Welcome to PrimalX Fitness
Congratulations on taking the first step towards a happier, healthier, and bolder life.
If you were looking for a forever gym with a friendly atmosphere, supportive community, and highly educated coaches, look no further.
We are passionate for your fitness journey and dedicated to empowering you with skills, tools and knowledge that will help you sustain your results for life.
We have helped hundreds of people to realise their fitness and weight loss goals and we are confident we can help you.
ABOUT PRIMALX FITNESS
Founder, Owner, Trainer, and Nutritionist
PrimalX Fitness founder and owner Stephen McDonald was born and bred in Sallynoggin. Passionate about sports and martial arts from an early age he always dreamt about opening his own gym. Coming from a disadvantaged area, life steered him away from fitness education and active lifestyle towards an early employment in the bar industry. His life took a dangerous turn. Unhealthy food choices led by convenience and a prolonged party lifestyle resulted in serious health problems. Stephen was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in his colon in 2012. The procedure albeit successful did not give an ‘all-clear’. It was the final wake-up call. Stephen quit the bar job in pursuit of his calling- the fitness career. He pledged to help others avoid his fate. Driven by this strong purpose he applied himself to extensive education and training and in 2014, together with his partner Dora, launched PrimalX Fitness Community Club with just a handful of members. His first ever client was his own sister who lost 3 stone in just 3 months and successfully maintained her healthier weight to this day.
‘The secret is to listen’ says Stephen. ‘To achieve tangible and lasting results you must be willing to dig deep to uncover the real emotional motivation for change. People understand that bad food and lifestyle choices lead to weight gain, but it is the emotions and impulses behind these bad choices that drive it. From my own experience I knew that real results can only come from an honest look at oneself and the circumstances that led to weight gain. Therefore, it was always our number one priority to develop a culture that nurtured vulnerability. I wanted to create an environment where our members felt comfortable to share their story and allow us to get to the root of their problems. We have captured it in our first ever culture statement: no egos, no fears, no excuses.’
SIX YEARS ON
With the word of Stephen’s successful approach to sustainable results spreading fast in the local area his business grew from a handful of members in 2014 to over a 100 in 2017. That year Stephen’s childhood dream has come true and he finally opened his own boutique style gym in Sallynoggin. He surrounded himself with talented coaches and PrimalX
Fitness went from strength to strength.
Thanks to hard work, effective fitness programmes and strong fitness community the team built, the gym won The Best Fitness Programme Award at the Irish Fitness Industry Award in 2018, and in 2019.
‘We have always been and always will be a result-driven gym. It is a truly rewarding experience to get a recognition for the work and the commitment to getting local community fitter, healthier and happier. When people ask me ‘How we do we it? I reply: ‘one-by-one!’ We have some amazing success stories with Sinead who lost 7 stone, Tom and Shauna who lost 2 stone each. They are inspiration to us all. Their secret is PERFORMANCE GOALS. We focus on getting them fitter, stronger, faster, and more resilient and the weight loss is just a side effect. Our members obsess about personal bests and not weighing scales!’
YEAR 2020
As Sallynoggin reached its full capacity in 2019, Stephen opened a second boutique style facility in Monkstown in early 2020.
Despite the challenging 2020 year the PrimalX Fitness team led the gyms to win multiple awards.
The incredibly special South Dublin Business All-Star Community Gym 2021 Accreditation elevated Primalx Fitness to industry leaders. This independently verified standard mark for businesses is rewarded based on rigorous selection criteria to include performance, trust, and customer centricity.
For the highest standards and our unique offering, we are also proud recipients of the EU Business News’ Irish Enterprise Award for Best Fitness Training Centre in Dublin.
Our ongoing commitment to effective fitness programming has also been recognised and PrimalX Fitness was awarded Best Fitness Programme Award at the Irish Fitness Industry Awards 2020 for the third year running.
THE MEANING BEHIND THE PRIMALX FITNESS CULTURE STATEMENT
NO EGOS- we embrace a culture of utmost respect, humility, and vulnerability where coaches and members can always be open and honest without a fear of hurting each other’s feelings. This creates a nourishing
