Pressure!

Do you think we put to much pressure on ourselves.

Do you take time out for yourself?

In today's society we can very easily get caught up in the day to day grind of everything. In doing so we forget to take a deep breathe and just enjoy life. Humans tend to be quite time poor working longer hours plus traveling further to get to their jobs. Because of these and other factors we forget to take some time out for ourselves, it's either work, family, money ... The list goes on and this can lead to serious amounts of stress. Stress is such a powerful emotion which can be very detrimental to our health and can cause such health conditions like anxiety.

We all need some time to ourselves from time to time. We spend so much time trying to set up a good life for ourselves, we forget to enjoy it.

How do you like to enjoy yourself?

Below are a list of top 5 things I like to do which makes me enjoy life.

1. Playing or watching football - love my footy!

2. Spend a weekend away with my young family - it's good to get away from the hussle and bustle sometimes

3. Listen to Coldplay - I find I just tune out when listening to them

4. Sit down and enjoy watching a DVD with my wife - with a little one we don't get much time to ourselves but this is something we try and do a couple of times a month

5. Catching up with friends - always great to see friends

Hopefully it’s given you a few ideas but if not, when you are feeling overwhelmed and under pressure – take a deep breathe to help you relax – I guarantee when you start to relax – your mind will relax and you’ll be more productive at whatever you are doing.

Tristan Simmons
Healthy Living Director at Mill Park Leisure

YMCA Whittlesea Mental Health Awareness Seminar

According to BeyondBlue, 3 million Australians are currently living with Depression or Anxiety, yet some many of us don’t know much about mental health conditions or the warning signs.

On Monday 6th October YMCA Whittlesea is holding a Mental Health Awareness Seminar at Mill Park Baptist Church. It’s a FREE community event aimed at raising awareness in the community, donations would be greatly appreciated and all proceeds will go to the Black Dog Institute and YMCA Whittlesea Open Doors.

The seminar begins at 6:30pm and will conclude about 8:30pm, with two guest speakers on the night. Firstly we have Sheana from the Black Dog Institute who will talk about breaking down depression and building resilience. Following Sheana will be Dr Denise Furness who will talk about Nutrition and Exercise and how it can help reduce the symptoms of mental health conditions. At the conclusion of the guest speakers, Dr Furness will be joined on stage with Dr Amanda Lucci BMed ,MBBS to answer any questions attendees may have.

This seminar suitable for anyone who may be experiencing a mental health condition, know someone or just want more information on the subject.

Places are limited so get in early to book your spot – to book your place please email Tristan Simmons at tristan.simmons@ymca.org.au

We look forward to seeing you at this great community event.

6 simple steps to follow, which will help you exercise regularly

Before we get into some of the steps, firstly let start by asking you all a question – How many of you have joined a gym or started some sort of exercise but failed to maintain it?

I’m betting a vast majority of you have or would at least know someone who has. There are always different reasons why people start something but don’t continue with it so here are a few simple steps to help keep you on track.

1. Schedule your workouts for the week
If you put them in your diary like any other appointment – it will help you stick to it instead of making an excuse not to do it.

2. Set realistic goals
Sometimes we set a goal that is way out of our reach and it demotivates us so we just give up. The key is to set a long term goal but also some smaller goals along the way that will keep you striving for long term one.

3. Find a training buddy
Having a training partner helps to keep you both motivated because when one wants to slack off – the other will motivate you to get to the gym

4. Get a program written by a qualified instructor
Gym staff are to write you a program which will help you achieve your goals while maintaining a safe exercise regime – if you just come in and do your own thing, you’ll end up getting bored, lose interest and eventually stop

5. Use Technology
We live in a very tech savvy society so why not embrace it – there are some great apps out there that help you set goals and monitor your progress.

6. Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask qualified gym staff questions – they are there to help you and make you feel comfortable at the gym.

So there are few simple – cost effective ways to help you not only start your fitness journey but help maintain it. Please remember one thing – fitness is a lifelong commitment so work hard to get the most out of it but find something you’ll enjoy! 

Tristan Simmons
Healthy Living Director at Mill Park Leisure

What defines us?

