Women's Fitness Blog

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From Graduate to Business Owner: Vanessa’s Journey Supporting New Mums Through Fitness

December 08, 20253 min read

Helping women feel strong, confident, and supported — that’s at the heart of what Vanessa Azzapardi does every day.

A Women’s Fitness Education graduate and now owner of The P3 Movement, Vanessa works with prenatal and postpartum women, helping them safely return to exercise, rebuild strength, and reconnect with themselves — all in a supportive, community-driven space where babies are welcome too.

But her journey into the industry didn’t start with business. It started with passion.

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From Participant to Instructor: “I wanted to be that person on stage.”

Vanessa began as a class participant, always front row, always engaged. One day she realised — “I could be the one leading these classes.”
With a background in teaching, she felt comfortable in front of people — but becoming a fitness instructor was a whole new step.

She took the leap, became a group fitness instructor, and soon discovered something powerful:

“I want to help women—not just through exercise, but through connection, confidence, and community.”

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Why She Chose Women’s Fitness Education

Vanessa had already completed her Cert III years ago—but when she discovered WFE, something clicked:

“Most courses are designed around training men. That’s not what I wanted. I love working with women — their bodies, their cycles, pregnancy, postpartum — it all fascinates me.”

Women’s Fitness Education allowed her to specialise, expand her knowledge, and finally build a pathway focused on women’s health.

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The Birth of The P3 Movement

After years of thinking about where she belonged in the fitness industry, everything clicked when she realised just how underserved postpartum women were.

“I saw women stop exercising completely after having kids, because they had no safe, supportive space to go. I wanted to change that.”

And so, The P3 Movement was born — which stands for:
👉 Preparation
👉 Pregnancy
👉 Postpartum

It’s more than fitness. It’s movement — physically, emotionally, and socially.

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Creating Connection — Not Just Classes

Vanessa doesn’t just run sessions. She builds community.

She introduced WhatsApp support groups, ‘Mums & Bubs’ sessions, and social catch-ups. Clients started referring friends — and soon, she had a fully booked calendar.

One of her pinch-me moments?

“When I realised I couldn’t take on any more PT clients — and seeing mums build genuine friendships because of the space I created.”


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The Reality of Business: Challenges and Learning Curves

Like all business owners, Vanessa faced challenges:

❌ Empty leads
❌ Competition
❌ Time management
❌ Self-doubt and comparison

Her greatest lesson?

“You are the business. Don’t compare yourself. Focus on your strengths, stay passionate — and keep going.”

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Advice for Future Graduates

Vanessa shared her advice for anyone wanting to start a fitness business:

💡 You won’t know everything at the start — learn as you go
💡 You will have ideas all the time — write them down
💡 You can’t do everything — prioritise
💡 Keep learning (business, coaching, women’s health… never stop)
💡 Passion and persistence are everything

Why WFE Made a Difference

“Seamless, supportive, professional” — that’s how Vanessa describes her study experience.

“If you want to work with women — truly understand and support women — this is the place to study. I’d recommend Women’s Fitness Education to anyone in a heartbeat.”

Vanessa’s journey is a beautiful reminder that your qualifications are just the beginning — and when you combine passion with purpose, your business can become something truly meaningful.

Her story proves that women don’t just want workouts — they want community, connection, and someone who truly understands their journey.

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!


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