AUSactive is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Ailish Hanley as a Non-Executive Director to its Board, bringing with her a wealth of experience in strategy, governance, advocacy, and public policy.
With a professional background spanning executive and non-executive leadership roles, Ailish Hanley offers a unique blend of commercial insight and purpose-driven advocacy.
She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and has served on industry associations and working committees, providing her with deep understanding of member organisations and stakeholder engagement.
AUSactive Chair Emmett Williams said the appointment would further strengthen the AUSactive board given Ailish’s depth of experience.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ailish to the AUSactive Board. Her background in corporate governance, public policy, and reputation management, combined with her passion for health and fitness, makes her an exceptional fit for our association,” Mr Williams said.
“Ailish’s strategic mindset and advocacy experience will help strengthen AUSactive’s voice in driving greater recognition and support for our sector.”
Ms Hanley said she was honoured to be joining the AUSactive Board and looked forward to contributing to the association’s mission.
“I am a passionate advocate for the critical role that personal fitness plays in helping Australians of all ages to live longer, healthier lives,” Ms Hanley said.
“I’m excited to contribute my experience in governance, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to support the continued growth and impact of the organisation.”
Hanley’s career spans leadership roles in global companies including Bayer, Danone and Diageo with responsibility for strategic public affairs, advocacy and reputation building. This includes successfully engaging with Federal and state governments to secure funding and policy change in areas such as chronic health, preventative health, and women’s health.
Her appointment reflects AUSactive’s commitment to strong governance, diversity, and strategic leadership as it continues to advocate for the health and wellbeing of all Australians through greater physical activity.
Escape Fitness, a global leader in innovative fitness solutions, has unveiled Octagon LOAD or “LOAD”, a groundbreaking strength and functional training system. Developed from years of industry expertise and global insights, LOAD addresses critical challenges faced by fitness facilities, offering a versatile, safe and engaging, results-driven solution that meets the rising demand for strength training.
Matthew Januszek, Escape Fitness USA, CEO, explains: “Strength training is no longer the reserve of elite athletes or bodybuilders; it’s a cornerstone of fitness for people of all ages and abilities. After 3 years of research and conversations with leading operators, athletes, and coaches, built on a lifetime of experience working in the fitness industry, Escape Fitness has created a pioneering circuit-based system for the general population that efficiently stimulates muscle.”
Designed and manufactured at the Escape Technologies facility in the UK by Escape’s in-house team of specialist engineers, LOAD combines the benefits of traditional plate-loaded machines with advanced variable resistance technology. High-tensile resistance bands promote continuous muscle engagement throughout movements, particularly at the end range of motion, maximizing strength gains.
All movements are performed in a standing position which activates the entire kinetic chain. This holistic approach builds strength using natural movement sequences, promoting superior muscle growth and strength efficiently and safely.
“The hypertrophy benefits are outstanding,” adds Januszek. “Contributions from the variable resistance training include optimized muscle engagement, consistent muscle activation and faster muscle fatigue, all help to breakthrough performance plateaus by challenging muscles in new ways whilst also limiting the risk of injury. The fact that all movements are performed in a standing position means glutes, abs, quads and hamstrings are also engaged – optimizing training time and providing a full body workout.”
LOAD is engineered to cater for everyone. Its design supports multiple stance positions—neutral, split, staggered and single-leg as well as various grip adjustments, enabling users to target specific muscle groups while enhancing stability and strength.
The ability to train across the entire force-velocity curve allows users to develop both power and speed, setting LOAD apart from traditional strength equipment. Its compact design is ideal for facilities with limited floor space, while innovative features appeal to a wide range of users.
Safety is a key focus of LOAD. The variable resistance system allows controlled load adjustments, minimizing injury risks and ensuring progressive overload for continuous improvement. This makes LOAD an excellent option for injury rehabilitation and for older adults or beginners who may feel intimidated by traditional strength equipment.
For gym operators, personal trainers and fitness stakeholders, LOAD represents an investment that delivers measurable benefits. It’s not just about lifting weights—it’s about training smarter, safer and more effectively. By integrating LOAD into training facilities, operators can meet the growing demand for strength training while providing an unparalleled member experience.
Frames are manufactured from a mild steel box section BSEN10025 with handles made from 304/1.4301 stainless steel. This makes LOAD ideal for indoor studios. An optional galvanized paint finish is available, providing full weatherproofing for outdoor use. Frames can also be fully customized to reflect operator branding and color palette.