As humans we go through all different types of emotions every single day. Some good and some bad. Now we all wish we only had good emotions but that’s not what defines us. We all go through tough times, it’s how we deal with those situations that makes us who we are.

I listened to a key note speaker recently by the name of Dr David Patchell-Evans or 'Patch' as he prefers to be called. Patch is the founder of Goodlife Fitness Centre in Canada. He started out with only 1 health club and has expanded to over 300 clubs around Canada. Patch himself has been through many crisis’s in his life but he choose to learn from those incidents and turn them into an opportunity, or CROP as he calls it. Turning a crisis into an opportunity.

Just take a minute and reflect on that.....when have you turned a crisis into an opportunity?

Do you think it has made you who you are today? 

I want to share an example with you. When I was young my parents had just recently moved to Wallan where they had built a house for their young family because they were renting a flat in Preston which was too small. In order to support his family, my Dad worked 3 jobs, 7 days a week. He would be up at 5am and head to his first job. After he finished working overtime, he would head to his second job and work till about 8-9pm at night and by the time he got home it would after 10pm, when I was in bed. He did this every Monday - Friday. On the weekends he would work his 3rd job. My dad did this for many years to support us but as a result I didn't get to spend as much time with him. It doesn’t make him a bad father, he was just doing everything he can to support us and give us the best opportunities. 

Now you might ask why is this a crisis? Well as a young child, I didn’t get to see my Dad and spend that quality time with him.  Now I'm a father with a beautiful little girl I turned my crisis into an opportunity. That opportunity was to work hard and support my family but to always make sure I have a great work/family life balance. I try to spend as much time as I possibly can with my daughter and if I go one single day without getting a hug or kiss from her (now she knows what shaking your head means so I do get rejected from time to time - except when she is going to bed, I always get my goodnight kiss), it disappoints me. 

There are always going to be tough times throughout our lives, unfortunately its apart of life, it’s how we overcome those tough times or 'crisis' that truly makes us who we are today. A crisis doesn't have to be a big issue either because sometimes the smaller things hurt the most. 

PLEASE remember, it’s never too late to become the person we want to be! 

Tristan Simmons
Healthy Living Director at Mill Park Leisure

Les Mills Launches - June / July

Mental Illness – Lets raise awareness!

You would have seen in the media recently that Mitch Clark, an AFL footballer who played with the Brisbane Lions and Melbourne football club has retired from the game with clinical depression. Now everyone retires from the game at some stage in their lives but to give the game away at only 26 because of this illness is quite saddening. He had many great years ahead of him.

What I want to do by writing this article is raise awareness because 1 in 3 people will experience sort some of mental illness throughout their lives.  Sometimes we don’t realise how much of an impact this terrible illness can have on an individual yet 1 in 4 people still think anyone suffering depression and anxiety just need to snap out of it. If only it was that simple. Everyone during their lives will experience anxiety and be depressed in their everyday lives, it’s part of our emotions but it is usually for only a short period of time and we quickly regulate our emotions again to continue on with our day. For someone experiencing depression or anxiety, it can last for hours; even days and they are unable to regulate their emotions.

I think we as a community need to help raise awareness and even be more accepting of the issue because some people are so fearful of communicating their illness with others; they avoid getting help and are unable to enjoy their life. I encourage anyone who is suffering from mental illness to seek professional help and if you haven’t done so already, introduce some form of exercise into your regime, even if it is at home. Exercise is a great medicine, it helps release endorphins which is a chemical the body produces which makes us feel good about ourselves. There are many online forums which you can join to discuss your issues with people just like you.

Further information can be obtained from BeyondBlue www.beyondblue.org.au

Once again, let’s as a community raise awareness about this terrible illness because it is something that is close to my heart and I believe everyone deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life.

What is Preva?

Preva is State-of-the-art software designed to personalize the fitness experience

Thousands of exercisers worldwide use Preva® to achieve their fitness goals. Preva allows you to track your fitness progress at the gym with on-console software or on-the-go with the Preva Mobile app.

Create a Preva account and take a big step toward your fitness ambitions in and out of the gym. Set a goal, earn rewards and track your progress automatically on Precor cardio equipment or with the Preva app.

Making it yours... works!™

Earn Badges to Keep You Motivated to Meet Your Weekly Goals

Stay motivated by earning badges as you achieve key milestones and reach your fitness goals.

