Meet Ollie — the powerhouse behind Strong Not Skinny and a personal trainer who’s been helping women build strength and confidence for almost a year.

Ollie’s journey into the fitness industry wasn’t a straight line. In fact, she spent almost 18 years working in the liquor industry before she decided something had to change. While she enjoyed her career, deep down she knew there was more she wanted to do — not just for herself, but for other women too.

“I’d always struggled with confidence and public speaking,” she shared. “But when I started training with Ladies at Lift, something clicked. Other women my age were messaging me saying, ‘How do you lift like that?’ and I just wanted to tell them, ‘You can too!’ That was the turning point. The next day, I signed up for my Cert III & IV in Fitness.”

Juggling Work, Study & Family

Ollie’s decision wasn’t made in an “easy season of life.” She was working full-time, raising her daughter (who was finishing Year 12), and squeezing in study and gym sessions wherever she could.

“It was hectic,” she laughs. “But when you’re passionate about something, you find a way to make it work.”

And she did — completing her certifications and stepping straight into coaching.

From Client to Coach

In one of those “pinch me” moments, Ollie went from training at her gym to being asked to coach there.

“I thought my boss was just asking me to cover a session as part of my placement. Then she pulled out a contract and I realised it was an actual job offer! I cried on the spot.”

Now, Ollie runs group sessions at Ladies at Lift, coaches one-on-one clients, and has also become a menopause coach — a passion sparked by her own stage of life.

The Rewards of Coaching

Ask Ollie what lights her up about being a trainer, and she doesn’t hesitate:

“It’s seeing women surprise themselves. When a client says, ‘I can’t lift that,’ and then they do — their whole belief in themselves changes. That’s the best part. They call me their ‘gym mum’ and it’s not about the muscles, it’s about the confidence they’re building.”

One of her favourite memories is with her very first client. At first, the woman was too scared to let go during a back extension exercise. But just a week later, she nailed it. That night, Ollie received a message: “Thank you for believing in me. I still can’t believe I did that.”

“That was the first time I thought — wow, I’m making a real difference,” Ollie says.

Challenges & Stigmas

Like many women in fitness, Ollie has noticed the stigma around age and strength training.

“There’s still this belief that women — especially older women — shouldn’t lift heavy. Even my parents say, ‘Don’t do that, you’ll hurt yourself.’ But strength training is exactly what helps us thrive as we age.”

Her mission? To show women they do belong in the gym — at any age.

The Qualities That Matter Most

When asked what makes a great trainer, Ollie doesn’t point to textbooks or fancy programming. She says it comes down to one word: empathy.

“You can know all the science, but if you can’t meet someone where they’re at, you won’t connect. Everyone comes in with their own story, fears, and busy lives. If you truly listen, that’s when you make a real impact.”

Advice for Aspiring Trainers

Ollie’s advice is refreshingly simple:

• Back yourself. You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start.

• Don’t overthink it. You become ready by doing.

• You don’t need to “look the part.” Abs and “cookie-cutter” bodies don’t make you a good coach — empathy, knowledge, and passion do.
  

“If fitness lights you up, that’s enough,” Ollie says. “It’s your journey, your pace, your impact.”

Final Thoughts

Ollie’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to wait until the “perfect time” (spoiler: it doesn’t exist!) to chase your dream. Whether you’re 18 or 48, new to the gym or a seasoned lifter, there’s always room for you in the fitness industry.

As Ollie shows us, when you back yourself, you not only change your own life — you inspire others to do the same.

✨ Inspired by Ollie’s journey? Maybe it’s your turn to take that first step. Our Certificate III & IV in Fitness programs are designed to help women just like you turn passion into a career.

If you’re thinking about becoming a qualified personal trainer or group fitness instructor, check out our Certificate III and IV in Fitness. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!