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 Rafael Pelegrina Pieroni, an AUSactive member and exercise professional whose career reflects perseverance, faith and lifelong learning.
Originally from Brazil, Rafael Pelegrina Pieroni built a strong academic foundation in physical education and exercise physiology. Later, he continued his career in Australia.
However, adapting to a new country, culture and language meant stepping away from the fitness industry for several years.
Despite these challenges, Rafael Pelegrina Pieroni remained committed to returning to the profession he loves. Through perseverance, continuous learning and determination, he rebuilt his career and re-established himself in the exercise and active health industry.
Today, Rafael Pelegrina Pieroni works as a personal trainer and AUSactive member in Australia. He supports clients through personalised training while continuing to expand his professional qualifications.
Meet AUSactive Member Rafael Pelegrina Pieroni
1. How long have you been a member of AUSactive?
I was a member in the past and have been again since 2023.
2. What motivated you to pursue a career in the exercise and active health industry?
Lacking the funds to study what I originally wanted played a major role. However, I believe that nothing happens by accident and that there is a divine purpose behind all things.
When I was 18, I was admitted to three universities: Economics, Physical Education and Nutrition.
Economics was my first choice. However, it was a private university in my hometown with high fees that my mother and I could not afford.
As a result, I chose Physical Education at a public university where tuition was subsidised by the government.
Personal training was part of the curriculum and scope of practice. Because I completed four years of paid work practice in a gym while studying, personal training provided an immediate career opportunity after graduation.
That is how my journey in the exercise and active health industry began.
3. What qualifications do you hold?
I hold a degree in Physical Education from Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). I also completed a specialisation in Exercise Physiology from Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar).
In Australia, I completed a Diploma in Business and Certificates III and IV in Fitness. In addition, I hold many other industry certifications.
Currently, I am completing my Recognition of Prior Learning with ESSA. My goal is to become an accredited Exercise Scientist and later an Exercise Physiologist.
4. What has your journey as an exercise professional looked like so far?
My career began in Brazil, where I worked in the fitness industry from 2002 to 2011.
First, I gained experience at Academias Nadart under the mentorship of Guigo Santos and Native Daniel. During that time, I also worked in physical education programs in schools, public spaces and community initiatives.
After graduating, I worked as a personal trainer and team leader at Corpore, a boutique personal training studio in São Paulo.
In addition, I gained experience in high-performance sport. For example, I worked as a strength and conditioning assistant for Bauru Basket, the professional basketball team from my hometown.
In 2011, I moved to Australia as an international student to study English.
Over the following years, I lived in several cities including the Gold Coast, Ipswich, Brisbane and Sydney. During this time I worked various jobs to support myself and my family.
Later, when I moved to Perth in 2016, I decided to restart my career in the fitness industry.
At my first gym in Western Australia, Perth HPC VenuesWest, I won a prize for top sales performance among more than ten colleagues within my first year.
In 2019, I moved most of my practice to private work and joined Revo Fitness, which has since grown from six clubs to more than 70 locations across Australia.
5. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Becoming a father is undoubtedly my greatest personal achievement.
I am also proud of completing ten years of alcohol-free living.
Growing up with a single mother and limited opportunities in a small Brazilian city, I never imagined that I would one day become an Australian citizen and support my family and community.
For that, I remain deeply grateful.
6. What has been your biggest challenge as an exercise professional?
Between 2011 and 2016 I worked mainly as a residential and office removalist in Queensland and New South Wales.
During that time, I often questioned whether my education and experience in the fitness industry would ever matter in Australia.
However, those years taught me resilience and humility. I also met people from many cultures around the world.
Those experiences helped shape my professional journey.
7. What advice would you give someone thinking about a career in the exercise and active health industry?
First and foremost, walk the talk. If you want to be a fitness professional, you must live what you teach.
Find mentors who inspire you. Learn from their successes and their mistakes.
Ask questions and meet people across the industry. Also explore courses and work experiences in areas you are not familiar with.
The knowledge and relationships you build will shape your future career.
And remember, this learning journey never really ends.
8. What is your favourite part of your job?
I am fortunate to work with extraordinary people from around the world.
Many of my clients are leaders, innovators and high achievers in their fields. They come from diverse cultures and professions.
Most people would pay a high fee for the opportunity to talk with them. My role is simply to guide their training and occasionally count their biceps curl repetitions.
9. What has been your highlight of being an AUSactive member?
Participating in AUSactive events has been a great opportunity to network and learn from experienced professionals and industry leaders.
Equally important is the strong support from the AUSactive team behind the scenes.
Key Moments in Rafael Pelegrina Pieroni’s Journey
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The Influence of Rafael’s Mother – Maria de Lourdes Pelegrina
A very important part of Rafael Pieroni’s journey is the support of his mother, Maria de Lourdes Pelegrina. Her encouragement and belief in education helped shape Rafael’s determination to pursue his career. -
2002–2006 – Studying Physical Education at UNESP
Rafael studied Physical Education at UNESP – Universidade Estadual Paulista in Bauru, Brazil, where he began building the academic foundation for his future career in the exercise and active health industry. -
2005 – High Performance Sport Experience with Bauru Basquete
During this time, Rafael gained valuable experience working with Bauru Basquete, contributing to strength and conditioning environments alongside experienced coaches and athletes. -
2006 – Physical Education Degree Conferral
Rafael graduated from UNESP Bauru, officially completing his Physical Education degree and taking the next step into the fitness profession. -
2008 – Working with Athletes and Coaches
Rafael continued developing his coaching experience while collaborating with athletes and professionals including personal trainers, MMA fighters and triathlon competitors. -
2012 – Starting Again in Australia
After moving to Australia, Rafael worked overnight as a cleaner at Energex in Brisbane (QLD) while adapting to life in a new country and preparing to rebuild his career. -
2013 – Working as a Removalist in Sydney
Rafael worked as a team leader, truck driver and removalist, travelling across regional New South Wales and gaining valuable life experiences during this challenging period. -
2016 – Returning to the Fitness Industry in Perth
Rafael re-entered the fitness industry by joining Perth HPC (formerly HBF Stadium) with VenuesWest, marking a significant step in rebuilding his professional career in Australia. -
2018 – Reconnecting with His University
Rafael returned to UNESP – Universidade Estadual Paulista, reflecting on the university where his journey in Physical Education first began. -
2018 – Connecting with the Fitness Community in Brazil
Rafael spent time with fellow personal trainers and friends at Iron Fox in Bauru, reconnecting with the fitness community that supported his early career. -
2019 – Joining Revo Fitness in Perth
Rafael signed his contract with Revo Fitness, a milestone that helped transform his professional journey as the organisation expanded across Australia. -
2026 – Celebrating a Personal Milestone
Rafael celebrated 10 years alcohol-free, one of his most meaningful personal achievements and a reflection of his dedication to personal growth. -
2026 – Rafael Pieroni Today
Today, Rafael continues his work in the exercise and active health industry, supporting clients and growing professionally as part of Australia’s fitness community.
