As part of the #WEAREAUSactive campaign, we celebrate the inspiring journeys of AUSactive members who are shaping the future of the exercise and active health industry.
This week, we are proud to feature Jill Healy-Quintard, an AUSactive Lifetime Member whose career spans more than four decades across fitness, wellness, Pilates, yoga, education and healthy ageing.
With more than 46 years in the industry and over 25 years as a member of AUSactive and its predecessor organisations, Jill Healy-Quintard has witnessed the evolution of the fitness industry from grassroots community programs to the thriving active health sector we know today.
Throughout her career, Jill has remained committed to one guiding philosophy: movement is medicine.
Her journey reflects innovation, resilience and a lifelong passion for helping people move better, feel stronger and live healthier lives.
Meet AUSactive Lifetime Member Jill Healy-Quintard
How long have you been a member of AUSactive?
While AUSactive has operated under its current name for only a few years, I have been a member of Fitness Australia and other industry organisations for more than 25 years.
My involvement in the fitness and wellness industry spans 46 years, giving me the opportunity to witness the industry's incredible growth and transformation.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the exercise and active health industry?
Movement has always been part of my life.
As a dancer from a young age, I experienced the confidence, joy and wellbeing that movement can bring.
After the birth of my first child in 1980, I created a “Mums and Bubs” fitness class that combined dance, music and functional movement.
Looking back, these classes were among the earliest forms of group fitness before aerobics became mainstream.
That experience inspired a lifelong career helping others discover the benefits of movement.
What qualifications do you hold?
My qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Arts with Diploma of Education
- Diploma in Teaching the Deaf
- Certificate in Infant Teaching
- Diploma in Teacher Librarianship
- Diploma in Remedial Massage
- Qualifications in Swedish Massage and Sports Medicine
- STOTT Pilates Matwork and Reformer Certifications
- Diploma in Yoga Therapies
- Certificate in Reiki
- Gym Instructor Qualifications
- Numerous additional certifications across fitness, wellness, coaching and healthy ageing
Each qualification has contributed to my belief that movement supports the mind, body, heart and spirit.
What has your journey as an exercise professional looked like so far?
My journey has been diverse, creative and deeply rewarding.
It began with classical ballet and expanded into fitness instruction, presenting, television and film work, business ownership and wellness education.
I also co-founded a drama and dance school and opened what I believe was one of Australia's first activewear stores in Avalon, New South Wales.
Over the years, I have continued to create programs, write books, develop courses and support thousands of people through movement and wellbeing.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am proud of my ability to evolve while staying true to my purpose.
Throughout 46 years in the industry, I have adapted to change while continuing to help people improve their health and wellbeing.
I am also proud of writing two books, creating educational courses and developing movement and wellness concepts that were often ahead of their time.
What has been your biggest challenge as an exercise professional?
One of my biggest challenges came after returning to Australia from France.
While teaching fitness and wellbeing classes in French, I developed innovative programs that combined fitness, yoga, Pilates, mindfulness and movement therapies.
However, many people believed these disciplines should remain separate.
Today, seeing integrated wellness and fusion programs embraced across the industry validates the vision I held more than two decades ago.
How did AUSactive help you overcome this challenge?
AUSactive recognised the changing landscape of the industry.
In 2023, I was invited to participate in an industry webinar discussing the growing role of yoga and Pilates within the broader fitness sector.
I was also deeply honoured to receive AUSactive Lifetime Membership recognition, acknowledging my contribution to the industry.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in the exercise and active health industry?
There has never been a more important time to work in health, fitness and wellbeing.
Stay curious. Continue learning. Embrace innovation.
Most importantly, never underestimate the impact you can have by helping people move better and live healthier lives.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Teaching and inspiring others.
I love seeing people's confidence grow and their wellbeing improve through movement.
Helping someone achieve something they once thought was impossible continues to bring me immense joy.
What has been your highlight of being an AUSactive member?
One of the greatest highlights has been serving as a judge for the AUSactive Awards over the past four years.
The experience has allowed me to witness the incredible innovation, professionalism and passion of fitness and wellness professionals across Australia.
It continues to inspire me and reinforces the positive impact our industry has on the lives of Australians every day.
“Movement is medicine for the mind, body, heart and spirit.
Never underestimate the power of helping people move better and live healthier lives.”
~ Jill Healy-Quintard
Creating Healthier Lives Through Movement
Jill Healy-Quintard's journey reflects the evolution of the exercise and active health industry over the past four decades.
Through innovation, education and a lifelong commitment to movement, she has helped shape the way Australians think about fitness, wellness and healthy ageing.
Most importantly, Jill reminds us that movement has the power to improve lives at every stage of life and that learning, growth and purpose never stop.
