Active Management

Tag: AUSactive

  • AUSactive appoints One Playground founder Justin Ashley to new Career Ambassador role

    AUSactive appoints One Playground founder Justin Ashley to new Career Ambassador role

    The next generation of health and fitness industry professionals, innovators, and business owners will have access to invaluable leadership and mentoring resources with the appointment of One Playground Founder  and CEO Justin Ashley as the first AUSactive Career Ambassador.

    The newly created AUSactive Career Ambassador position will support the student membership network  and provide education, guidance and networking opportunities. Alongside raising awareness about the  critical role, AUSactive plays in the industry.

    Justin Ashley said he was thrilled to be appointed the inaugural Career Ambassador. He hopes his story of  high school misfit to Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year will inspire a new wave of industry talent.

    “This role is an incredible opportunity to lead and inspire the next generation of health and fitness  professionals. My aim in the role is to encourage people of any age to do what they love. I want to see  people have meaningful, viable and long-term careers in the fitness industry,” Mr Ashley said.

    “Following my passion after school despite not being made for a “traditional” classroom is the best choice I  could have made. The fitness industry has given me so much. I am so grateful to be in a position where I  can help others get involved and thrive. There’s no better industry, as far as I’m concerned; our job is  literally to change people’s lives.”

    In addition to working with students, Mr Ashley will also work with business members to help them  improve career path opportunities within their businesses.

    AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the new role was focused on strengthening the connections with student  members by providing career insights to inspire the next generation of fitness professionals.

    “The Career Ambassador is the authoritative voice of the AUSactive student membership community  dedicated to providing education and advancing careers within our sector,” Mr Elvish said.

    “We are thrilled to have Justin Ashley onboard as our first Ambassador, his ability to connect with people  and inspire them through his own experiences is invaluable.”

    Justin will kick off his role with a webinar on Tuesday 17th October at 6:30pm. To register for the From Passion to Profession: Launching Your Career in Active Health webinar click here

  • AUSactive Awards 2023 Winners Announced

    AUSactive Awards 2023 Winners Announced

    At a spectacular sold-out Gala Event at Federation Square in Melbourne last night, the AUSactive National Awards 2023 winners were crowned across 31 individual, business and community categories marking the biggest and most successful annual awards program for the Australian health and wellbeing industry in recent years.

    Showcasing shinning talent from right across Australia, the AUSactive Awards celebrate professionals, business owners and industry experts who demonstrate passion, care and dedication day-in, day-out helping others to be more physically active.

    AUSactive National Awards 2023 National Winners

    Category Winner
    Accredited Exercise Professional of the Year Jo-Anne Starkie
    Aqua Professional of the Year Marlee King
    CEC provider of the Year Polestar Pilates Australia
    CEC provider of the Year Australian Institute of Fitness
    Educator of the Year Kimberley Garlick
    LesMills Exercise Instructor of the Year Joel Costello
    Franchise Group of the Year Fitness Enhancement Personal Training
    Franchisee of the Year Adam Kennedy, World Gym Chullora
    Functional Fitness Business of the Year Gunnedah Health & Fitness Co
    Functional Fitness Trainer of the Year Steven Halligan
    LesMills Group Exercise Leader of the Year Lisa-Marie Gleeson
    Active Xchange Healthy Council Award City of Kwinana – Healthy Lifestyles in Kwinana Project
    MyZone Independent Business of the Year Deadlifts and Deathmetal
    Technogym Industry Innovation Award Cérge, Belgravia Leisure and Belgravia Foundation
    Leisure Centre of The Year Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre
    Mental Health Awareness Award Fernwood Fitness – Mental Health First Aid
    Most Inclusive and/or Diverse Program Confit Pathways
    OneMusic Multiservice Business of the Year 5th Element Wellness
    OneMusic Personal Trainer of the Year Korin Koutsomihalis
    Pilates Journal Pilates Business of the Year Strong Pilates Somerton Park
    Pilates Journal Pilates Professional of the Year Catherine Giannitto
    Active Xchange Social Value & Community Impact Award Good Energy Run Club
    OnePlayground Student of the Year Patrick Mitchell
    Yoga Business of the Year One Big Heart
    Yoga Professional of the Year Ellen Nash
    People’s Choice – Registered Professional Dorothy Gaunt
    People’s Choice Large Business Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre
    People’s Choice Medium Sized Business Fernwood St Kilda
    People’s Choice Small Business Halligan’s Fitness
    Guild Insurance Quality Accredited Business of the Year Goldfields Oasis
    Special Awards  
    Roll of Honour Chris Hicks
    Roll of Honour Korin Koutsomihalis
    Roll of Honour Marietta Mehanni
    Roll of Honour Paul Brown
    Chairs Award Justin McDonell

     

    AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said this year’s Awards Program celebrated the increased scope of the Australian health, fitness and wellbeing industry.

