Discovering my passion for health and fitness…

I grew up in the south east suburbs of Melbourne in Victoria, the eldest of 4 children (me, Darren, Amanda and Jason) to parents Shirley & Ferdy Sole.

I began my working career juggling a full time position as PA to a manufacturing manager with ACI Fibreglass in Dandenong Victoria, along with a part time position with a local solicitor.

It was getting married in 1985 at the age of 20 that I began to put on weight! Never one for inaction, I found a local fitness centre close to home, and in the era where we’d do group exercise classes in bare feet, I was hooked!!

Within 12 months I had convinced a girlfriend from work to join me on a course to become a qualified “Exercise to Music” instructor. Shortly after graduating, I joined the Rebound Gym in Narre Warren, and so began my career in fitness.

Looking back, I spent a lot of my life at the Endeavor Hills YMCA doing all sorts of crazy things as a group training instructor. They were a fantastic organisation for me and the community over the years and I considered them my family… it was my second home. 

I moved to America for a couple of years in the early 90s where I undertook additional Group Fitness USA qualifications, meaning I could lead classes and run workshops there.  Back in Australia I continued to grow my wellbeing business, branching off into corporate Wellness programs for a range of local councils. 

Today, as an award winning Personal Trainer, Gym & Group Exercise Instructor with over 32 years in the health and wellness industry, my passion has seen me travel the world as a Speaker, Trainer, Consultant and Coach – just basically getting out there and helping people.

Even after my diagnosis, I’ve continued to successfully help my clients achieve their health, weight loss and wellbeing goals through my online wellness programs at fitnesstips.com.au – just not in my high heels anymore!!  Through a combination of mindset, exercise, and nutrition, my ongoing purpose is to help women over forty to feel amazing about themselves again!