up properly!

Most likely to be found: Upside down in a handstand

Favourite exercise: Bear walks

Orlaith Buckley – Coach

Orlaith is a coach at Titan Fitness Algarve, as well as a certified Personal Trainer, Olympic Weightlifting Coach and Sports Nutritionist. With over eight years of coaching experience, she has worked with clients one-to-one and led group classes in CrossFit, strength and conditioning and circuit training.

Orlaith loves helping people reach their goals whether that is nailing their nutrition or just surviving another round of burpees! She combines her athletic background with a supportive, motivating approach. As a seasoned athlete herself, she brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to every session.

Training pet peeve: Lateness!

Most likely to be found: Cheering on Munster rugby team

Favourite exercise: Ski-erg all day every day…

Sarah Murray - Coach

Sarah is a coach at Titan Fitness Algarve and a qualified Personal Trainer, originally trained in England. Sarah brings heaps of positive energy and a passion for helping people move better, build strength, and train for long-term health and performance. As a certified Yoga and Yoga for Sports teacher, Sarah integrates mobility work with strength training to enhance both recovery and athletic development. She is also a middle-distance runner and the founder of Easy Day Run Club in Lagos—a social running community for all levels. With experience in CrossFit, Hyrox, and triathlon training, Sarah brings a dynamic, well-rounded approach to her coaching. She speaks English, French, and is learning Portuguese.

Training pet peeve: Half reps

Most likely to be found: Competing (and winning!) races

Favourite exercise: The echo bike

HANNAH
ALISON

Management team

Hannah Gourlay & Alison Jackson

Hannah and Alison are the friendly faces managing Titan Fitness Algarve, keeping everything running smoothly and ensuring every guest has an unforgettable experience. They’re your go-to team for all things organisation and bookings—whether it’s planning your retreat schedule, arranging massages or kayaking sessions, or offering local recommendations to make the most of your stay. You’ll often find them at reception with a coffee in hand, ready for a chat and always happy to help.