    “Congratulations to our national and state winners! Last night was all about you and I’m immensely proud of your achievements. This year we had more entries from the increasing number of modalities AUSactive supports than ever before and I can only see this continuing to grow in years to come,” Mr Elvish said.

    “The growth of our industry in the wake of COVID has been phenomenal. Embracing physical activity for our mind and body is vital to leading healthier lives and to see the passion in a room of more than 400 people who dedicate their lives and careers to ensuring people get the best out of their fitness or physical activity is unbelievable.

    Mr Elvish said state category winners were also announced at this year’s National Gala for the first time.

    “We wanted to elevate the recognition our state winners also received this year. This saw a further 46 state awards presented last night. In all, 81 individuals, business, community groups and special award recipients were honoured in this year’s AUSactvie National Awards 2023.

    “Finally, I would like to thank our sponsors, supporting businesses and our AUSactive Awards Judging Panel and team awards team. We really cannot do this without all your hard work and support!”

  • Vote for what you think will be the hottest trend in 2024

    Vote for what you think will be the hottest trend in 2024

    What’s your forecast for next year’s top Health & Fitness trend? Cast your vote in AUSactive’s 5th Annual Health and Fitness Industry Trends survey before 31 July.

    AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the Health and Fitness Industry Trends Report is based on global data and insights from people working in the industry and this survey is a chance to contribute to a national and international research piece.

    “The survey is about identifying trends across the whole health and fitness industry, from what people are actively doing themselves at home to what new classes and programs bigger gyms and studios are introducing,” Mr Elvish said.

    Australia has been at the forefront of many of the trends in recent years thanks to the growth of different modalities and this year’s survey is a chance to vote again for your anticipated hottest trend of 2024.”

    Mr Elvish said the top trends in recent years have varied greatly from fitness programs for older adults to COVID-friendly strength training with free weights.

    “Fitness programs for older adults was the top trend last year in Australia and this was also featured in the top 10 of other regions. This reflected exercise professionals and businesses better understanding the importance of catering for the ageing population and developing suitable programs designed to improve their health and quality of life.”

    “Functional Fitness Training came in second, thanks to the unique mix of balance, coordination, strength and endurance training, while strength training with free weights rounded out the top 3 in Australia.

    “We are looking forward to seeing what the top trend of 2024 will be and are urging all business owners and managers, exercise professionals, allied health professionals and medical professionals involved in the active health & fitness sector to cast their vote.”

    To have your say on the anticipated future health and fitness trends complete the survey before 31 July via here.

  • Are you ready for tax time?

    Are you ready for tax time?

    EOFY, EOFYS, Tax time – we’ve all heard the jingles that flood the airways this time of year! Yet, while we are still six weeks away from the 30 June deadline, now is a great time to get yourself prepared for tax time and the possible savings you can take advantage through your tax return. 

    Those working within the exercise and active health industry can claim on a wide range of tools of the trade right through to continued learning and even the cost of AUSactive membership. 

    AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said it was vital for members to understand what they can claim as part of their work or career in exercise and fitness, with maximising any savings even more important in the current economic environment. 

    “Remembering to claim the cost of AUSactive membership fees, or any other professional membership is the first step, but many people forget that this is a claimable expense,” Mr Elvish said. 

    “The cost of ongoing professional development such as applicable CEC courses, industry journals, personal costs associated with attending conferences, uniforms and their cleaning costs and other relevant professional development throughout the year are also items which can be claimed on annual tax returns. 

    “With many people looking for savings anywhere they can, it’s important to think smarter not harder about work-related expenses and what you can and can’t claim. Claiming eligible expenses in your tax return can help put cash back in your pocket, while still enabling you to access vital work-related services and products throughout the year. 