Using the Preva Mobile app, you can share these badges on your favorite social media networks like Facebook and Twitter. Join the hundreds of thousands of exercisers who have already unlocked Preva badges.

Achieve Your Goals with Preva Equipment Worldwide, and on Your Mobile Device

With 1,300 Preva-enabled fitness facilities and over 22,000 networked units across 56 countries, you can count on Preva to be wherever your fitness journey takes you. Don't forget to track your workouts and progress outside of the gym with the Preva Mobile app, whether you're racking up miles on a hike or burning calories doing yard work.

Official Health Club Launch Party

Mill Park Leisure's New Health Club Official Launch Party will be held on Thursday 27th February at 5pm!

 

The first 150 people to arrive for the Official Launch Party will receive a FREE Precor T-Shirt and the Mayor will be in attendance to "cut the ribbon"!

 

On the night there will also be a door prize, catering, a DJ, competitions, prizes and giveaways throughout the night and plenty of fun to be had!

 

We look forward to seeing you here!

Health Club Redevelopment Timeline

Are you excited about the BRAND NEW Health Club launching Thursday 13th February? Us too!

Please see below for the timeline of the redevelopment and installation of equipment, taking note of all changes to hours and access.

Tuesday 4^th February
During this time, workers will relocate old equipment to form temporary gym

Health Club CLOSED from 6.00am – 4.00pm

Temporary Gym OPEN from 4.00pm -10.00pm in Program Room

Located behind reception with selected pin loaded and cardio equipment.


Wednesday 5^th February until Tuesday 11^th February
During this time works on floors, walls and electrical/data setup will take place in the Health Club.
 
Temporary Gym OPEN during regular hours in Program Room
Located behind reception with selected pin loaded and cardio equipment.
 
Temporary Free Weights Section OPEN during regular hours
Located in a small section of the Health Club where works will not take place.


Wednesday 12^th February
During this time old equipment will be removed and the installation of the new equipment will take place.

Temporary Gym OPEN from 6.00am – 12.00pm

Located behind reception with selected pin loaded and cardio equipment.
 
Temporary Gym CLOSED from 12.00pm – 10.00pm

Temporary Free Weights Section CLOSED from 6.00am – 10.00pm

Thursday 13^th February
Health Club Relaunch occurs.

BRAND NEW Health Club Open from 6.00am – 10.00pm

Health Club hours and access return to normal.



Stay Tuned for details: 

NEW Health Club exclusive Launch Party event for members.

BRAND NEW Health Club Launching Thursday 13th February!

 

 

 

The date is finally here...

 

Our BRAND NEW Health Club is launching Thursday 13th February!

 

Take a SNEAK PEEK below at just how awesome it will be...

 



 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Fun - without overindulging!

Are you over feeling heavy, tired and bloated on boxing day? You don’t have to stuff yourself on Christmas day to have fun. Sure, you can eat more than you usually do, it’s important to be able to celebrate and enjoy special times with your family, but eating until you need to undo the top button of your pants is not necessary. 

 

When we eat too much out body cant cope and many of us feel the effects, such as:

  

• Heartburn
• Nausea, feeling sick
• Bloating
• Gas
• Congested sinuses
• Fatigue, sleepiness
• Headaches and brain fog (can’t think clearly)
• Stiff and sore joints

 

Here are some tips to help you try and avoid feeling the effects over overindulging and help you keep the extra kgs off!

 

• Make healthy food If Christmas is at your house you have control over what you serve, if you are not catering then bring a plate or two of healthy options.
• Fill up on vegies and lean meat Make sure your plate has lots of vegetables on it. Choose less bread and take the skin off your meat.
• Stop and Enjoy
It’s thought that it takes 20 minutes until the brain receives signals from the stomach that you are full. Stop and enjoy each mouthful and chew your food properly. Enjoy the conversation and do not rush your meals.
• Have small dessert portions Ask for small serving of desserts or cut your desserts in half and share with others. 
• Drink water in between alcoholic drinks Alcohol is full of calories and stops you digesting your food properly. If you drink alcohol while you are eating you are more likely to store the extra calories (store fat) and put on weight.  
• Share the left overs If Christmas is at your house share the leftovers with the rest of your family. It’s ok to eat extra on Christmas day, you are allowed to enjoy yourself but that’s no excuse to pick at the leftovers for the following few days, especially the desserts. Get back on track ASAP.
• Appreciate and be grateful for what you have
Enjoy the time with your family and friends and be grateful for what you have and what you have achieved throughout the year. 