Januszek adds: “Working with one of the world’s most experienced and respected fitness educators, Tommy Matthews, we have developed a comprehensive suite of LOAD education materials available both in-person and digitally.” Januszek adds. “We are also developing content for our MARS digital training system, so users will be able to access digital content anytime to help them execute movements safely and effectively.
LOAD is installed and already being piloted at Gold’s Gym, California, USA and The Waterfront Leisure Complex, Greenock, UK, managed by Inverclyde Leisure.
Click here to read the full Inverclyde Leisure case study.
To learn more about Octagon LOAD and how it could enhance your facility and training offer, visit www.escapefitness.com or contact the team to arrange a demonstration.
Following the launch of the AUSactive Modalities Advisory Group (AMAG) late last year, AUSactive has announced the founding members of the Supplier Advisory Group (ASAG) to increase strategic collaboration between the active health and exercise industry and suppliers who play a pivotal role in its growth and success.
AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the Supplier Advisory Group has representation from all facets including marketing, accounting, education and equipment and the focus was on providing strategic input, feedback, advocacy and support of AUSactive’s purpose and responsibilities relevant to the group’s representative base.
“Following the launch of our first Advisory Group last year – the Modalities Advisory Group – we are thrilled to announce the founding members of our Supplier Advisory Group who will help AUSactive improve representation of the various businesses and organisations that work with our industry,” Mr Elvish said.
“We have done a lot of preparation work prior to implementing each Advisory Group. Each AG has Terms of Reference as well as their own systems and processes for functions, specific processes for board reviews and reporting, and much more.”
Inaugural Chair of the ASAG and AUSactive Director Emmett Williams said the ASAG has a particular focus and function so they can really hone in on the needs and support of the sector, and provide effective feedback and input to the board and management.
“Our ASAG members represent a dynamic cross-section of the businesses and organisations that drive our industry forward.” Mr Williams said.
“Suppliers play a crucial role in bringing product innovation, global perspectives and essential capabilities to the table. Their inclusion is not just valuable—it’s essential for fostering growth, and their seat at the table will help AUSactive drive ahead with the mission.”
The AUSactive Supplier Advisory Group founding members are:
Andrew Pettet, DRAX Fitness
Barry Mcdonald, Novofit
Daniel Moy, Ezypay
Darren Elkin, Technogym
Darren McMurtie, Hapana
Ed Zouroudis, Evolt
Greg Will, SW Accountants
Michelle Furniss, Xplor
Mish Wright, Women’s Fitness Education
Cam Prosser, BF Brokers
Shaun Krenz, AusFitness Expo
Richard Toutounji, COM Marketing
Matt Inglis, Perfect Gym
Rhys Davies, International Fitness Academy
Mr Elvish said one further initial Advisory Group – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ADEIAG) – will be launched in the coming months.
“We now have two strategic Advisory Groups and we plan to add one more this year as part of the Board’s initial plan,” Mr Elvish said.
“The upcoming Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Group will play an important role in our strategic commitment to greater diversity, equity and inclusion in the Australia active health and exercise industry.
“The Advisory Group structure provides focused support and representation, ensuring a diversity of expertise and perspectives.”
For more information about the AUSactive Advisory Groups visit ausactive.org.au.
Last Friday, gym owners and managers from Australia descended on Melbourne for the Annual Ignite Fitness. This event is the brain child of Mel Tempest to encourage education and collaboration within our industry.
I had the opportunity to share why I do what I do – think Simon Sinek. I was able to talk through that I want to reduce the health care costs around the globe by getting more people moving and moving more often! I am always grateful when I get to explain why I do what I do.
Lisa and I represented MysteryShoppingForFitnessBusinesses.com.au during the Roundtable discussions, where we found out more from gym owners why they like mystery shopping their own clubs – or even why don’t!
It was a terrific event with some of the country’s best speakers and the industry’s most supportive industry suppliers sponsoring the day. In fact, there were 6 members of the Australian Suppliers REX Roundtable all there!
See if you recognise anyone . . .
Face to face education is the best! See you at #FitnessBiz24.
If you have a background in sales and a passion for fitness, combining the two is like being paid to live the dream, right? At Anytime Fitness Victoria Point, the sales team (that could be you!) is a pretty sweet gig.
For starters, you would spend your day working within our vibrant and energised club culture! Your positive and driven ‘let’s do it’ attitude will fit right in and help the club to operate smoothly – like a well-oiled spin bike.