    “Our advice for members is to create a list of things you think you can claim in this year’s tax return and then check with your authorised tax agent to ensure you are getting your return right.” 

    In addition to claiming eligible expenses in this year’s tax return, locking in the price for AUSactive membership for up to two years is another great way to save money. All members can take advantage of current category pricing by renewing their one or two-year membership before 30 June. 

    From 1 July, AUSactive membership fees will increase across all registration categories by around CPI on average. The updated fee structure is still below pre-Covid levels but includes new and improved services and great benefits like the Lawpath subscription to be delivered to our members. 

    Mr Elvish said AUSactive memberships now provided more member benefits than ever before, thanks to new initiatives, partnerships and modality expansions. 

    “AUSactive is continually looking for ways to improve member benefits and in recent months the launch of the Lawpath platform and ActiveXchange dashboard can help our members and their businesses work smarter,” Mr Elvish said. 

    “Accessing over 300 tools at a touch of a button, such as legal or employee templates through Lawpath or community and geo data intelligence through ActiveXchange to help drive better business decisions are key to helping our industry grow and expand into the future. 

    “In additional our continued growth into Yoga and Pilates and Aqua has seen us grow our dedicated and tailored offering for these professionals.” 

    For more information on AUSactive memberships visit https://ausactive.org.au/members/

  • AUSactive National Awards 2023 Now Open!

    AUSactive National Awards 2023 Now Open!

    Warm up those fingers, get your keyboards ready, it’s time to start your entry submission for the  AUSactive National Awards Program 2023 with entries now open! 

    Following the launch of the revamped program in 2022, this year’s program has been expanded to  34 categories across individual, business and community categories to choose from, ensuring  every aspect of the growing Australia health and fitness industry has the chance to be recognised  and honoured. 

    AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the last year’s awards program received significant praise and a  record number of completed entries with this year expected to be even bigger.  

    “The AUSactive National Awards Program 2023 is set to be huge! Based on the overwhelmingly positive response we received with the revamped program last year, we’ve bolstered this year’s  program with even more categories, events, webinars and sessions to help candidates put their  best entries forward,” Mr Elvish said. 

    “In addition, this year’s program will feature four Exercise Professional Active Health Summits to  coincide with the State Finalist Events set to take place around the country in July.” 

    From today, the national nomination period will run for seven weeks – closing on Wednesday 2  June, which will be followed by judging ahead of state finalist and winner events.  

    The AUSactive National Awards Program consists of a series of state-based events showcasing  state finalists for the majority of categories and state winners. These events will be held around  the country in July.  

    The culmination of the National Awards Program will be a gala event in Melbourne on the 15th of  September 2023.  

    “We are urging all our individual and business members including students to check the eligibility  for this year’s award and enter and spread the word among friends and colleagues in the  industry,” Mr Elvish said. 

    “This is a fantastic opportunity to receive industry recognition for the passion and dedication you  display in your work in getting more people active for their health and wellbeing.” 

    The AUSactive National Awards Program 2023, which is made possible by our Sponsors including  ActiveXchange, One Music, Myzone, Les Mills, Hesta, Guild Insurance, includes the following  categories:

    2023 National Awards Program 

    SPECIAL CATEGORIES

    • Chair’s Award 
    • Roll of Honour 
    • 10 THOUSAND FEET Member Love Award 
    • 10 THOUSAND FEET Employer of Choice 

     

    COMMUNITY CATEGORIES

    • Mental Health Awareness Award 
    • Most Inclusive and or Diverse Program 
    • Healthy Council Award 
    • Industry Innovation Award 
    • Social Value & Community Impact Award 

     

    INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

    • Educator of the Year 
    • Exercise Instructor of the Year 
    • Personal Trainer of the Year 
    • Group Exercise Leader of the Year 
    • Pilates Professional of the Year 
    • Yoga Professional of the Year 
    • Aqua Professional of the Year 
    • Student of the Year 
    • Accredited Exercise Professional of the Year

     

    BUSINESS CATEGORIES 

    • Multiservice Business of the Year 
    • Independent Business of the Year 
    • Pilates Business of the Year 
    • Yoga Business of the Year 
    • Certified Business of the Year 
    • Quality Accredited Business of the Year 
    • Franchise Group of the Year 
    • Franchisee of the Year 
    • CEC Provider of the Year 
    • Leisure Centre of the Year 

