Category: Industry News

As Fitness Professionals we do what we do because we genuinely believe in the power of our industry to positively change lives.  We have a sincere desire to make a difference to the lives of others by encouraging and motivating our members and community to exercise and improve their overall health and well-being.

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Why Fitness Australia members should vote for me.

I have over 20 years of experience on the coal face of the Industry working in big health clubs in group fitness and management as well as outdoor training and Personal Training. I am the Founder of Australia’s largest PT studio franchise (Vision Personal Training) and know how to achieve results for the population and business owners alike in combination. I continue to work on the coal face on a daily basis with clients, trainers, students in Fitness Courses, managers and owners so have a solid understanding of the issues facing the industry. My passion for standards has also seen me win National Personal Training Business of the Year in 2003 and 2010, as well as Emerging Franchise System of the Year in 2008 as voted by the Franchise Council of Australia.

My Vision is to increase the participation in our industry to ensure that the “Diabesity” epidemic is eradicated. I would like to see the industry viewed as a more inviting ‘place’ for everyday people. I believe that many people are intimidated about the industry and that more needs to be done to for the population to see the industry as professional. I would like us to be seen by the medical fraternity in the same light as physiotherapists and chiropractors. I am also extremely passionate about removing the some barriers faced by Fitness Professionals in building their businesses. I will also fight to ensure that we can receive government assistance through adjustments to workplace laws, FBT Exemptions, Medicare rebates and further health Fund rebates from the relevant parties. I would also like to be involved in assisting in further regulation around the Fitness Qualification process as well as push for National standards in terms of working with councils regarding outdoor group fitness.

Having sat on the Regional Council for Fitness Australia as well as Fitness NSW for many years, I have witnessed and contributed to the great work done by the Associations over many years. I believe that I can act as a spokesperson to encourage more membership that will assist Fitness Australia in achieving the above objectives. As we face a growing health crisis, my aim is to represent the entire industry as I believe it is going to take a united front to combat these challenges ahead I would be honoured to receive your vote to help in achieving this.

Should you have any questions about my nomination please contact me at [email protected] or on 02 9542 7750.

Thanks

Andrew Simmons

With our ageing population, Australians need access to safe, competitively priced and comfortable exercise options. As an Industry, collectively we have the solution to many of the age related diseases and illnesses which are burdening our health system.

My vision for the fitness industry is to build a sustainable future for all fitness service providers, through a commitment to a Quality approach to business. Through improved consumer confidence, risk minimization and professional business practices, the industry is better placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented to increase the levels of exercise participation.

More professional industry standards enhance the industry reputation, and will facilitate stronger relationships with allied health professionals in order to work collaboratively on preventative health solutions. A win-win for all providers of quality fitness services!

I have over 24 years Fitness Industry experience, where I have worked in roles including Membership Sales; Personal Training; Exercise Therapist; Fitness Educator; Group Fitness Instructor; Operations Management and as an Owner/Manager. Through my experience, I have a practical understanding of the challenges and demands facing individuals and businesses alike.

My professional qualifications include a Bachelor of Sports Science (Exercise Science) and I am currently completing an MBA.

In my current role as Aquafit General Manager, I have demonstrated a consistent ability to deliver business outcomes and exceed financial objectives, despite the vast rate of change in the Fitness landscape over the last 10 years. My passion for Industry standards is demonstrated through Aquafit as a successful and multi award winning business model, and most recently as the recipient of the 2012 Gold Quality Award.

I am committed to achieving professional standards of excellence for our Industry suppliers and businesses, to enable greater participation in health and fitness activities, to improve the health of all Australians.

Kristen Green

[email protected]

www.aquafit.com.au

I am seeking re-election because I believe that independent operators, people who actually work at the coal face of the industry every day must be on the board.

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I have been an independent owner of fitness facilities for 20 years come this October, in any of my businesses I have never had any financial partners or supporters and have endured an often volatile and challenging business environment for these years and have prevailed successfully whilst enjoying the transformation our industry and contributing in its evolution.

I fear we have a new threat on our business horizon in the expediential growth of franchised facilities and multi conglomerate organisations that are demanding and dictating the terms of our industry. I am not necessarily implying this is having a negative impact on our industry but depending on whose survey figures you are using independent owner’s account of about 35% of our industry. We should have representation at any level of governance of our industry that represents that figure.

I applaud forums such as The Industry Leaders Roundtable and The Independent Gym Owners Association for the assistance and support they offer independent owners. We need strong representation to champion our group’s causes, concepts, growth and longevity in this industry.

I gain little personally from applying for this nomination, I am a strong believer that as an industry we need a solid front and image of integrity and unity as to gain the publics and the governments respect and trust so we can have a greater sense of professionalism, brand and in turn finally the financial return that our profession warrants.

I will make myself available to tackle the little issues or the big issues and represent our industry, especially independents, in the forum. I will work with all industry persons and board members for a greater good, it is not a “them and us.” It is an us, but we must have a voice.

I watched for many years as industries such as Hardware Stores made their independent owners extinct, independent owners are the reason this industry is alive and growing, I will represent us well.

Regards

Mark Stitt

Director

The Suncoast Fitness Centre

[email protected]

www.suncoastfitness.com.au

07 54097000

 

Director

FIT College

[email protected]

www.fitcollege.edu.au

07 54097070

 

Director

Global Sports Coaches

[email protected]