Women's Fitness Podcast

 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 Courseshttps://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 TakeawaysIt’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 Courseshttps://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.💡 TakeawaysFollow 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 Courseshttps://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 Courseshttps://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

In this episode, Dani interviews Palma, a passionate fitness trainer who shares her inspiring journey in the fitness industry. From her early beginnings in personal training to overcoming challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Parma discusses her growth, mindset, and the importance of helping others achieve their fitness goals. She emphasises the significance of mental alignment in achieving physical success and shares insights on building a successful fitness business.TakeawaysHer first job as a personal trainer was in a male-dominated gym, which was intimidating.Building rapport with clients through genuine conversations helped her gain clients.All trainers should believe they are worthy of clients.Mindset is crucial for success in the fitness industry.Continuous evolution and adaptation are necessary for trainers.Cultural diversity among trainers enhances communication.Rejection is a part of the industry; resilience is key.Client retention strategies are vital for success.Sharing personal stories can inspire others.Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courseshttps://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

 In this episode of the Women's Fitness Podcast, Mish chats with the radiant Leah Cooper – yoga teacher, face yoga practitioner, and host of The Wellbeing Room podcast. Leah shares how she stumbled into the world of face yoga during a rough patch in her 40s… and how it literally and emotionally helped her lift her face and her spirits.We talk about:How face yoga actually works (no yoga mat needed – but cold water and facial oil, yes please)The science and habit-stacking behind this simple but powerful practiceWhy nose breathing changes your face (and how mouth tape while sleeping can help)Ways to build rituals that help you not only care for your face – but love itThe upcoming Face Yoga Challenge – and why Mish is all in!If you’ve ever felt a bit meh about your face, or just want a practical way to age well without Botox, this convo is for you.✨ Join the Face Yoga Challenge🧴 It’s free. It’s fun. It starts Sunday 21st September 2025 at 10.30am AEDT.💻 And yes, all sessions are recorded so you can watch in your own time.Sign up here:👉 https://subscribepage.io/face-yoga-challenge-2025Connect with Leah Cooper & The Centre of Ki🌐 Website: thecentreofki.com.au📺 YouTube: The Centre of Ki YouTube Channel📸 Instagram: @thecentreofki💪 Thinking about joining the fitness industry?If you want to become a fitness professional (maybe even a face yoga teacher like Leah!), you’ll need your Cert III & IV in Fitness. At Women's Fitness Education, we go one step further – we include women’s health courses in the price. That means content on pelvic floor, periods, perimenopause, menopause and more – the things your standard certs still ignore.🎓 Learn more at womensfitnesseducation.com.au🎧 Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to check your mirror, smile at yourself, and maybe give yourself a high five – Leah-style.And yes, Mish will absolutely see you at the challenge. Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courseshttps://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

In this episode of the Women’s Fitness Education Podcast, Dani sits down with Jacqui Somerville, founder of Mum & Mini Fitness in WA and AusActive finalist for the People’s Choice Small Business Award.Jacqui’s story is one of resilience, passion, and community. From overcoming an eating disorder to creating a space where mums can train alongside their kids, she’s built a business that empowers women far beyond just the physical results.Dani and Jacqui chat about:How Jacqui’s own recovery inspired her to become a trainerThe leap from group fitness to running her own businessBuilding a mum-friendly training space where kids are welcomeWhy gradual growth is more sustainable than burnoutThe power of community and the life-changing impact it can have on mumsHer simple but effective “traffic light system” for tailoring workouts to each client’s needsThe advice she’d give to women considering a career in fitnessThe most important quality every successful trainer needsWhether you’re a mum, a trainer, or someone considering a career in fitness, Jacqui’s insights will leave you inspired to back yourself, slow down when needed, and always put connection first.Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courseshttps://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

