Adelaide Warrior Stories

Nick Liddle

Footballer by night, stuck in a boring desk job by day, Nick Liddle was desperate to do something he was passionate about all the time. After talks with his coach at South Adelaide Football Club, he decided personal training was the obvious career choice for him. It meant he could be active and outdoors, instead of stuck at home on the laptop and phone all day working for a brand management company.

“I got in touch with the Australian Institute of Fitness – they’re the most recognised personal training provider – and decided to sign up for the course,” Nick said.

“I already knew a lot about good technique from training in the footie gym over the past five years, so I was one step ahead there, but the most valuable thing I’ve learnt is about having good communication with clients. It’s also taught me to understand my footie training program more. Our fitness coach does tell us why we’re doing certain things, but it’s more tangible now.”

Once he finishes the course, Nick plans to shadow another personal trainer to get some work experience, before going on to work at a gym. “The next step would be to get my own clients and do outdoor training. I would like to train sports people because of the experience I’ve already got in footie, but whatever comes around. I haven’t got a set long-term goal; I’ll just see what I’m best suited to and enjoy the most.”

Sarah Agius - Monty Dortkamp Scholarship Winner - WINNING in the Industry!

I have started small but am definitely heading in the right direction. I am getting heard re free fitness for Aboriginal & its just a matter of time. Did a zumba class for aboriginal health family fun day for kids....they loved it!! Also taking a walking group called wisemove created by office for sport & rec. Of course i have been able to take it to the next level, measurements, circuits, interval training, heart rate & train individual to their own fitness level. The women are really having a great time & they & they are just excited about our group as i am. Things are sounding really positive as i have spoken with my organisation who have great interest in fitness for their clients. Fitness is health managements, thats my moto anyway. Oh went for a job at Uni SA for Aboriginal fitness coordinator but never got it...:'( Some one within the uni got it....its a shame cos i would have rocked it lol :D As soon as i reach my goal & believe me i will, u guys will be the first to know. I have much to thank the Institute for. Cheers Sarah.

Sam Callery - Master Trainer 2007

Sam had played sports from a very young age, so she was always a very active and outgoing person. Sam had big dreams of travelling and meeting new people from all around the world, so she decided to complete the Master Trainer program. She had no idea where the course would take her but all she knew was that she wanted to help and inspire people to achieve their dreams too.

Sam is currently working at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort, which is a luxury brand of Hilton Hotels.  Sam is the Wellness Co-ordinator and Personal Trainer, she has had the opportunity to train and meet some very important people from all over the world, such as sports stars, royal familiies and big name business people.

“I have been able to travel the world on a cruise ship, live in paradise and work in a job she loves, that’s definitely a positive!”

Sam is still learning and developing as a person, she has worked and met some amazing people in the last couple of year that have the same passion for the job as she does.

Sam believes that being a personal trainer isn’t about smashing someone in the gym every session, its about helping the client find themselves, what they want and helping them positively make a change to their lifestyle, by being there with them every step of the way.

“To this day I still hear from guests I had 10 months ago, which shows commitment and a change they have successfully made just from support.”

Sam describes her time at the institute as an “easy environment to learn in”. Sam always felt supported, had fun with the people in her course, and found it interesting and challenging.

“The Institute is an environment where it is easy to learn and meet new people.  Walk the talk and you will definitely get the knowledge from there to do so…..!”

Jo Cowan - Master Trainer 2008/09

Jo was working for the local Government when she completed her program, she is still currently working there part time.

Jo wanted to share her passion, make a difference, and have a positive impact on the health and lifestyle of the ever increasing population.

She currently works as a Fitness Coach at EFM Healthclubs Mt Barker. She also trains her clients at home concentrating on core strength and stability with the focus on getting them to move functionally and efficiently.

“It is very important to me that everyone, no matter where I work enjoys working towards their chosen goals and values their time spent working to achieve this.”

Jo also has her Aqua qualification and teaches aqua classes.

Since becoming a health professional it has opened up so many opportunities and she has met some inspirational fitness professionals who have always been open to sharing their experiences and knowledge.

Jo has furthered her studies by completing some great courses with Max Martin (Corrective Exercise Australia) including core function-from rehab to performance & the adult pre screening tool.

“I am proud to say that I have motivated and inspired people whose lives I have touched and continued to be involved with. I have empowered them to think differently about lifestyle and how they can make gradual and positive changes to their lives to feel energised and able to take ownership of their goals.”

