Joann Wigley’s Journey in the Exercise and Active Health Industry
Joann Wigley is an AUSactive member with more than 40 years of experience in the exercise and active health industry. As part of the #WEAREAUSactive campaign, we celebrate Joann Wigley and her lifelong contribution to Pilates, fitness and helping people improve their quality of life.
Joann Wigley began teaching Pilates in 1984 and has remained committed to the industry ever since. Along the way, she met Joseph Pilates at a young age. Since then, she has continued to grow through education, experience and a strong passion for movement.
Today, Joann Wigley still teaches Pilates at the age of 79. Her story reflects resilience, dedication and the powerful impact exercise professionals can have across generations.
Meet AUSactive Member Joann Wigley
1. How long have you been an accredited member with AUSactive?
I have been a member of AUSactive since 2009.
Before that, I was first awarded accreditation by the FIA Fitness Industry Association in 1990. I have been teaching Pilates since 1984 and continued through Fitness Australia before transitioning to AUSactive.
In total, I have spent over 40 years in the exercise and active health industry.
2. What motivated you to pursue a career in the exercise and active health industry?
My journey started early. In 1960, my father opened the first women’s-only fitness and health studio in Western Australia.
Later, at the age of 15, my dad and I travelled to New York, where we met Joseph Pilates. This experience shaped my career in the exercise and active health industry.
3. What qualifications do you hold?
I hold qualifications across a wide range of areas, including:
- Yoga and Pilates
- Body Pump and Les Mills Step for Seniors
- Training young athletes
- Pelvic Floor Foundation
- Kettlebells and Suspension Training
- Corrective Exercise (CEXA)
- Functional Fascia and Black Roll
- Gymstick and PT training
- Live Longer, Live Stronger
4. What has your journey as an exercise professional looked like so far?
My journey has been rewarding, exciting and educational.
Most importantly, it has been driven by positivity. Without positivity, hope, strength and passion, we face apathy.
5. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Saving my daughter’s life is my greatest accomplishment.
When she was 19, she was involved in a serious car accident. As a result, she was placed in a coma with life-threatening injuries.
I took 18 months off work to support her recovery. During that time, I taught her to walk and swim again.
By 2000, she ran with the Olympic torch at the Sydney Olympics. Later, she also swam the English Channel.
Today, she is an AUSactive personal trainer and a mother of four. I am incredibly proud of her.
6. What has been your biggest challenge as an exercise professional?
My biggest challenge has been rebuilding myself at the age of 79.
In 2022, I received an AUSactive Award. However, one week later, I fell and broke my back.
I have scoliosis and severe osteoporosis. As a result, I spent five weeks in a wheelchair, followed by time on crutches, where I turned to aqua therapy to support my recovery.
With support from my physio and my community, I was able to return to teaching Pilates.
7. How did AUSactive help you overcome this challenge?
AUSactive supported me through education and webinars.
In addition, the team helped me stay up to date and build confidence using technology. Their support made a big difference.
8. What advice would you give someone thinking about a career in the exercise and active health industry?
First, find a mentor with experience and passion.
Then, learn from others, ask questions and stay connected to the industry. This guidance will help shape your career.
9. What is your favourite part of your job?
Helping people manage pain and improve their quality of life.
Pilates remains one of the most effective methods for injury management and recovery.
10. What has been your highlight of being an AUSactive member?
Continuing to teach Pilates at 79 years old, even while managing injuries.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue teaching and remain accredited for many more years.
Key Moments in Joann Wigley’s Journey
- A young Joann Wigley appeared in a newspaper article. This shows her early love for movement and discipline.
- In her early years, Joann Wigley built strength and confidence. This shaped her lifelong passion for movement.
- Before fitness, Joann Wigley worked in modelling. She was featured in media during this time.
- Later, she worked in Paris. This gave Joann Wigley valuable international experience.
- Joann Wigley with her daughters marks an important life chapter. It shaped her resilience and purpose.
- In 1984, Joann Wigley contributed to group fitness. She helped drive early innovation in exercise.
- A family portrait highlights Joann Wigley’s strong support system.
- Joann Wigley supported her daughter after a serious accident. This shows strength and dedication.
- As a result, Hollyann returned to swimming. Today, she works in fitness and leads multiple clubs.
- Hollyann Wigley ran with the Olympic torch. She also swam the English Channel.
- Joann Wigley’s daughter Leeann was a national swimmer. She now has two active daughters.
- Joann Wigley also trained Hugh Hefner’s Bunnies. She taught movement and presentation skills.
- During recovery, Joann Wigley received support from close friends Shirley & Michael Perry and husband Barry. This helped her return to teaching.
- After her injury, Joann Wigley returned to Pilates. She was encouraged by her client Diana Giura.
- Joann Wigley shares a connection to music through her husband Barry. Their band recorded music in Paris.
- Today, Joann Wigley is surrounded by her family. This reflects her legacy.
- Today, Joann Wigley continues to teach Pilates. She inspires others through her experience and resilience.
