If you’ve ever walked through the doors of AB Health and Fitness in Tullamarine, you already know that this place feels less like an intimidating gym and more like a tight-knit community. That welcoming vibe is built by coaches who genuinely care about your journey, and Connie is the absolute heart of it.
From 80s gym junkie to one of our founding coaches, here is the story behind Connie’s passion for movement!
The Journey: From 80s “Gym Junkie” to One of Our Long-Standing AB Coaches
Connie’s love for sport started early, rooted in a childhood spent revelling in primary school netball, cricket, rounders, and athletics. By the time she hit her twenties, that passion had evolved into full-blown “gym junkie” status.
“I have wonderful memories of the 80’s with my multicoloured leggings, leg warmers, and many hours spent practicing my grapevine moves,” Connie laughs. “I spent so much time in class after class that I was actually approached to consider becoming an aerobics instructor myself!”
Experiencing firsthand the massive boost in confidence and pure enjoyment that training brings, Connie knew she wanted to help others discover that feeling. Her connection to AB started right at its inception. Having met co-founders Aaron and Brendan through her role as a consultant with Swimming Victoria, she jumped at the chance to join their new gym in Tullamarine. For Connie, AB was the perfect fit: an environment where people of all abilities feel completely supported.
Focusing on What You Can Do
Being a part of the AB family deeply shapes how Connie approaches every single class. In a world where fitness can sometimes feel elite, her coaching philosophy is entirely different.
“Being part of the AB community reminds me that training should be accessible to everyone, young or old, beginners or advanced. It influences my coaching by making me focus on what members can do, rather than focusing on what they can’t do. It’s incredibly important to support all our members regardless of their previous experience or fitness level.”
Whether she is leading our dynamic group fitness classes, blending step, spin, suspension, HIIT, and weights, or stepping in to coach the Men with Guts sessions, the reward for Connie is always the same: watching technique improve and confidence soar.
The True Definition of a “Win”
While hitting a new personal best on the gym floor is great, the coaching achievements that bring Connie the most pride are the ones that transform life outside the gym walls.
“The moments I am most proud of are when a member describes the impact of improved fitness in their daily lives. Things like having more energy to look after the grandkids, playing soccer as an adult, or taking on challenges and milestones they never previously considered possible.”
Even on the busiest, toughest Victorian days, Connie finds her motivation right there on the floor. Seeing members show up, work hard, and achieve the “impossible” keeps her inspired. For her, nothing beats knowing a supportive conversation or a great workout sent someone home feeling better than when they arrived.
AB in Three Words: Inclusive, Welcoming, Supportive
Growth doesn’t just happen for our members; it happens for our coaches, too. Reflecting on her time since day one, Connie has been pleasantly surprised by her own growth in confidence, mastering the art of adapting on the fly and deeply connecting with everyone who walks through the door.
“After leading a session, I just feel incredibly grateful that I get to do what I love. I love seeing our members move, work hard, and walk away feeling like they’ve trained hard and truly enjoyed their experience.”
If she had to sum up the spirit of AB Health and Fitness in just three words? Inclusive, welcoming, and supportive.
Next time you see Connie leading a weights-and-cardio combo, make sure to say g’day, and maybe ask her to show you a classic 80s grapevine move!