Jo studied at the Mitcham campus back in 2008/09 part time. She explains her time as a great learning experience, both theory and practical were good fun and educational.

Jo loved finding out about how the body works.

“Much more interesting than the anatomy lessons at school!”

Jo says her biggest challenge was combining FT work and studying part time, but explains that it was well worth it.

Lois McMahon

Lois McMahon was in need of a change when she enrolled in the Master Trainer program, but she tells Helen Jones of the Australian Institute of Fitness how it led her in a completely new direction. 

Enrolling in the Master Trainer program at the Australian Institute of Fitness was something that Lois McMahon had been thinking about for a long time – but she never expected she would enjoy the positive learning environment so much so that she would then sign up for another course.

“I fully intended to start working in the industry after completing the Master Trainer program”, Lois said. “But I loved the sessions and the company of my ‘friends’ so much that I wanted to continue learning”, she said.

“I became aware of the Master Training Advantage (Massage) course, and recognised that it would provide more opportunities to work within the fitness and health industries. My daughter-in-law has been a massage therapist for nearly 20 years, helping elite sports people to achieve their full potential in their chosen field, so I could see there was demand for it. But it’s not just sports people taking advantage of marketing therapy; these days people from all walks of life are realising the benefits of regular massage, and I am sure the demand will continue into the future.”

The knowledge and skills gained from both certificates enables Lois to provide a much better service to her clients. She now has personal training and massage clients, all of whom have similar goals; they want to enjoy improved health and fitness, and a better quality of life. 

Everyone in the community feels muscle tension, reduced range of motion, general pain and soreness, whether it is the result of work, sport, gym activity, or gardening. “A comprehensive knowledge of massage and fitness allows me to train PT clients to achieve their fitness goals and provide regular massages in order for them to perform at an optimum level. 

“It also enables me to encourage massage clients to improve their fitness, strength and range of motion in order to enjoy a better quality of life.”

It was during one of her final massages for ‘clinic hours’ at the Institute, when Lois had a conversation with a client who had previously worked at Adelaide Fitness Solutions, West Lakes. At her suggestion, Lois met with the Business Manager and was given the opportunity to provide massage therapy to members and non-members of the gym. A few weeks later, Lois was offered employment as a gym instructor and personal trainer at the same club, so within one month of gaining the two qualifications she was working at a gym as a massage therapist, gym instructor and personal trainer.

Mark Haverty

Mark had been working for Mitsubishi, Tonsley Park for 20 years as a Team Leader, Forklift Driver and Storeman. When he was made redundant and had to think about other interests and passions. Mark knew that he had always loved being fit and enjoyed helping others with advice and because of this he decided to become a Personal Trainer.

Mark currently works from his own home studio gym and has named his business , “On The Ball Health and Fitness” He has converted his 6m x 6m garage into a fully equipped gym and caters for indoor and outdoor sessions, both individual and group.

“I have an elderly client with Parkinson's that has had a hip replacement and suffered from depression. Within 6 weeks of training with me she has thrown away her walking frame, is off the depression tablets and now regularly walks 4-6kms. She now often speaks about ‘having her life back’!”

Mark explains that he has become much smarter in the way he trains, which he now passes onto his clients.

“It is the only way to learn and every session was FUN!”, is how Mark describes his time at the Institute and states that doing the program was a life changing experience.

“The program can be full on – but the coaches make sure you have a good time whilst learning heaps!!”

“I have recommended the Institute to many people, and some have since become personal trainers or are about to do the program.”

Milton McKay

Milton was a business owner in hospitality before completing his Master Trainer with the Australian Institute of Fitness in 2010.

Milton had always had a passion for health and fitness and in May 2008 he completed his first marathon. The following September whilst he was out running he experienced some chest pain, he consulted the doctor and found that one of his coronary arteries was 80% narrowed. In November he underwent heart surgery to repair the artery.  Milton underwent a program of recovery, running and swimming in an attempt to regain his previous fitness level, and 9 months after surgery he completed the City to Bay.

“It was during this time that I realised more than ever the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

Milton now owns and runs his own mobile PT business called Fit in2 Life.

Milton has been able to help clients achieve their goals, with weight loss, and improved fitness and strength.

“I enjoy working for myself and take great satisfaction in helping others to improve their health and fitness.”

Milton describes his time at the Institute as enjoyable.  He enjoyed the atmosphere and the daily challenge of learning and putting into practise the skills he was learning.