     

    PEOPLE’S CHOICE CATEGORIES

    • People’s Choice Business 
    • People’s Choice Exercise Professional

    For more information on AUSactive’s National Awards Program 2023, eligibility and to enter  visit awards.ausactive.org.au 

  • Certificate III & IV in Fitness now recognised as Fee-Free TAFE and VET courses in NSW and NT

    Certificate III & IV in Fitness now recognised as Fee-Free TAFE and VET courses in NSW and NT

    AUSactive’s continuous advocacy work across Australia has paved the way for Certificate III and IV in Fitness now being recognised as Fee-Free TAFE courses in New South Wales and the Northern Territory for the 2023 intake year.

    AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the inclusion of these courses in the Fee-Free TAFE program was a huge win for the industry and metro, regional and rural areas in assisting greater portions of the population get into a career in fitness.

    “The inclusion of the Certificate III and Certificate IV in Fitness in the Fee-Free TAFE program is a huge win for our industry. As we continue to rebuild post-pandemic, these initiatives are vital steps in helping more people get into a career in fitness while also assisting businesses and facilities, particularly in regional and rural areas, find more exercise professionals and personal trainers,” My Elvish said.

    “AUSactive has been working closely with state and federal governments to see more funding allocated to support our industry and this is a fantastic step forward in NSW and the NT. We will continue to work with other states to negotiate similar concessions for our industry.”

    Fee-free TAFE is a joint initiative of the Australian, Northern Territory and New South Wales Governments, providing tuition-free training places for people wanting to train, retrain or upskill.

    Fee-free TAFE is available for eligible people who enrol after 1 December 2022 and commence their course between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023.

    The NT Government will offer 1,500 places across their Fee-Free courses while TAFE NSW will provide more than 300 qualifications from certificates to diplomas that align to the state’s priority industry growth sectors, free of tuition fees for eligible students.

    The two fitness courses offered as part of the Fee-Free TAFE program in NSW and NT include:

    • SIS40221 – Certificate IV in Fitness: This course qualifies participants to be personal trainers who will develop, instruct and evaluate personalised exercise programs for generally healthy and low risk clients, to achieve specific fitness goals.
    • SIS30321 – Certificate III in Fitness: This course qualifies participants to be a group and gym fitness instructor. Fitness instructors may plan and deliver group exercise sessions and develop gym-based programs for individuals.

    Mr Elvish said with strong industry demand, now was the ideal time for anyone considering a career in fitness to check their eligibility and enrol.

    “Many people consider their career options or a career change at the start of the year and this is a great reason to jump online and check out the options available for a career in the fitness industry,” Mr Elvish said.

    For more information about Fee-Free TAFE and the courses offered in NSW and the NT click the relevant links below:

    NSW –  https://www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-short-courses

    NT –  https://www.cdu.edu.au/study/fee-free-tafe

    FURTHER INFORMATION 

    For media enquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:

    AUSactive media team 

    [email protected]

    Barrie Elvish, AUSactive CEO 

    0403 466 629 | [email protected] 

  • Activating the industry through increased advocacy

    Activating the industry through increased advocacy

    Words by AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish

    As the peak association for the Australian health and fitness industry, representing members through advocacy with government, councils and other stakeholders is an important responsibility. 

    The importance of this function was put to the test during the pandemic when our industry was shut down for significant periods of time, challenged with inconsistent reopening protocols and frequently false information  that gyms were a ‘hotbed’ of virus transmission. The latter despite AUSactive providing evidence based contrary  data. 

    We’ve come a long way since then! 

    What the pandemic did teach us was engagement with State and Federal governments, local councils and other  regulatory departments cannot be a flash in the pan. It’s a concerted effort than must be engrained within an  organisation’s purpose. 

    Just over 12 months ago, we rebranded to AUSactive with a focus on activating every body, every way, every  day. To achieve this vision we continue to engage, communicate and collaborate with all stakeholders that are  associated with our industry and/or have the potential to make decisions or policy that impact our operations.  

    Our advocacy pillar has never been stronger, but we have only just scratched the surface in what we believe  AUSactive can achieve both for our industry and the broader Australian community when it comes to getting  active for our long-term physical and mental health. 

    I’m proud of what we have achieved in a short space of time, to establish a strong foundation for our ongoing  Advocacy. 