Secondly, your enthusiasm for improving people’s fitness, health and wellbeing will spill over into everything you do, so the boss won’t frown if you talk all day… as long as it’s about joining in the latest fitness trends and the benefits of exercise to potential and existing club members, on social media, with team members and when actively generating new sales leads!
Does that sound like you? Have you put on your joggers and feel ready to run straight to Anytime Fitness Victoria Point to dive feet first into this exciting role? Then check out who we are and what skills we need you to pack in your gym bag!
Why Join Us?
Because we’re the biggest and the best! Anytime Fitness is the brand leader and largest 24-hour fitness franchise with more than 5000 clubs worldwide. Our Australian business has opened 540+ clubs with further franchises set to open in the coming years.
The successful applicant will receive:
Ongoing staff training and support.
Free gym membership (of course!)
The daily pleasure of working with our fabulous team.
What skills do you need to finish first in this race?
Aside from an enthusiastic and committed work ethic, we need you to have:
Sales experience (experience in a fitness sales role preferred but not essential).
100% commitment towards providing OUTSTANDING customer service.
Excellent skills using social media (Facebook + Instagram) to drive the club’s exposure.
Demonstrated leadership skills.
Proven ability to work under limited supervision.
Proven ability to work cohesively within a team.
Genuine desire and ability to take on the responsibility for the club’s day-to-day operations.
Outstanding people skills with a proven ability to generate leads and close business.
A commitment to following processes and procedures
Availability to work rostered shifts between Monday and Saturday.
A day in the life of the Anytime Fitness :
As the successful applicant, your fun-filled day will look like this:
Smashing KPIs and sales targets.
Proactively seeking and generating new sales leads and referrals.
Using effective communication to retain members, renew memberships and re-engage inactive members.
Meeting and greeting potential and existing members with warmth and positivity.
Contributing to our vibrant and fun club atmosphere with your sparkling personality.
Promoting our club’s brand and image within the local community and on social media.
Keeping the club running smoothly with a no-stress attitude.
Maintaining a clean and sparkling fitness facility.
What else would help you to succeed?
We would also love you to flex the following muscles if you can…
Show us your super sharp computer and admin skills.
Show proven ability to work autonomously and co-operatively within a team.
Show good business sense and an awareness of successful business management practices.
Have a passion for health and wellbeing.
Bring a hands-on and positive “can-do” attitude to work each day.
Be well-presented and highly professional in staff and client interactions.
Have excellent verbal and written skills with a high level of attention to detail.
Have a friendly personality – talking to people is comfortable and natural for you.
Excited? We are too! Send your covering letter and resume to [email protected]
In our fast-paced industry, the journey to success becomes easier and even more achievable when guided by those who have walked a similar path.
For gym and studio owners, the key to staying ahead in the fitness business game lies in joining a REX Roundtable, where the invaluable wisdom of “been there” perspectives becomes your compass.
A REX Roundtable introduces you to a community of like-minded peers, each with a unique set of experiences and solutions. These fellow gym owners have tackled challenges akin to your own challenges. This means they have a treasure trove of insights that can be the game-changer your business needs.
It’s not just about learning from success stories but navigating through obstacles with the guidance of those who have overcome them.
Your journey as an owner is not a solitary one within the REX Roundtable community. It’s a collective effort where shared experiences, strategies, and solutions propel everyone forward.
Now is the time to embrace the power of unity and collective knowledge, and enhance your fitness business by joining a REX Roundtable – where the wisdom of your peers becomes your greatest asset to profitability and success.
Exciting news for the Australian fitness industry!
As of January 2024, the Australian REX Roundtable for Personal Trainers is gearing up for a powerful relaunch and is currently accepting applications!
With an impressive 35-year legacy, REX Roundtables has been a stalwart in the global fitness industry. Currently having over 1000 gyms and studios as members, REX Roundtables helps owners feel less lonely and more in control of their business.
For over a decade, I have successfully run a PT REX Roundtable, primarily catering to New South Wales PTs. In 2024, we’re taking this to the national stage, making it an unmissable opportunity for fitness professionals across the country.
Who qualifies for the PT Rex Roundtable? Owners of PT businesses, encompassing a range of models:
Face-to-face enterprises (limited value for businesses entirely online)
Outdoor ventures
Indoor contractors in gyms
Studio-based setups
Membership-based small gyms
One-on-one and group training services
The ideal candidate for REX Roundtables is a business owner who is:
Eager to explore innovative ideas for business growth
Open to sharing both successes and failures for mutual learning
Committed to adopting long-term strategies over quick operational fixes
Distinguishable from other business mastermind programs, REX Roundtables boasts an impressive track record of 35 years. I personally chair 8 chair REX Roundtables – 4 in the US and 4 in Australia.
