As part of our new #WEAREAUSactive campaign, we will be showcasing the inspiring journeys and achievements of our AUSactive members across Australia every week.
Meet Colin Millington
This week, we're spotlighting Colin Millington, a Level 3 AUSactive registered exercise professional from Tasmania. With extensive industry experience, Colin is passionate about helping people of all age groups improve their fitness and wellbeing, working closely with everyone from those over 50 to young athletes in their 20s.
How long have you been a member with AUSactive?
I have been involved with the fitness industry since 1982, and registered with AUSactive, formally Fitness Australia, since 1989.
In 1987, I initiated and served as President of the Tasmanian Fitness Leaders Association, which represented all fitness leaders in Tasmania. During this time, I also established regional networks in Launceston and Burnie.
Our association later merged with the Fitness Owners Association, to form what was then known as Fitness Tasmania. Fitness Tasmania subsequently amalgamated with Fitness Victoria, and eventually, other states joined to create Fitness Australia, now known as AUSactive.
It has been rewarding to both witness and contribute to the growth and professionalisation of the fitness industry.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the exercise and active health industry?
In 1981, after a six-month overseas holiday, I joined Cazaly Fitness in Tasmania. I participated in aerobic and circuit classes, which inspired me to pursue teaching these classes myself.
I have always been active, playing and coaching various sports. I loved the energy of fitness classes and the empowerment of guiding participants to have fun while getting fitter.
In the 80s, the concept of ‘personal trainers' didn’t exist. The two entry points into the industry were as ‘instructors' or gym floor staff who wrote programs for new members.
When I started, there were no formal courses—you simply got up on stage and taught! For many years, teaching classes was a ‘hobby' job for me while I worked full-time as a senior public servant at the ATO. After retiring from the ATO, I transitioned into personal training.
What certifications do you hold?
- Level 2 National Coaching Accreditation
- Level 2 National Coaching Accreditation
- Certificate III & IV in Fitness
- ASCA Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Understanding Dementia
What has your journey as an exercise professional looked like so far?
In December 1986, I became an accredited Fitness Leader and taught classes at numerous fitness centers in Hobart. I served as the inaugural Australian Fitness Network Coordinator in Tasmania for special events and conducted Network Personal Training and Fat Loss Leader accreditation in our state. This role led me to organize the Tasmanian Aerobic Championships under the guidance of Greg Hurst and the Australian Fitness Network, hosting events in Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie. I also enjoyed the competitive aspect of aerobics and was the Tasmanian Mixed Pairs Champion in 1983.
I have lectured at Filex and, in 1989, was a Director of a personal training website, www.fitness4me.com, which provided online personal training programs for clients who were unable or unwilling to go to fitness centers.
I established a fitness centre at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and trained instructors to conduct aerobic, circuit, and strength classes for the staff.
In 2002, after 38 years of service, I left the ATO and became a personal trainer, working with Amanda Coombe, the founder of Personal Best Fitness, the most awarded fitness business in Tasmania. We opened our own studio and sold it in August 2023 after 20 years.
I continue to offer personal training under the new owners, and recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of one of my small group PT clients, known as Coot Camp.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, personally or professionally?
- Establishing a fitness centre for the Hobart ATO staff, where 50% of the staff participated in activities to become healthier and more active.
- Collaborating with Amanda Coombe for 20 years to create Personal Best Fitness, renowned as the best fitness center in Tasmania, with exceptional staff and fantastic clients.
- Mentoring new personal trainers and watching them grow within the industry, with some going on to become owners of their own facilities, which is incredibly rewarding.
- Working with other states in the creation of Fitness Australia.
- Being awarded the 1991 Tasmanian Fitness Leader of the Year.
- Completing the Understanding Dementia course conducted by the University of Tasmania Wicking Centre, which is recognised worldwide. I highly recommend this course to all health professionals!
What has been your biggest challenge as an exercise professional?
Gaining recognition from allied professionals for the exceptional skill and knowledge of personal trainers, who can effectively assist their clients in managing their health and fitness activities.
How did AUSactive help you overcome this challenge?
AUSactive has successfully negotiated with key health funds to streamline access, allowing personal trainers to obtain a provider ID. This enables clients to receive rebates from their health fund, which they greatly value.
What would you advise for someone thinking about a career in the exercise and active health industry?
Visit local facilities to observe their professionalism and offer to intern, learning from trainers, instructors, staff, and owners. This will help you understand how well-managed centers operate and whether the industry suits you.
Seek advice from industry professionals and organizations like AUSactive to identify reputable facilities that conduct certification courses.
If possible, shadow instructors and trainers in their daily work and seek their advice on how they developed in the industry and the paths they chose.
Be prepared for ongoing education; gaining a Certificate IV is just the beginning!
Develop two or three niche markets, such as working with men or women over 60, boxing, or sports-specific training for groups like hockey, sailing, soccer, or basketball.
What is the favourite part of your job?
I enjoy working with my clients and helping new people enter our industry. Currently, I am assisting an Argentinian personal trainer living in Tasmania and playing hockey to gain accreditation in the industry. She aims to move to Queensland to continue her personal training career.
What has been your highlight of being an AUSactive member?
Attending annual fitness conferences to stay updated on new ideas in the industry and network with fellow professionals.
Working with clients, including those with dementia, breast cancer, and prostate cancer undergoing chemotherapy, to help them become the best version of themselves once again.
You can check out Colin's full profile here.