 

You might find that these short moments of gratitude take away your desire to eat more than you can handle during your Christmas celebrations.

 

I am wishing you all an amazing Christmas, filled with lots of love and laughter. I hope you enjoy the holidays and can spend quality time with your friends and family. I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year and if you do overindulge come and see me and I can kick your but back into action!

 

Merry Christmas and big hugs,

 

Dr D xoxox

 

Dr Denise Furness, PhD BSc RNut REP
Registered Nutritionist & Personal Trainer with Mill Park Leisure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRAND NEW Health Club coming February 2014!

Most of you will have see the promotion of the new and latest fitness equipment from Precor Australia, coming to Mill Park Leisure.

February 2014, will not only see all new equipment from Precor with internet connectivity and touchscreen technology, but also a whole new layout, look and feel!

If you haven't yet had a go of the sample Adaptive Motion Trainer (AMT) set up at Customer Service make sure you do and STAY TUNED for coming updates!

See below for links to video of equipment & Precor Australia

http://youtu.be/7CDsnBhBdMw

http://youtu.be/czRwfjaIt3Y

http://youtu.be/9MAOK4ZBLBs

 

Interview: Pausha Mosley - Personal Trainer at Mill Park Leisure

Born the 29th of March 1991 I was born 3months premature, I was the average size of a male’s hand. 

 

I come from a family of 5 - I’m the baby sister of two older brothers.

 

I attended Mill Park Heights Primary School and finished up my schooling at Mill Park Secondary. This was a successful time for me in my life - it was one of my goals in life that I wanted to achieve - schooling wasn’t my favourite thing to do. I completed year 12 in 2009, also accepting the Mill Park Secondary Sports Award. 

 

What do you do?

 

I studied my diploma in sport with SEDA which is also where I completed my cert 3 & 4 in fitness I first took on gym work at Contours in Epping. I now work as a PT / Fitness Instructor at the YMCA, I have currently been working for the company for 2 years. I also have a passion for working with children of all needs; I work on school holiday programs both with main stream children and special needs along with working after school care, and also work on reception a couple of days a week.
 

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is setting yourself a goal and working towards achieving it whether its big or small it can be anything that’s going to make you a happy person or more successful in your life.
 

What do you think has enabled you to achieve success with the health and fitness industry?

 

I believe my success has come from growing up as a tom boy with two older brothers, also loving playing sport weather it was until the street lights turned on in the court or for a team or club. This would be a reason why I’m involved in the fitness industry.
 

What are 5 top tips you’d give the average person wanting to improve business performance?

• Set yourself the goal first
• Be organised
• Make it a life style change, rather than a time for just now
• Never give up on what you want
• Set yourself a time frame

After a great result, how do you celebrate?

I would spend time with either my family or friends on a night out for a dance or a dinner.

What’s the most satisfying thing you’ve ever done and why?

 

One of the most satisfying things I have done was to jump out of a plane, because I always wanted to do it but I definitely had to build up the courage to do so.

What do you do outside of work to relax and wind down?

I catch up with my friends or family, spend time visiting my nanna to talk about all the Goss, I play indoor soccer on a Thursday night.

Now’s the time for what we call the turbo 10. Ten quick questions...

• What is your favourite song? World’s Greatest
• Favourite athlete? Nathan Buckley
• Movie? Sister act
• Food? Lollies
• Holiday destination? I want to travel the world
• Most recent read book? The secret
• What really annoys you? People chewing with their mouth open or blowing bubble with chewy
• If you could do anything you wanted; what would it be? Participate in the amazing race
• The one thing you’d change in the world right now? Inequality in the world
• Where would like your life to be in 5 years? I would like to start my own family, and working in something I love doing. 