environment for self-improvement. NO FEARS- we empower our members with confidence and brazenness necessary to realise their full potential. NO EXCUSES- there is no room for excuses in PrimalX Fitness culture that embraces full ownership of our results and lifestyle choices.
PRIMALX FITNESS BRAND PURPOSE
To improve the quality of life in local communities.
Welcome to PrimalX Fitness
Congratulations on taking the first step towards a happier, healthier, and bolder life.
If you were looking for a forever gym with a friendly atmosphere, supportive community, and highly educated coaches, look no further.
We are passionate for your fitness journey and dedicated to empowering you with skills, tools and knowledge that will help you sustain your results for life.
We have helped hundreds of people to realise their fitness and weight loss goals and we are confident we can help you.
This is our story
Our story
PrimalX Fitness founder and owner Stephen McDonald was born and bred in Sallynoggin. Passionate about sports and martial arts from an early age he always dreamt about opening his own gym. Coming from a disadvantaged area, life steered him away from fitness education and active lifestyle towards an early employment in the bar industry. His life took a dangerous turn. Unhealthy food choices led by convenience and a prolonged party lifestyle resulted in serious health problems. Stephen was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in his colon in 2012. The procedure albeit successful did not give an ‘all-clear’. It was the final wake-up call. Stephen quit the bar job in pursuit of his calling- the fitness career. He pledged to help others avoid his fate. Driven by this strong purpose he applied himself to extensive education and training and in 2014 launched PrimalX Fitness Community Club with just a handful of members. His first ever client was his own sister who lost 3 stone in just 3 months and successfully maintained her healthier weight to this day.
‘The secret is to listen’ says Stephen. ‘To achieve tangible and lasting results you must be willing to dig deep to uncover the real emotional motivation for change. People understand that bad food and lifestyle choices lead to weight gain but it’ the emotions and impulses behind these bad choices that drive it. From my own experience I knew that real results can only come from an honest look at oneself and the circumstances that led to weight gain. Therefore, it was always our number one priority to develop a culture that nurtured vulnerability. I wanted to create an environment where our members felt comfortable to
share their story and allow us to get to the root of their problems. We have captured it in our first ever culture statement: no egos, no fears, no excuses.’
The meaning behind the PrimalX Fitness culture statement- NO EGOS- we embrace a culture of utmost respect, humility and vulnerability where coaches and members can always be open and honest without a fear of hurting each other’s feelings. This creates a nourishing
environment for self-improvement. NO FEARS- we empower our members with confidence and brazenness necessary to realise their full potential. NO EXCUSES- there is no room for excuses in PrimalX Fitness culture that embraces full ownership of our results and lifestyle choices.
Six years on
With the word of Stephen's successful approach to sustainable results spreading fast in the local area his business grew from a handful of members in 2014 to over a 100 in 2017. That year Stephen’s childhood dream has come true and he finally opened his own boutique style gym in Sallynoggin. He surrounded himself with talented coaches and PrimalX
Fitness went from strength to strength.
Thanks to hard work, effective fitness programmes and strong fitness community the team built, the gym won The Best Fitness Programme Award at the Irish Fitness Industry Award in 2018 and again in 2019.
‘We have always been and always will be a result-driven gym. It’s a truly rewarding experience to get a recognition for the work and the commitment to getting Sallynoggin fitter, healthier and happier. When people ask me ‘How? I reply: ‘one-by-one!’ We have some amazing success stories with Sinead who lost 7 stone, Tom and Shauna who lost 2 stone each. They are inspiration to us all. Their secret is PERFORMANCE GOALS. We focus on getting them fitter, stronger, faster and more resilient and the weight loss is just a side effect. Our members obsess about personal bests and not weighing scales!’
PrimalX Fitness Brand Purpose
Mission
To improve the quality of life in local communities
Commitment
To empower our members to realise their full potential, and then some
Guarantee
Fitness for life
Join the Tribe… Try a Class for Free…
Join the Tribe… Try a Class for Free…