This week on the Women’s Fitness Podcast, I’m joined (again!) by my good friend and powerhouse researcher, Thea Baker.Thea isn’t just a brilliant clinical counsellor and psychotherapist — she’s also a PhD candidate at Deakin University digging deep into something that hasn’t had much attention: how moderate-to-vigorous exercise, like boxing, can support women’s recovery after experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV).Most of the research out there points to yoga and other mind-body practices. And while those are great, Thea noticed years ago — back when she was one of my very first mishfit franchisees — that women got something different, something powerful, from boxing. That release of anger, the rhythm, the strength — all of it mattered. Now she’s testing that hunch with proper research.What We Talk AboutWhy Thea’s personal and professional journey led her to this researchThe often unseen connections between IPV, trauma, and women’s health (yes, including cardiovascular disease risk)How boxing can create a sense of power, safety, and agency in women’s bodiesThe role of trauma- and violence-informed practices in fitness spacesThe upcoming 8-week non-contact boxing program in Abbotsford that’s part of her studyHow this study differs from other programs like Left Write HookThe Big Call-Out Thea is looking for 32 women in metro Melbourne to take part in her free 8-week cardio-boxing program starting October.You may be eligible if you:Identify as a womanAre over 18Live in metro Melbourne and can travel to AbbotsfordHave experienced intimate partner violence (this includes emotional, financial, psychological, sexual or physical abuse — not just physical violence)Can safely take part in exerciseWhat’s involved:One 60-min boxing session per week (with optional 30-min support strategies session)A series of online questionnaires before, during and after the programAn optional focus group at the end to share your feedbackWhat’s in it for you:Be part of cutting-edge research that could reshape how exercise is offered to victim-survivorsA safe, supportive space to move your body and connect with othersThe chance to help make fitness spaces safer for women in the futureHow to Get Involved👉 https://redcap.link/cardioboxingthis link for a direct link (includes QR code to screening process)👉 Or contact Thea directly: thea.baker@deakin.edu.au Even if this isn’t for you, you probably know someone who could benefit. One in four women in Australia experience IPV — so please share this episode and flyer with your community.Mish’s final wordYou never know how sharing something like this might be the first step in someone’s healing and recovery.Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courseshttps://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

 Episode SummaryIn this episode, Mish chats with Mariana Ivantsoff, Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor at AusActive, about why political advocacy matters for the fitness industry and the impact of grassroots initiatives like Million Moves. They dive into how engaging government can benefit fitness professionals, the success of Million Moves in Queensland, and how trainers, gym owners, and exercise professionals across Australia can get involved.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why advocacy matters – How AusActive is pushing for government investment in preventive health and what that means for the fitness industry.Shifting perceptions – Breaking the stereotype of gyms as bodybuilding spaces and reframing them as community hubs for health, connection, and prevention.Million Moves explained – The origins of the campaign, its growth from a fun challenge between politicians to a national activation, and how it helps get sedentary Australians moving.Practical ways to get involved – How fitness professionals can encourage members, set up teams, run activations, and even invite local politicians to experience their facilities.The bigger picture – Why preventive health needs to be front and centre in Australia’s health strategy, and how grassroots action can create real change.Key Quotes:“Exercise is preventive health, and preventive health is the government’s remit.” – Mariana Ivantsov“If exercise was a pill, it would be a bloody magic pill.” – Mish Wright“Every bit counts—invite your local MP, show them what you do. It is life-changing.” – Mariana IvantsovResources and Links:https://millionmoves.org.au/signup – Pledge your 75 moves a day and get involved.The perks you get when you sign up and the prizes you can win (if you are in a participating area): https://millionmoves.org.au/benefits-prizeshttps://electorate.aec.gov.au/– Invite them to your gym, studio, or outdoor session.Supporting resources for people/clubs to get involved: https://millionmoves.org.au/resourcesWomen’s Fitness Education – Start your fitness career with qualifications designed with women’s health in mind.Take Action:Be the squeaky wheel. Whether you’re running a gym, an outdoor bootcamp, or classes in your community, get involved with Million Moves, invite your local politician, and share the message that exercise is the most powerful preventive health tool we have. Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courseshttps://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

In this conversation, Aida, the owner and head coach of Boss Fitness, shares her journey in the fitness industry, focusing on the importance of community, mentorship, and creating a safe space for women. She discusses the challenges she faced, the growth of her business, and the significance of training staff to ensure a consistent experience for clients. Aida emphasizes the need for passion in the fitness industry and the importance of listening to clients' needs to foster long-term relationships.TakeawaysAida started Boss Fitness in her sister's garage, focusing on women's fitness.Building a strong community is essential for success in the fitness industry.Mentorship plays a crucial role in developing new trainers.Creating a safe and inclusive space for women is a priority.Aida emphasizes the importance of listening to clients' needs.The growth of Boss Fitness has been rapid, expanding to multiple locations.Staff training is extensive to ensure a consistent experience for clients.Community events help strengthen connections among members.Aida encourages risk-taking and passion in pursuing a fitness career.People will come and go in the fitness industry; it's important to accept that.Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courseshttps://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/