Interview: Krystal Guerra - Personal Trainer at Mill Park Leisure

I was born on the 6^th of November 1991, here in Melbourne. I grew up in Mill Park and still live in Mill Park with my parents Joe, Helen, also my two brothers - Jason (24) and Cameron (19) whom I share the same birthday with but we are three years apart.

When I was just 5 years old I used to snore, it was so loud my parents could hear me from the other end of the house, even with my bedroom door closed. In the end I was in need of an operation to get my tonsils and adenoids out, so that I breathe properly due to my small airways. Post operation I had a few complications leading to me being back in hospital multiple times. At one point my parents were told that they may lose me; thankfully I overcome the situation and slowly recovered.

I went to primary school at St Francis of Assisi and then moved on the high school at St Monica’s College. Through my whole schooling period I was always a tomboy - while all the other girls were off doing cartwheels and handstands, I would be out on the oval with the boys playing footy or soccer. Still to this day, I rather be outside playing sports than doing my hair or my nails. I love watching all footy, but most of all I love my boys down at Carlton. GO BLUES!

I completed my Diploma in Fitness at Victoria University and after finishing my Diploma I went into running a successful Personal Training franchise at Fitness First in Epping. I was there for a year and just before they closed down I left. This now brings me to Mill Park Leisure, where I have learnt so much and worked in most areas of the centre. I have made many lifelong friends and I look forward to helping everyone here at Mill Park Leisure to achieve their goals - no matter how big or small we all work together to get the results that each individual is looking for.

1. What do you do?
I work in a few different areas at Mill Park Leisure - in the Gym as a Gym Instructor and a Personal Trainer, I work  in Customer Service and also in Disability Services. I have also worked previously as a Swim Teacher.

2. What is your definition of success?
Success to me is achieving results, big or small, moving in a forward motion in a happy and healthy manner.

3. I think we can sometimes learn from the mistakes we make. What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made along the way? What did you learn from this?
I have made mistakes along the way - I think that everyone makes mistakes, but this is good because you learn from them and then grow with what you have learnt. My biggest mistake so far would have to be that fact that I have trouble saying “NO”, by me trying to please everyone and fit everyone in when it suits them it was taking a toll on my body. By giving them a few different options that worked for me gave them enough of a chance to pick what suited them also. I was working too long of a day and not getting the down time my body needed. I now know only to do what I can handle.

4. What are the top 5 tips you’d give the average person wanting to improve business performance?

• Never give up
• Up-skill all the time
• Check out the competition
• Be organised
• Have goals in place

5. What do you think has enabled you to achieve success with the health and fitness industry?
The main reason for my success would have to be my love for the sport and fitness industry, secondly a great support system from my teachers at school through to work colleagues and most importantly my family and friends at home.

6. Who has the greatest influence on your career and what lessons did they teach you?
The greatest influence for my career would have to be my exercise prescription teacher when I was doing my Diploma. He taught me almost everything I know about the industry, but he also gave me the little tips for my sessions that make the difference. I still think of things that he says to this day in every one of my personal training sessions, it could be for anything about training to building rapport with clients.  

7. After a great result, how do you celebrate?
I would usually celebrate with family and friends with a dinner or a night out.

8. What do you do outside of work to relax and wind down?
Outside of work I catch up with friends, relax with family (having cooking days with my Nonna). I also play soccer so train on Tuesdays and Thursdays and then game day Sundays.

9. Now’s the time for what we call turbo 10. Ten quick questions….
What your favourite song? Pink, so what.

• Favourite athlete? Andrew Walker
• Movie? Step Brothers
• Food? Fairy Floss
• Holiday destination? Europe, I am going in 2014!!!
• Most recently read book? I haven’t read a book since high school, I do read the paper.
• What really annoys you? When people scratch their fork or knife on the plate and make the screeching sound.
• If you could do anything that you wanted; what would it be? I would be a Personal Trainer for a singer or some kind of famous person - that way I could travel around the world while working a job that I love!
• The one thing you would like to change in the world right now? For everyone to pass away old and peacefully in their sleep.
• Where would you like to be in 5 years? All I want is to  be happy and healthy making a living of something I love to do.
   

Weight Loss Seminar

UPDATE:

As mentioned in our previous eNews & Blog Posts, we are running a Weight Loss seminar hosted by our very own Dr Denise Furness.