Semi-private Training
Adam Hennessy- the Head of the Semi-private Coaching is a local authority and an expert on programme design, energy system training, metabolic conditioning and post-injury rehabilitation training.
He helped many members get back to full physical recovery and the best physical shape of their lives.

Group Coaching Programme
Our purpose is to improve the quality of life in our community. We set ourselves to achieve this by empowering as many local people as possible to realise their full potential in health and in life. This is why our awards winning group coaching programmes are so much more than just a workout.
It’s an effective way to self-improvement and leadership to inspire others. You will train with highly disciplined like-minded people aligned to achieve similar goals. If like us, you believe that anyone can achieve greatness, then you will love our vibe.

Weight & Nutrition Coaching
Unlike mistreated machines however, you don’t have the luxury to replace it with a newer model. Therefore, nutrition and healthy weight management play a vital role in our holistic approach to your health and fitness.
Meet the Crew
Stephen McDonald
Owner, Fitness Trainer, and Nutritionist
Hello, I am Stephen.
I founded PrimalX Fitness in 2014 with my partner Dora with the sole intention of improving the health, fitness and lifestyle of people in our local community. I am passionate about helping our clients becoming the best version of themselves. Over the years I have invested heavily in educating myself to be able to deliver the highest standard of knowledge and coaching in fitness and nutrition. Our members deserve the best of the best.
My Qualifications include:
- Level 4 Personal Trainer
- Crossfit Level 1 Trainer
- Opex CCP level 1
- BrandX Method Qualified
- Precision Nutrition Level 1
- MNU Certified Nutritionist
- Bioforce Certified Conditioning Coach
Dora Orlowska
Co-founder, Business Vision Officer and Group Class Coach
I am the PrimalX Fitness co-founder responsible for the business vision, PrimalX Fitness brand purpose and ultimately growth. I am passionate for creating and maintaining the positive and supportive culture where our members and staff can feel comfortable, empowered and happy. I ensure the highest standards of gym procedures and members’ experience. I am also the group class coach specialising in the body weight, the HIIT (high intensity interval training) and dance fitness training. I believe that everyone can and should realise their full potential. This is why I am wholeheartedly committed to helping our members define their purpose and find their passion for health, fitness and success in life.
Adam Hennessy
Gym Manager, Head Coach of Semi-private and Athletic Performance
I had an interest in sports and fitness from a very young age. I have started my career in the fitness industry over 6 years ago and I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge along the way. In PrimalX Fitness I am responsible for semi-private and athletes training and results. I believe in the holistic approach to fitness whereby positive lifestyle changes, training and healthy eating habits go hand in hand. I am passionate for empowering our members with knowledge and skills to help them take control of their goals, whatever they might be.
Maya
Group Class Coach and Members Results Manager
Hello, I am Maya.
I have been doing martial arts since I was 7. Four years ago, Stephen approached me to become a PrimalX Fitness sponsored athlete. My performance in the ring has improved significantly under a watchful eye of the Head Athlete Performance trainer Adam. I have fell in love with fitness coaching when I was an intern here shadowing Stephen, Adam and Dora. So much so that I have enrolled in the Sallynoggin College to become a Personal Trainer. I have since been offered a position as a Group Class Coach and Members Results Manager. My specialty is strength and conditioning coaching and Olympic lifting. I am passionate for sustainable positive changes and results. This is why I was made responsible for the highest standards of consultations, assessments and members results and support.
Stephanie McGarry
Gym Administrative Secretary and Community Relations Manager
Meet the Crew
Stephen McDonald
Owner, Fitness Trainer, and Nutritionist.

I founded PrimalX Fitness in 2014 with my partner Dora with the sole intention of improving the health, fitness and lifestyle of people in our local community. I am passionate about helping our clients becoming the best version of themselves. Over the years I have invested heavily in educating myself to be able to deliver the highest standard of knowledge and coaching in fitness and nutrition. Our members deserve the best of the best.
My Qualifications include:
- Level 4 Personal Trainer
- Crossfit Level 1 Trainer
- Opex CCP level 1
- BrandX Method Qualified
- Precision Nutrition Level 1
- MNU Certified Nutritionist
- Bioforce Certified Conditioning Coach
Dora Orlowska
Co-founder, Business Vision Officer and Group Class Coach

I am the PrimalX Fitness co-founder responsible for the business vision, PrimalX Fitness brand purpose and ultimately growth. I am passionate for creating and maintaining the positive and supportive culture where our members and staff can feel comfortable, empowered and happy. I ensure the highest standards of gym procedures and members’ experience. I am also the group class coach specialising in the body weight, the HIIT (high intensity interval training) and dance fitness training. I believe that everyone can and should realise their full potential. This is why I am wholeheartedly committed to helping our members define their purpose and find their passion for health, fitness and success in life.
Adam Hennessy
Gym Manager & Head Coach of Athletic Performance

I had an interest in sports and fitness from a very young age. I have started my career in the fitness industry over 6 years ago and I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge along the way. In PrimalX Fitness I am responsible for semi-private and athletes training and results. I believe in the holistic approach to fitness whereby positive lifestyle changes, training and healthy eating habits go hand in hand. I am passionate for empowering our members with knowledge and skills to help them take control of their goals, whatever they might be.
Maya
Group Class Coach and Members Results Manager

I have been doing martial arts since I was 7. Four years ago, Stephen approached me to become a PrimalX Fitness sponsored athlete. My performance in the ring has improved significantly under a watchful eye of the Head Athlete Performance trainer Adam. I have fell in love with fitness coaching when I was an intern here shadowing Stephen, Adam and Dora. So much so that I have enrolled in the Sallynoggin College to become a Personal Trainer. I have since been offered a position as a Group Class Coach and Members Results Manager. My specialty is strength and conditioning coaching and Olympic lifting. I am passionate for sustainable positive changes and results. This is why I was made responsible for the highest standards of consultations, assessments and members results and support.
Stephanie McGarry
Gym Administrative Secretary and Community Relations Manager

Are you ready to join the tribe?
Start your fitness journey today with PrimalX Fitness!
Simply fill in the form and we’ll get right back and get you started on your own fitness journey!
Latest Blog Post
Check out some of our 5 star Google reviews…
Are you ready to join the tribe?
Start your fitness journey today with PrimalX Fitness!
Simply fill in the form and we’ll get right back and get you started on your own fitness journey!
Latest Blog Post

Contact us
087 064 5527
tribe@primalxfitness.ie
Unit D, 70 Mounttown Business Park,
Glenageary, Dublin, A96 F658
Unit 1A , Holy Child Community School,
Sallynoggin, Dublin, A96 E0C9
Opening Hours
Mon: 06:00 am - 09:00pm
Tues: 06:00 am - 09:00pm
Wed: 06:00 am - 09:00pm
Thurs: 06:00 am - 09:00pm
Fri: 06:00 am - 09:00pm
Sat: 09:00am - 04:00pm
Sun: CLOSED


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