“I found being in the classroom after 40- years extremely challenging, but once in the swing of it and with the support of the coaches and course member I was able to get through.  I particularly enjoyed the physical aspect of the course and was pleased to prove I could still ‘mix’ it with the younger students!”

Milton would recommend the program to anyone that is interested in fitness and enjoys working with people.

Kirsty Welsh

Kirsty was a musician who loved sport and being fit and healthy. In her first year of Uni studying music, it was made clear that her career and hobby had to switch.  Sport Science was definitely the right choice, her passion for physical activity, healthy living and human physiology combined to make a cracker of a degree. She decided that working in a gym would support her throughout her study, that’s when she started Cert IV in fitness at the Mitcham Campus in 2007, this completely opened her eyes and heart to the potential of personal training.

Kirsty started at Fitness First Payneham,  but it wasn’t long before the bright lights of a bigger city called her and she is now working at Bondi Platinum Fitness First in Sydney. She runs her own business called Live and Sprint – Athletic Training & Lifestyle Coaching, under the Fitness First franchise model. Holistic health, functional, and athletic training are my specialties and she is currently in the process of expanding her business to encompass her certifications in NLP, Timeline Therapy and Reiki.

“I love what I do…and I love my body!”

Being a health professional has opened so many doors for Kristy. In 2010 Kristy worked for a documentary-style health/fitness TV show, educating, supporting and training an amazing group of obese people.

“ The Institute quickly became my favourite place to be, I love the people, and the energy within the Institute. I was made to feel valued and part of something very special.”

Kirsty even joined the team as an Admin Angel for a period of time.

“Unlike traditional teaching methods, the course coaches maximise learning by visual, auditory and kinaesthetic means to teach the course content, in a fun environment.”

Kirsty has already had a client study at the institute and she recommends the course to others.

“ I think it is a great place to be for anyone who is truly passionate about health and fitness!”

Troy Guyette

Troy had never had a career before completing his program with the Australian Institute of Fitness, he was going from job to job trying to find something he loved.

Troy’s childhood was spent overweight, and he was often picked on for it. It was until he was 17 when he started to work out every day of the week, during his free lessons at school. Troy lost around 15-20kgs in a six month time frame.

After a year of thinking about it Troy enrolled into the Master Trainer Program.

Troy is currently subcontracting and running his own business out of Genesis Glenelg. I run Above & Beyond Personal Training, and cater to all types of clientele from one on one PT to corporate and even seminars.  Troy hopes to employ his own contracting trainer to help with the workload.

“My life has changed dramatically, I now choose when I’m going to work, how much I want to earn and how I’m going to earn it. The best part about it, is that I really love being my own boss and changing peoples lives!”

Some of Troys triumphs are: helping clients lose inch upon inch, placing high in body building competitions and eliminating biomechanical problems and restoring clients to better movement and mobility.

“ I have recommended it to people, as it is a great program to get you into the industry as quick as possible and leave you with solid foundations in all aspects of the fitness industry.”

Ben Norman

Ben was working in the hospitality industry as a chef for six years before becoming a Master Trainer.

Ben has had a long involvement in various sports and has always had an interest in fitness. He wanted a career that created an impact!

He is now the proud owner of his own facility Crossfit Adelaide, employing two trainers. Crossfit offers group and personal training in the Crossfit method . His clients range from STAR Force Officers right through to sedentary people just looking to improve their quality of life.

Since becoming a fitness professional Ben now loves getting up and going to work everyday, making a solid living and creating positive change in others. He has even taken some of his own clients to participate in Crossfit at a National level, and has helped all clients realise just what they are capable of, particularly in terms of strength, (women in particular)!

Ben really enjoyed the knowledge of the more experienced coaches and the practical training sessions whist sitting the program.

“I have already sent a couple of people there as an entry point to the fitness industry, however have emphasised to them they need to continue further study past Cert III and IV in fitness to be successful in the industry.”

Shaun Todd

Shaun Todd from Salisbury SA used to work on the factory floor at GM Holden but had always deamt of become a Personal Trainer and Sports Therapy Masseuse for elite athletes and preferrably gymnasts. Finding a course that covered both these qualifications wasn’t easy until he came across the Australian Institute of Fitness. The Master Trainer course PLUS Massage Therapist Specialising in Fitness and Sport was exactly what he needed. Since starting Shaun’s loved doing the course. In Shauns words “I had the most fun I've had in a long time, the people and the coaches are friendly and the staff are amazing. I would totally recommend it to others.”