Women's Fitness Podcast

In this episode of the Women's Fitness Education podcast, host Dani speaks with Olympia, a new personal trainer, about her journey into the fitness industry. They discuss the importance of backing oneself, empowering women through fitness, overcoming stigmas associated with age and appearance in the gym, and the rewarding aspects of coaching. Olympia shares her experiences, challenges, and the significance of empathy in building connections with clients. The conversation emphasizes that anyone can succeed in fitness, regardless of their background or appearance, and encourages aspiring trainers to take the first step in their journey. Takeaways: * Backing yourself is crucial in pursuing your passion. * You become ready by doing the work and showing up. * Clients want trainers who understand and relate to them. * Empowering women is a key focus in fitness coaching. * Stigmas about age and strength training need to be challenged. * The belief clients gain from training is more important than physical results. * Building a community in fitness can enhance the experience for everyone. * Empathy is essential for connecting with clients effectively. * You don't need to look a certain way to be a great coach. * Taking the first step is what matters most in starting your journey. Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/ [https://www.womensfitnesseducation.com.au/]

In this episode, Mish sits down with Jen Dugard, founder of MumSafe™ and long-time advocate for women’s health in fitness, to talk about something that usually flies under the radar — board nominations.  Jen’s currently up for re-election to the AUSactive Board, and she’s not here to play politics — she’s here to talk about what it really means to have a voice at the table that represents exercise professionals.  They unpack:  * How AUSactive has evolved from “the boys’ club days” to a credible national voice in Canberra  * Why the switch from CECs to CPDs matters for the industry’s future  * What “peak body” status actually means — and why it’s a game changer for recognition and funding  * The vision for where fitness sits in Australia’s preventative health system  * And, yes, the behind-the-scenes reality of unpaid leadership and hard decisions  If you’ve ever wondered who’s really representing you in the fitness industry, or why your vote counts, this one’s worth a listen.  Time to Vote  If you’re an AUSactive member, you’ve already got a say in who shapes the future of our industry. Check your inbox (or your junk folder) for an email from True Vote — that’s your voting link. If you don’t have it, contact AUSactive before 27 October.  Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/ [https://www.womensfitnesseducation.com.au/]

In this episode of the Women’s Fitness Education Podcast, Dani chats with Samantha Hagger, a personal trainer at AquaLink, founder of Whole Body Conditioning, and finalist for the 2025 AusActive Personal Trainer of the Year Award. Sam shares how she left a successful sales career at 40 to follow her passion for fitness, starting out by training parents on the school oval with nothing but some bands, dumbbells, and determination. What began with just two clients grew into a thriving business—and eventually led her to AquaLink, where she now runs 80+ PT sessions a month. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and the power of saying yes to opportunities—even when they feel scary. 💡 Key Takeaways * It’s never too late to start: Sam switched careers at 40 and built a thriving business from scratch. * Say yes and figure it out later: Big opportunities often grow from small beginnings. * Fitness is more than physical: Sam focuses on mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing through her Whole Body Conditioning approach. * Connection is everything: The strongest client relationships come from listening, supporting, and adapting to individual needs. Mentorship matters: Having guidance early in your career makes the first year less daunting and more rewarding.  Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/ [https://www.womensfitnesseducation.com.au/]

In this episode of the Women’s Fitness Education Podcast, Dani chats with Toni, founder of Beautiful and Balanced Bodies and finalist for the AusActive Personal Trainer of the Year Award. With 13 years of experience as a personal trainer and nutritionist, Toni has built a career focused on empowering women through every life stage. She shares how she started in fitness straight out of high school, her passion for training women, the burnout that forced her to step away, and how she came back stronger—launching her own women’s-only business designed to create a safe, supportive space. Whether you’re an aspiring PT or a woman looking for inspiration, Toni’s story is filled with wisdom on boundaries, resilience, and what it really means to empower clients. 💡 Takeaways * Follow your gut: Toni chose fitness straight out of school, even when people doubted her, and it set the foundation for her career. * Burnout doesn’t mean failure: Stepping away gave her the clarity to return stronger and build her business on her own terms. * Boundaries matter: Protecting your energy is essential if you want longevity in the fitness industry. * Adaptability is key: The best trainers can pivot quickly to meet clients’ needs—whether postpartum mums, women in perimenopause, or clients managing injuries. * Celebrate the wins: True empowerment comes from helping women feel capable in their bodies, whether that’s doing push-ups on toes or recovering faster from injury.   Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/ [https://www.womensfitnesseducation.com.au/]

In this episode of the Women’s Fitness Education Podcast, Dani chats with Karys Ann, also known as the “I Kann Queen.” Karys is an international law of attraction and empowerment coach, motivational speaker, and ambassador for Turned Up Fitness—a high-energy, female-empowerment dance program that’s growing across Australia and New Zealand. Karys shares her personal journey from losing confidence and direction to finding herself again through dance and then helping other women transform their lives through both fitness and coaching. This conversation is packed with insights on confidence, mindset, and taking action even when fear and imposter syndrome creep in. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * How Turned Up Fitness helps women unleash confidence and joy (and why it feels like a “night out without the hangover”). * The role of law of attraction in building self-belief and creating the life you want. * Why clarity only comes from action—and how small steps can lead to big transformations. * Karys’ own struggles with imposter syndrome (and why it’s completely normal). * Real-life stories of women who went from anxious and self-doubting to leading classes and building new careers. * The most important qualities a coach or trainer needs to truly support and empower women. ✨ Free Resource from Karys Ann:  Download her free eBook on finding your passion, purpose, and attracting it into your life with the law of attraction. @theikannqueen   Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/ [https://www.womensfitnesseducation.com.au/]