    A look at AUSactive’s Advocacy over the past 12 months: 

    We made a budget submission to the Federal Government for: 

    • Funding to establish an Expert Advisory Group to develop a national physical activity strategy that  will deliver the Government’s commitment to the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity to get 15%  more inactive Australians more active by 2030 
    • Funding for the “Movement for Movement” program to target younger and older Australians to  highlight the importance of physical activity in improving physical and mental health outcomes,  preventing chronic disease and encouraging community participation / social connectivity 
    • Funding for fee-free vocational education and training at TAFE that would attract enrolments and ultimately employment in the exercise and fitness industry to replenish our Covid depleted  workforce; and 
    • Funding to accelerate the AUSactive accreditation program, the only one that exists in the industry,  to build credibility and create career opportunities for newly qualified exercise professionals. 

    Following our Federal budget submission, we are in discussions with the office of the Federal Minister for Skills  and Training to find solutions to the significant skills shortage in the exercise, physical activity and fitness  industry and advocate for these shortages to be addressed in the Skills Agreements that the Federal government  is currently negotiating with the various State governments.  

    We have written to the Hon. Mark Butler, the Federal Minister for Health, asking that the House of  Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport hold an inquiry into the impact of physical  inactivity in Australia 

    We received Federal Government funding for the delivery of the nationwide All A.B.I.L.I.T.I.E.S. (Australia Brings  Inclusivity to Life, Through Innovation, Transformation In an Exercising Society) program, aiming to drive  organisational change in health and fitness businesses to enhance the lives of the broader community and safe  effective group exercise participation for people with disabilities. 

    We have been successfully recognised as the Peak Body for the fitness sector in WA. The WA Department of  Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) will work closely to support AUSactive to advocate,  lead and develop its membership and improve the health and wellbeing of Western Australians.  

    We received recognition of the exercise and fitness sector as an ‘Essential Service’ in Queensland.  

    AUSactive has made recommendations to NSW politicians ahead of the March 2023 NSW State Election  advocating for: 

    • Expanding the provision of activity vouchers for kids, for adult use, including in gyms, yoga and Pilates studios and for personal trainers offering supervised outdoor programs with a view to increasing physical activity as well as supporting businesses. 
    • Funding for a “Movement for Movement” program to get people active.
    • Creation of a specific Preventative Health Portfolio that connects the Health and Sport & Recreation ministries.
    • Implementation of a Fitness Code of Practice to instil consumer confidence, increase participation and set appropriate standards for the fitness industry.
    • Action to address the skills shortage in the exercise and physical activity sector and ensure that free TAFE and vocation education courses are allocated for upskilling the industry and increasing employment pathways for prospective students. 
    • Classification of exercise and fitness facilities as ‘Essential Services’ to help build the sector’s longevity.
    • Endorsement of peak body status for AUSactive to enable us to have greater involvement in increasing the physical activity of all communities.

    A Skip the Permit program was rolled-out in certain LGAs In Victoria, whereby personal trainer permits for  running sessions in outdoor areas are fast-tracked with no fees or licencing cost; a previously expensive process  that could take weeks for approval was streamlined to 20min licenses. 

    AUSactive has continued to meet with federal politicians to: 

    • Advocate for a national, public preventative health campaign encouraging physical activity; • Advocate for an increase in government investment in prevention (as a percentage of the federal preventative health budget); and
    • Advocate for the implementation of the World Health Organisation Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) – despite in 2018 the Australian Government signed up to the GAPPA to have 15% of inactive Australians more active by 2030 there has been negligible progress to date.

    Other Federal, State and Local government engagement including: 

    • Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Ged Kearney in relation to a national public preventative health campaign encouraging physical activity, implementing the WHO’s Global Action 

    Plan on Physical Activity, reducing the impact of physical inactivity on the government’s health  budget, increasing interaction between the exercise sector and the Department of Health and  increasing government investment in preventative health measures. 