This seminar will be held on Thursday 28^th November, 1.00pm - 2.00pm in the Group Fitness Room at Mill Park Leisure.

Some of the topics to be discussed are:

• Are your genes making you fat
• Medical conditions that may be stopping you from losing weight
• Why starving yourself in NOT the way to lose weight
• Plus more with an open discussion to be held afterwards

Places are limited so to reserve your spot please contact reception.

*********************************************************************************

Towards the end of November our very own Dr Denise Furness will be running a seminar to talk about the challenges when trying to lose weight and how we can overcome them.

Dr Denise Furness has been involved in pregnancy health research for 10 years. In 2001 Denise completed her Bachelor of Biological Science with Honours and began working in Genetics. Denise has always been passionate about nutrition and health and in 2003 began her PhD in nutrigenomics and late gestation pregnancy complications with CSIRO Human Nutrition.

In 2007 Denise started her postdoctoral position with the University of Adelaide and started the Predicting Adverse Pregnancy Study (PAPO) study at the Women’s and Children’s hospital, South Australia. Denise worked with couples who had experienced a range of pregnancy complications including infertility, miscarriage preeclampsia and foetal growth restriction. Denise’s research focused on DNA damage, diet, genes and lifestyle factors in both men and women in relation to pregnancy health and outcomes.

Denise completed her postdoctoral position in December 2012 and is currently analysing the PAPO data for publications. Recently, Denise achieved her greatest accomplishment having her first baby. Denise is also a registered nutritionist with Nutrition Society of Australia and a registered exercise professional with Fitness Australia.

Stay tuned for more details!

The Benefits of Personal Training

Nothing beats the inspiration and motivation of having your own trainer.

Personal training is a one on one workout with one of Mill Park Leisure's highly trained and qualified fitness professionals. Your own trainer will provide you with hands on support, guidance and encouragement. They will also motivate you to achieve your individual goals and help you to get the most out of your work out time. Whether you are just starting to exercise or are currently training competitively, you will immediately recognise the physical benefits of having your own personal trainer.

Outdoor Personal Training

Personal training outdoors adds a huge amount of fun, variety and new challenges to your workouts. Power walking, running, jogging, boxing, or cycling, the opportunities are endless as you enjoy training with your personal trainer in the great outdoors. You and your trainer can use any of Mill Park Leisure's facilities, including the health club, group exercise room, heated pools and more, to vary your training and keep you motivated.

The benefits of Personal Training include:

• Receive an extra push from a fully qualified fitness professional
• Achieve faster results and reach your goals sooner
• Have your own coach
• Improve muscle tone and posture
• Break through training plateaus
• Receive advanced training techniques
• Receive more frequent guidance
• Maximize every session
• More comprehensive dietary guidance
• Lots of hands on support and encouragement
• Sports Specific training

Our Trainers

The personal training team at Mill Park Leisure are renowned for their level of expertise, qualifications and commitment to helping clients achieve real results. All trainers have extensive experience working across a wide range of fitness interests and attend ongoing workshops to stay up to date with all the latest health & fitness information.

Interview: Carol Andrews - Group Fitness Coordinator at Mill Park Leisure

All my life I have been interested in fitness. I played in all the school Rounders, Softball and Netball sides, then continued Netball throughout my Teenage years. I played indoor cricket with all my brothers and sisters, until I discovered Group Fitness classes.

In 1979 I commenced work at the Commonwealth Bank, where my girlfriend suggested I go with her to the Gym. I participated in my first class at Fitzpatrick’s Gym in Brunswick. On the 10^th February 1983, I instructed my first class at Mill Park Squash courts and then Lifestyle Greensborough.  In January 1989 I commenced Instructing at Whittlesea YMCA, where l taught classes at both Mill Park and Thomastown.

I met my husband Shane in January 1992 and by 1994 my life changed completely when I gave birth to my first son Nathan, followed by Mitchell in 1999.  Still instructing classes and working full time as a Bank Manager for the Commonwealth Bank, throughout those years I decided in 2000 to leave the bank and be a full time Housewife/Mum.

