Tina Rouvray – AFA Graduate
Tina is currently studying her Certificate IV in Fitness with AFA and has recently been announced as a finalist for AUSActive’s Student of the Year award. Tina completed her Certificate III at the beginning of the year and has already commenced working in the industry as a Gym Instructor at Fit Up Fitness in Boonah, QLD.
We wish Tina all the best at the AUSActive awards night and are super proud to have her as a student of AFA!
Check out Tina’s story below:
Firstly, congratulations on becoming a finalist for AUSActive’s student of the year award – how did this come about?
A friend saw the announcement of the awards and encouraged me to enter myself. I felt a bit funny about entering myself, but sometimes, you need to put yourself out there! No reward without risk!
Why did you decide to study a fitness qualification?
I’ve always enjoyed the idea of being fit and healthy, and in 2018 went to Parkrun with a friend. Since then it became a passion – I wanted to run further, and migrated to other exercise forms. I was consistently signing friends up to events and encouraging them to get up, out and be active. One friend in particular kept encouraging me to look at a career in fitness – she said I was a natural born motivator.
Why did you choose to study with AFA and how are you finding the course material?
I looked at quite a few providers who offered the option of online study as I was working full time at the time and of course, Covid restricted life in general. It can be challenging to motivate yourself and keep at a good pace, but regular check-in texts and emails from AFA help keep me on track. I’ve got some feedback on the course in general, but can definitely say I have learnt so much and the feedback given on assessments has been first rate.
Tell us about your current role as a Gym Instructor.
I am SO blessed to have been taken on at Fit Up Fitness, Boonah. Lisa, owner of Boonah Health Hub/Fit Up Fitness, is a fount of information and has an incredible way of motivating and getting the best out of people. I have learnt more in 3 months than the past 3 years. I love teaching TRX/Bosu, HIIT and I’ve been instructing the Keeping Active class on a Thursday, aimed at over 50s mobility. I’m getting a very rounded education whilst being employed. I can’t wait to PT there!
What do you love most about working in the fitness industry?
Sweaty faces….smiling sweaty faces. When you watch someone give their all and they reach a goal, whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, weight they lift, reps they get to…being a part of the team that motivates people to be healthy from the inside out.
What’s your favourite exercise and why?
One exercise? Goodness, I’d say favourite equipment is the TRX, purely as a way to change up every exercise you’ve ever done. Exercise: dead bugs. It’s core, coordination and a great workout.
If you could give someone considering a career in fitness some advice, what would it be?
Look at your intrinsic motivation. If you are in it for what you can give to others, you will be an amazing instructor and PT. It’s hard work, but so incredibly rewarding.