    • The Office of Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Stephen Jones, in relation to reducing the impact of  physical inactivity on the government’s health budget and addressing skills and labour shortage in  the fitness industry 
    • The Office of Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O’Connor in relation to addressing  skills and labour shortage in the fitness industry 
    • Dr Mike Freelander MP, in relation to a national public preventative health campaign encouraging  physical activity, implementing the WHO’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity and reducing the  impact of physical inactivity on the government’s health budget 
    • Maria Vamvakinou MP, in relation to a national public preventative health campaign encouraging  physical activity, reducing the impact of physical inactivity on the government’s health budget and  addressing skills and labour shortage in the fitness industry 
    • Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister Brad Hazzard (NSW state) in relation to COVID regulations • The Office of NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Alister Henskens  SC in relation to physical activity vouchers, Fitness Code of Practice legislation, addressing skills  shortages in the fitness industry and recognition as a Peak Body in NSW. 
    • Alex Greenwich MP (NSW) in relation to physical activity vouchers, Fitness Code of Practice  legislation and addressing skills shortages in the fitness industry 
    • The Office of Minister Tara Cheyne (ACT) in relation to fitness activity vouchers and legislation  changes to 24 hour trade 
    • Fair Trading & Compliance, Access Canberra (ACT) in relation to updates to the Fitness Code of  Practice legislation and committee engagement under the Code 
    • The Offices of the Hon Martin Pakula, Hon Jaala Pulford and Hon Ros Spence (VIC) in relation to COVID regulations, fitness activity vouchers and landlord protections 
    • Communities, Sport and Recreation (TAS) in relation to post COVID job opportunities
    • The Office of the Hon Andrea Michaels (SA) in relation to updates to the Fitness Code of Practice  legislation and addressing skills shortages in the fitness Industry 
    • The Department of Recreation, Sport and Racing (SA) in relation to fitness activity vouchers and  increasing physical activity levels 
    • Consumer Protection (WA) in relation to updates to the Fitness Code of Practice legislation. 

    An exhaustive year that has generated some immediate positive outcomes and more importantly laid the  groundwork for ongoing productive dialogue with government at all levels. 

    FURTHER INFORMATION 

    For media enquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
    AUSactive media team
    [email protected]
    Barrie Elvish, AUSactive CEO
    0403 466 629 | [email protected]

  • The 2023 Fitness Trends are here!

    The 2023 Fitness Trends are here!

    Fitness Programs for Older Adults climbs to top spot

    The latest fitness trends for 2023 have been ranked by AUSactive following a national survey of industry  professionals and businesses, with Fitness Programs for Older Adults taking the top spot for the first time. 

    The AUSactive survey found the industry continues to return to pre-pandemic levels with Body Weight  Training and Home Exercise falling in popularity as people return to group exercise and facility-based  exercise. 

    AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said it was great to see Fitness Programs for Older Adults climb to the top spot  after regularly featured very highly in previous years both in Australia and internationally.  

    “I speak from personal experience that It’s fantastic to see older Australians taking up regular exercise  programs. We’ve found since the pandemic, many people in our communities are more focused on their  overall health and the benefits exercise has on our mind and body,” Mr Elvish said. 

    “With an ageing population that continues to grow in size, it’s important for our businesses and registered  exercise professionals to develop quality programs designed to improve the health and quality of life of the  older adult population.” 

    Australia’s 2023 Top 10 Fitness Trends 

    1. Fitness Programs for Older Adults
    2. Functional Fitness Training
    3. Strength Training with Free Weights
    4. Group Exercise Training
    5. Employing Registered Exercise Professionals
    6. Wearable Technology
    7. Pilates
    8. Outdoor Activities
    9. Personal Training
    10. Body Weight Training

    Linda Clark, a Group Fitness Instructor from Castle Hill Fitness and Aquatic Centre where their timetable  now has five dedicated seniors’ classes each week, said older adults were now more aware of preventative  health than ever before.

    “The seniors who attend these classes are looking at exercise as a way of increasing their longevity and  quality of life, while lessening the risk of diseases associated with ageing,” Ms Clark said.

    “It’s actually inspiring to see. They love coming to class! Their social network increases and many leave class  to have a coffee together. Not only do we have group fitness classes, but we also offer Seniors’ gymnastics  and Seniors’ yoga programs.

    “Just over 10 years ago we only had one class a week so it’s fantastic to see the demand from this  demographic growing.”

    Mr Elvish said the survey also found the number of Australian group fitness businesses, including Pilates, continues to rise, representing the demand for a social and affordable way to exercise.

    “This change reinforces the desire of Australians to return to health and fitness facilities – not only for  exercise but for the sense of community and social nature of exercising with other people,” Mr Elvish said.