That lasted less than 5 months as I then joined the team at Mill Park Leisure again as an Instructor,  later becoming the Group Fitness Coordinator.  I have been in this role for over 10 years. My passion is Group Fitness, Boot Camp and Small Group Training, but also my family.

My weekends are now spent watching my boys play football or cricket, those days of coming home from a night club at 7.00am and doing a class at 9.15am, (some participants will remember those days) are long gone!

I am from a large family, I have 4 sisters and 3 brothers, and we were all very competitive as a family when it came to sport.  My Dad was our Indoor Cricket coach, we all played in the one team that became very competitive on field and off field.  Over the years my brothers and sisters have slowed down, but I haven’t.

These days I share my passion for fitness with my own family - Shane, Judy and Greg (Shane’s parents), as they are members of Mill Park Leisure. I am a very proud Mum and often brag about my boy’s achievements - that’s the Leo in me (loud and proud)! I love to have fun whilst I’m taking classes, Boot Camp or Small Groups BUT - don’t think it will be  easy, as  I love to train hard!

1. What do you?
Group Fitness Coordinator, Group Fitness Instructor and Personal trainer, (wife, mother, nurse, financial advisor, educator, life coach every other job associated with a wife and Mother)

2. What is your definition of success?
Helping a participant reach their goals, seeing a smile on their face whilst training, seeing a positive change in peoples life.  When a client says to you I have to thank you for you have made me a better person”. (Ultimate compliment).

3. What are your thoughts on the parallels between business and sport?
A business should not always look at the financial side of things, but at what it is doing to change the lifestyles of the community.

4. I think we can sometimes learn more from the mistakes we make. What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made along the way?  And what did you learn from this?
Never say Never, as situations change. If you are ashamed of it, don’t do it again.

5. What are the 5 top tips you’d give the average person wanting to improve business performance?

• Be genuine.
• Your clients are your business, treat them as you would like to be treated.
• What would you expect to get from the business if you were the client.
• Don’t over commit.
• Be open to new ideas.

6. What do you think has enabled you to achieve success with the health and fitness industry?
My passion and enthusiasm. I only do what l am passionate about, as I have more enthusiasm to achieve.  Not what has the largest numbers, or the latest trend.

7. How do you consistently sustain performance in your business/career?
Keep fit, keep it interesting, and look for new challenges. be genuine with what you are into. (Don’t know it, don’t bluff it, research it).

8. Tell me your thoughts about developing a successful team culture.
Make sure the team know what their role is, understand  and agree together what the teams goals are, what the business expects, support, train, mentor and work together, to reach the teams goals.

9. And your thoughts on how to turn a mix of different people and personalities into a world class team?
Try to use the different personalities to the team’s best advantage.

10. Who has had the greatest influence on your career and what lessons did they teach you?
Group Fitness: Les Mills Instructors/programs - it has helped me be a better Instructor. From a bad class to a great class you can learn something from it. It is what you do with what you have learnt. Act on it or ignore it. Hopefully I act on what I have learnt to be better at everything I do.

11. After a great result, how do you celebrate?
Set a new Challenge (after a celebration drink maybe!)

12. What’s the most satisfying thing you’ve ever done and why?
Sorry, you can’t beat giving birth, creating a life or 2.

13. What do you do outside of work to relax and wind down?
Watch my 2 boys play football or cricket.

14. Where do you see opportunity in the health and fitness industry in the next 5 years?

• Small group training
• Increase Older Adults activity rate
• Increasing Youth activity in the Community

15. What is your one gripe/whinge about the health and fitness industry?
Over flooded with Instructors that do it for the money, not the love of fitness and a better lifestyle for others.

16. Now’s the time eight quick questions…

• What is your favourite song? Any hard core motivating song that makes people want to move more.           
• Favourite athlete? My 2 boys Nathan and Mitchell Andrews      
• Food? Asian                                                                        
• Holiday destination? Beach  Resort anywhere as long as it is hot and with my family          
• Most recently read book? 50 marathons in 50 days                  
• What really annoys you? People that won’t try.                      
• If you could do anything you wanted; what would it be? At the moment, take my family on a long holiday overseas.
• Where would you like to be in 5 years time? Where else! Training with the great members here after that long holiday with my family. Also, hopefully still have both parents alive.