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 Linda and Jean-Claude

This week, we're spotlighting Linda and Jean-Claude, a husband-and-wife duo who are professionals with AUSactive. They established ALTA Fitness, a Melbourne-based studio in 2016, dedicated to getting people fitter, healthier and happier with clients ranging from young teens to individuals in their 80s.

How long have you been a member with AUSactive?  

We have both been members of AUSactive since 2019. 

What motivated you to pursue a career in the exercise and active health industry? 

For JC, the journey began over 25 years ago when, as a retired cyclist and skier with an active lifestyle, it felt natural to transition into helping everyone from aspiring athletes to everyday people. 

 What certifications do you hold?   

Both JC and I hold Certificates III & IV in Fitness. Additionally, JC has a Bachelor of Arts, and I have a master's in marketing, with experience working in Blue Chip corporate companies. JC also served as the Strength & Conditioning Coach for Snow Sports, specializing in training Olympic athletes in cross-country skiing. 

JC has completed many courses, focusing on rehabilitation and sports injuries. I am also a qualified Health & Wellness Coach specializing in perimenopause and menopause, helping women navigate the changes in their bodies. 

What has your journey as an exercise professional looked like so far?  

Over 25 years ago, JC began his career in the US and, upon arriving in Australia, requalified as a personal trainer, starting with Space Health Clubs, which later became Fitness First. Throughout his career, he has seen many fitness trends come and go but has maintained a strong interest in helping people with rehabilitation, whether due to sports injuries, operations, or preventive care. 

Personally, I was inspired to start our business after recognising the benefits of exercise following the passing of my husband of over 20 years. Exercise not only made me fitter and physically changed me, but it also significantly improved my mental health. 

I then met JC, who introduced me to a broader perspective on exercise. Combining my business background with JC's expertise, we aimed to help people become fitter, healthier, and happier, which naturally became our tagline. As a small, family-owned business, we can pursue our passion without the constraints of a franchise or gimmicks, offering straightforward and honest services that set us apart. 

We genuinely care about our clients and love sharing our knowledge with them and our broader community. Our wish for everyone is to be fitter, healthier, and happier. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of, personally or professionally?  

We take great pride in opening and running a successful studio, especially given the challenges of operating a small business. Over the past eight years, we've remained committed, navigating the transition from a break-even business, enduring the impacts of COVID-19, facing increased competition from franchises and other modalities, and recently managing economic pressures. 

Throughout this time, we've built a loyal customer base, achieved high satisfaction and retention rates, and experienced financial growth in seven out of the eight years. This is no small feat for a micro business, but it brings us great satisfaction to help people with their health and wellbeing. 

What has been your biggest challenge as an exercise professional? 

Over the years, we've faced numerous challenges, but a notable one is the misconception that exercise alone leads to weight loss. Unfortunately, exercise is often undervalued or seen as a luxury. In reality, exercise is essential for our health, contributing to muscle building, cardiovascular health, maintaining a healthy weight, and adding healthy years to our lives. This realisation inspired me to become a Health & Wellness Coach and Speaker. 

Many clients know what to eat for weight loss but struggle to change their habits. Additionally, there may be other factors hindering their success. To address this, we developed a 10-Day Healthy Food Challenge, which evolved into a 90-Day Healthy Eating Program and The Top 5 Pillars to Optimising Your Health. As coaches, we focus not on providing more information but on supporting clients in making better choices and sustaining positive behaviors. We firmly believe our role is not only to prescribe exercise but also to offer a holistic approach to our clients' lifestyles, benefiting both them and the broader community. 

How did AUSactive help you overcome this challenge, if applicable?  

Number one has been their strong active role in creating awareness and support for our industry. It’s been extremely tough to raise the voice and actions of our community and what we do and highlight the vital role we play. AUSactive has taken our industry to the government and health funds to raise the importance of exercise. Under Barrie Elvish leadership, we have seen significant positive changes. 

Education is a key aspect, we believe in best practices and completing continuing education credits (CECs) for our membership introduced me to a Health & Wellbeing course that I have now added to my qualifications. The free CEC courses from exercise to business acumen have all made a difference to our continual learning, one of our top 5 values in our business. 

What would you advise for someone thinking about a career in the exercise and active health industry?  

Firstly, you need to have a passion for helping others – it's a service that demands your attention, early mornings through to evenings are part of the role. Specialising in an area of expertise, become an expert in your field and you will attract clients who really want to work with you. 

JC has some clients that have been with him for 15+ years and we have clients who are still with us since we opened our doors to Alta. Be prepared to do more than just attend a session, it’s relationship building and all the other little actions that you do that will hold you in high esteem with your clients. 

Lastly, continue to learn, continue in your education. 

What is the favourite part of your job?  

I love to get to know my clients and I’m up for a chat, but it doesn’t stop my sessions from being effective. But ultimately for us and our business is the feedback. 

We do ‘Client of the Month’ and this is when we hear directly how much our clients are achieving with us – of course it’s about getting results and reaching goals but it’s the comments of how their lives have changed for the better that really is our favourite thing – we are reaching our goals to make more people fitter, healthier and happier. 

JC would say getting his clients to move better as well as working on their goals. He will sneak in a mobility, stability or flexibility exercise, often without the client realising and they soon learn the benefits. 

What has been your highlight of being an AUSactive member? 

The support during COVID was fabulous – it was a rubbish time but AUSactive stepped up and supported us giving us guidance, information and a space to rant. Making it to PT of the Year Finalist in 2021 & 2023 is an achievement I can be proud of! 

Check out Linda's profile, Jean-Claudes profile and their studio ALTA fitness here.