    “For the first time, Pilates has entered the top 10 too, ranking at 7, and in Australia features the highest  compared to other regions around the world.

    “There is little surprise in that result, as there has been a surge in interest in mind-body modalities,  including Yoga, as many people are looking to take a holistic approach to their health.”

    FURTHER INFORMATION 

    For media enquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
    AUSactive media team
    [email protected]
    Barrie Elvish, AUSactive CEO
    0403 466 629 | [email protected]

  • AUSactive Board Elections: Why vote for Alani Mala

    AUSactive Board Elections: Why vote for Alani Mala

    I’m Alani Mala and I’m running for the AUSactive Board of Directors. I’ve been involved in the Fitness Industry for 3 decades at various levels as a GFI, PT, PT Manager, Trainer of Trainers in PT (Fitness First) and Group Fitness (Les Mills NZ/AP/International), Choreographer, and Studio Owner.

    I understand the challenges faced in our Industry and will be an asset in driving future strategy and a strong advocate for our members. I’d love your vote!!

    Alani Bio

    Alani Mala has an impeccable reputation in the Fitness Industry as a leader for nearly 3 decades at various levels as a GFI, PT, PT Manager, Trainer of PTs (Fitness First) and Group Fitness (Les Mills NZ/AP/International), Choreographer, and Studio Owner. Having worked extensively around the world in S.E. Asia, China, U.S.A and U.K., he has a global perspective on the Industry.

  • AUSactive Board Elections: Why vote for Elaine Jobson

    AUSactive Board Elections: Why vote for Elaine Jobson

    My name is Elaine Jobson and I am the CEO of Jetts Fitness. I am currently running to be elected for a position on the AUSactive board and wanted the opportunity to tell you a bit about myself.

    I started in the fitness industry 30 years ago in a small gym in my hometown called ‘Shape Up’ (cringe!!). This was before there really was a fitness industry, well not like the one we know today. The gym was small with only two bikes for cardio and located in a damp basement of a building but we loved it and we also loved our members. From these humble beginnings I had the opportunity to join Fitness First in its fledgling days and experience the fast growth phase where we were opening a club every 4 days around the world. It was one hell of a ride and a real opportunity to cut my teeth in business and management.

    From here I moved to South Africa into the role of COO for Virgin Active. Richard had acquired the business a few years earlier from the ill-fated Health and Racquet brand, famous for aggressive sales practices and questionable leadership techniques. It was here where I learnt about how to build a world class culture and took the company to win the Deloitte Great Place to Work award.

    After five years I headed out to Asia to team up with Mike Balfour, the Founder of Fitness First, once again and support the role out of his new gym chain, Jatomi Fitness in KL and Jakarta. After a couple of years and when my daughter turned 7 we headed to Australia to give her a stable upbringing in a place where she could ride her bike on the street. That’s when I met Brendon Levenson, Founder of Jetts, I fell in love with the good profit principles of Jetts where everything is designed with the customer at the centre. We have focused on building our culture as our point of difference and have been on the best places to work list for the past 6 years. As CEO I focus on keeping our people and our members happy and we are proud to have one of the highest NPS scores in the industry.

    I believe longevity is the key to success in business, that as CEO I am just the custodian of it right now and that my role is to keep the business as financially and culturally healthy as possible and preserve it into the future. As Simon Sinek says, ‘business is an infinite game not a finiate one’. I also believe in this approach to our industry. We need to be planning for a long range future, anything worth doing takes time, if we are to fundamentally move our industry into a space where our governments view us as a solution for proactive wellness and health, and not just a place to take selfies and post on the gram, then we need to create a compelling vision alongside a solid plan on how we are going to achieve it. This is what AUSactive is now doing and I would like to offer my skills, knowledge and support to help them achieve this vision. With my varied experience of many different gym models across four different continents and the fact I have worked in most roles within the industry, I feel I bring something unique to the current board.

    Please vote for me by responding to the email in your inbox from Truevote, the ballot closes at 3pm Thursday 3rd November 2022.

     

    Elaine’s Bio

    I have been in the fitness industry for the past 30 years working in Senior and Executive roles for brands such as Fitness First, Virgin Active and now Jetts Fitness where I recently performed a management buy out. My passion for this industry has taken we from the UK to South Africa, Malaysia and now Australia which I now call home.