What sets us apart is that our agenda for each meeting is collaboratively designed by the members themselves, fostering peer-to-peer support and problem-solving tailored to enhance your unique business needs.
Our monthly 60-minute Zoom meetings provide a platform for a 40-minute member-led agenda, facilitating valuable knowledge exchange. Additionally, each session includes a 20-minute segment where I share the latest trends and industry insights.
Throughout the year, we delve into critical aspects of your business, analysing KPIs, sharing business plans, constructing marketing strategies, and challenging you to develop a wealth plan—deciding how to utilize the profits your business generates.
Running a genuine business can be both challenging and isolating. REX Roundtables ensures you become part of a non-competing collective of like-minded business owners, all striving for increased profit, reduced stress, and more quality time with loved ones.
AusFitness Expo, the premier fitness and wellness event in Australia, proudly unveils a transformative two-year partnership with AUSactive, the peak association for the exercise and active health sector, building on a previous collaboration.
As part of the enhanced partnership, AusFitness Expo Sydney, which is now scheduled for 11 – 13 October, will align with AUSactive’s esteemed Gala Awards Night and Senior Management Summit, offering a unique convergence of networking opportunities and industry insights for participants.
Additionally, the AUSactive – Active Health & Trainer Summit will take place directly on the Trade Show floor – seamlessly integrating with the Expo and elevating the overall experience for all involved.
Barrie Elvish, CEO of AUSactive, said he was thrilled to enter into this two-year industry alignment with AusFitness Expo.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward for the fitness industry in Australia,” said Barrie.
“It will create a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking that will benefit both our members and AusFitness Expo attendees.”
In tandem with this partnership announcement, AusFitness Expo is excited to introduce a suite of content enhancements designed to scale attendance.
Shaun Krenz, Co-Founder and Event Director of AusFitness Expo, stated:
“This partnership marks a significant milestone for both entities, promising unparalleled value for event attendees and exhibitors alike.
“We are delighted to embark on this two-year industry alignment with AUSactive, which adds significant value to AusFitness Expo. Our core strategy revolves around creating an inclusive celebration of all the different fitness communities coming together under one roof, and we are thrilled with how it has all come together. The enhanced partnership and new offerings build on our mission to bring fitness communities together and further enrich the overall experience for our attendees, exhibitors, and partners. AusFitness Expo is the fitness event of the year, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming everyone to Sydney in October.”
Exciting New Activations:
AusFitness is highly focused on bringing fitness communities together. Building on these core strengths, AusFitness Expo will introduce a range of thrilling new community activations to the Sydney event in 2024 including:
Oceania Strongman Championships
AusFitness Cross Functional Invitational
Australian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships
Australian Amateur Boxing Championships
Australian Kettlebell Championships
Australian Weightlifting Championships
DEKA, the Decathlon of Functional Fitness
Working with leading industry associations and sporting bodies will see some of the nation’s fittest elite athletes compete, taking the event to the next level and inspiring attendees.
Are you looking for a place to learn and grow? REX Roundtables has multiple options for women leaders.
Join our Open Call on Tuesday, December 5 from 2-3pm EST to learn more.
REX’s Open Call will be a panel presentation and Q&A hosted by REX Chairs: Allison Flatley, Iron Maidens (all women roundtable); Jenn Kuehn, Group Fitness Directors; Mary Laudati, Sales Managers and Marketing Directors. Britt Kleine, Senior Vice President Operations at City Fitness will also join in the conversation and share her experience on the Iron Maidens.
The goal of each roundtable is to provide a welcoming and empowering place for women leaders to learn from each other and to focus on a growth mindset, professionally and personally. It is an ideal place for women to work on their business and join the highly successful network of REX Members.
Learn more about REX and the opportunity to join a roundtable. Register now to add to your calendar!
If you have questions or want to learn more, visit REX Roundtables or contact Allison at [email protected].
REX Roundtables has been the industry leader in developing executives, owners and business leaders to become more successful since 1989. REX now has 18 roundtables in the US, 4 in Australia & 4 in Europe.
FitnessBiz is the only public conference where I’ll be sharing these game-changing best business practices this year. Secure your ticket now and be at the forefront of the fitness industry’s evolution.
Your success in 2024 starts now when you register for FitnessBiz 2023!
sweet gig.
