Parramatta 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.”

Lee

From a young age Lee has had an interest in sport and the physiology of the body.  When she tore her ACL in her knee and had to go through arduous rehabilitation, it sparked her curiosity. It was then she discovered a career in fitness would fulfill her passion for helping people and also allow her to improve the lifestyles and wellbeing of the people around her.

Lee loved her time at the Institute – “The Presenters were talented and knowledgeable and my fellow classmates made it lots of fun”.

Since graduating she has been working at Health Mates Fitness Centre in Revesby. Another significant achievement has been completing her honors in Sports & Exercise Science. “I didn’t realise what I was made of until I submitted my thesis which was on Running Biomechanics”.

Lee’s advice to students - “They’re (Institute) are a great resource to develop your knowledge and skill. However, the most important thing you should do is develop your personality and attitude. If you have a winning attitude and personality to match, you’re going to make a great trainer!”

Ariel

After many years in the Public Service (Welfare Sector), Ariel became restless. He was well paid, but felt disenchanted and questioned if it was what he really wanted to do. Stressed out, he decided to join a Gym as an outlet and what an eye opener it was!

Ariel began to realise if he had the knowledge and experience to help others transform their lives, he would impart this knowledge in a unique way, one he hadn’t before experienced or witnessed. His goal was to help others in their body and LIFE transformation, so he went full steam ahead and become a Master Trainer!

Ariel had a “fantastic” time studying at the Institute. “I loved the accelerated learning along with the practical application and the chance to apply what you just learnt”.

Ariel is now Managing Director of Motivate You Fitness & Personal Training and couldn’t be happier. Just last month his business received the NSW Telstra Micro Business Award for 2011.  

“I definitely recommend others to get started at the Institute. The quality of the course, the support and the friendly yet knowledgeable coaches were very inspiring!”

Natalie

Prior to commencing her Institute journey, Natalie was a stay at home Mum looking after her two young boys as well as working part time as a Waitress.

Through her own personal struggles, namely with depression, exercise has been a huge part of her life and recovery. Being able to help others transform themselves through fitness was what ultimately drew her to the industry.

Since completing the course at the Parramatta Campus, Natalie has started her own business Evolve-X Personal Training. Services include mobile Personal Training, Boxing, Circuit Training & Group Fitness. She is also running women's only Outdoor Training for Institute Career Partner – Booty Camp.

Natalie loves that since becoming a Fitness Professional, she wakes up every day looking forward to going to work. She has more confidence and “a zest for life”, even her family is becoming more involved in exercise, her boys following in Mum’s footsteps, recently running their first fun run!

As a mature age student and being out of the class environment for a long time meant Natalie was quite apprehensive about starting her course. However, “the support of the Gurus, Angels, Coaches and my classmates meant I had an awesome time, I really enjoyed the course and learnt so much!”

TJ Aslin

TJ Aslin is American born and raised in Missouri. TJ graduated from the Institute's Master Trainer course on 19^th of February 2008 and started a career in fitness with Step Into Life. He took over the Parramatta franchise of Step Into life and has grown the business dramatically from the previous owner.

His passion for the fitness industry and his previous experience with working outdoors and children's camps in the United States has filtered through with Step Into life. TJ points out that his business management background and managing a Kathmandu store has really assisted him in becoming a successful franchise.

TJ loves the variety, atmosphere and freedom of training outdoors, he also loves the ability to be creative and imaginative with designing his workouts. His future outlook for his business is to focus on growth and development with the intent of taking on a junior trainer.

When I asked what is his motto was when it comes to training, TJ replied "I always ask my clients for 100% COMMITTMENT, when you have that then all else flows on."

Trent Marsh

Trent  Marsh graduated from the Australian Institute of Fitness in 2006. Trent is now the Fitness Co-ordinator at C2K Castle Hill, Western Sydney's leading health facility.

His journey to get there started when his passion for sport and outdoor activities led him to playing professional cricket in England for Cainbridge County. Upon returning to Australia, Trent  worked  in the building industry, "it was only supposed to be a 3 month thing which turned into a 14 month stint which I absolutely hated".

Trent decided that it was time to change his life and do something that he  loves. That decision was to become involved in a career in sport and fitness.  He said that he loved being challenged and learning new things. 

Since graduating from the Institute, Trent  landed a position at C2K as Gym Instructor. Two years later he is the Fitness Co-Ordinator and says "It is the best thing I've ever done in my life, I have no regrets''.

When asked what advice he would give prospective and/pr current students, Trent said "study hard and learn as much as you can, knowledge is power!"

Bernie

Bernie worked as a Long haul Truck Driver and a Warehouse Manager when he encountered some challenges in his personal life. This confirmed it was time for a change. He decided a career in Health & Fitness was the only life changing career  that would improve his life and his son Brandon’s (who has mild Cerebral Palsy) for the better.

Bernie absolutely loved studying  at the Institute, saying  “it was priceless! I don’t think anyone could find a better introduction to the Industry anywhere. The Coaches believe in their students, and the amount of passion they exude is in itself more than motivation to get out there and give it your all.’

Bernie is only is his 5th week at Fitness First Campbelltown and has already acquired 17 Sessions per week! He has also quit smoking after 22 years, his health (both mental & physical) has improved, his son’s condition and health have also improved dramatically.  He is already passing on his positive changes to his Clients,  all of them claiming they feel better and have a new spring in their step.

He also recommends others to get started at the Institute. “If this is what you want, then this is where to start. In my opinion, there is no better place to start your career in Fitness. It’s literally the start to the rest of your life".

Elsa

Having been in the Hospitality Industry for 17 years I was looking for a new direction and challenge.

I have enjoyed my regular gym and Personal Training sessions and realised that this was an area I felt motivated to join.

I signed up for the 16 week part time course. Although it was gruelling studying part time and working full time, I felt that this was the career I wanted to pursue.

I found the course to be relaxed and enjoyable and the coaches to be fun and knowledgeable and the mix of class time and gym time helped with the learning process. I also found it comfortable approaching them for advice throughout and after the course.

While revisiting the Institute shortly after finishing, I was approached by one of the staff members and asked if I was working in the industry yet. I was given the phone number of Ingrid Nardone from Energique Nutrition and Personal Training.

I went along for an interview, successfully completed the training and have been working there full time ever since and enjoying it immensely.

Shona

“Studying for my personal training qualifications through eCampus meant that I could still work as a clothing pattern maker and earn money while I completed the course. It also meant I could study at home in my own hours, which logistically was a lot easier than coming into a campus as I have two young children not yet school age.

If I needed the support, there was always an eCoach there to answer the phone and emails. I also attended a face-to-face weekend intensive, which gave me some great practical experience and hands-on help with technique.

I was given a study calendar so I could write down when I wanted to have each module done by and I surprised myself by running ahead of schedule. Looking back I’ve realised that I got through the course easily because I enjoyed doing it so much.”

-          Shona Stephenson, Sydney, NSW.
           Since completing the course Shona has opened her own outdoor personal training business >>> greatoutdoortraining.com.au

Shaun

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.”