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 Lennon Hopkins, an AUSactive member, personal trainer and circus coach whose career reflects creativity, inclusion and transformation through movement.
For the past 18 years, Lennon Hopkins has built an unconventional path across fitness, circus coaching, martial arts, dance, climbing and strength training.
Today, Lennon Hopkins helps people challenge self-doubt, build confidence and discover movement in a safe and supportive environment.
Through circus-based training, Lennon Hopkins creates spaces where people feel welcomed, encouraged and empowered to try things they once believed were impossible.
Meet AUSactive Member Lennon Hopkins
1. How long have you been a member of AUSactive?
I have been a member of AUSactive for 18 years.
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in the exercise and active health industry?
It started with my own health and fitness journey.
Over time, that expanded into less mainstream fitness activities including rock climbing, martial arts, dance and gymnastics.
Eventually, I found myself involved in circus coaching, which completely changed my direction.
3. What’s a part of your job that always brings you joy?
The best part of my job is seeing people walk into my training space believing they cannot do something.
Then, through training and support, they realise they actually can.
For many people, transformation is not only physical. It is also emotional and mental.
Watching people build confidence and change the way they see themselves is the most rewarding part of what I do.
4. What qualifications or certifications do you currently hold?
Alongside my personal training qualification, I also hold qualifications in:
- Massage therapy
- Diploma of Business
- Honours in Computer Science
- Masters in Information Security and Intelligence
- Graduate Diploma of Creative Industries
- Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
In addition, Lennon Hopkins has recently started a PhD focused on health, circus and injury prevention.
5. What advice would you give someone considering a career in the exercise and active health industry?
It is a great industry to be part of, but it is not always easy.
Finding your space and your people can take time.
However, once you surround yourself with the right people, everything becomes much easier.
6. How do you see the exercise and active health industry evolving in the future?
I believe more people are looking for experiences that feel different and unconventional.
There is also a growing focus on the social side of movement and exercise.
For many people, connection and community are just as important as the workout itself.
That is why group environments can be so powerful. Your entire class can become your workout buddy.
7. When did you realise this industry was “home” for you?
I still struggle with the idea that the fitness industry is “home” for me.
However, I feel reassured when I see people progress in skills they once struggled with.
More importantly, I see their self-confidence grow in front of me.
That feeling helped me realise this space could become home.
8. What does being part of AUSactive mean to you?
Being part of AUSactive provides opportunities for growth and professional development.
It also allows me to see how different parts of the industry are evolving and explore ways to bring those ideas into the circus world.
9. If you could describe your career in three words, what would they be?
Unconventional but expected.
10. What’s the biggest myth people have about the fitness industry?
One of the biggest myths is that people need to already be fit, strong or active before they start.
I often hear people say they want to go to the gym after they lose weight or get stronger first.
However, you do not need to be any of those things to begin.
In Lennon Hopkins’ circus world, movement is for everyone.
Every size, shape, gender, sexuality, neurodiversity and ability is welcome.
That is what makes Kinetica so special.
For many people, it becomes a safe place emotionally and mentally.
Once they walk through the doors, the outside world pauses for a moment.
In many ways, that is where Lennon Hopkins realised this industry felt like home. It became a home for everyone else too.
“People come into my training space believing they can’t do it, and then they realise they can.
Watching people build confidence and change the way they see themselves is the most rewarding part of what I do.”
~ Lennon Hopkins
Key Moments in Lennon Hopkins’ Circus and Movement Journey
Swing Dance
Photos from Lennon Hopkins’ time performing and teaching swing dance, reflecting his passion for movement, creativity and performance.
Lion Dance and Martial Arts
Photos showcasing Lennon Hopkins’ Kung Fu training and Lion Dance performances, highlighting discipline, culture and strength through movement.
Circus Performance Journey
Images from Lennon Hopkins performing with circus groups, including appearances in Fringe Festival productions and live performances.
Circus Coaching and Strength Training
Photos from Lennon Hopkins’ circus-focused strength and conditioning sessions, designed to support both circus and non-circus participants in an inclusive environment.
Training and Personal Progression
Photos from Lennon Hopkins’ personal training journey, demonstrating his commitment to staying strong, developing skills and leading by example through movement and fitness.
Creating Inclusive Spaces Through Movement
Lennon Hopkins’ journey reflects the evolving nature of the exercise and active health industry.
Through circus coaching, movement and inclusive training, Lennon Hopkins creates spaces where people feel supported, connected and empowered to challenge themselves.
Importantly, Lennon Hopkins believes movement should feel welcoming, supportive and accessible for everybody.
At Kinetica, Lennon Hopkins has built a community where people of all backgrounds, abilities and experiences can feel safe, encouraged and connected.
Most importantly, Lennon Hopkins reminds us that movement can help people build confidence, connection and self-belief both inside and outside the training space.
