As part of our #WEAREAUSactive campaign, we continue to highlight the inspiring journeys of AUSactive members making a difference in the industry.
This week, we’re featuring Michelle Caldwell – AUSactive member since 2018, Fernwood Bulleen owner, and advocate for women's fitness.
Her journey began in 2014 when Michelle and her husband Ric took over Fernwood Bulleen, creating a space where women could build strength and confidence. Her passion for learning led her to earn multiple fitness certifications, culminating in a Bachelor of Exercise Science (Honours) in 2024.
Through challenges like COVID lockdowns, Michelle remained dedicated to her members and the fitness community. Her commitment was recognised when she was named AUSactive’s 2024 Student of the Year – one of her proudest career moments.
Meet Michelle Caldwell
How long have you been a member with AUSactive?
Since May 2018.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the exercise and active health industry?
My husband and I wanted to work together in a business and we’re both passionate about exercise and being fit so we bought a Fernwood women’s gym in Bulleen in Melbourne. That was in 2014.
What qualifications do you hold?
I have a business degree in marketing as well as a masters in applied social research, which pre-dates working in the fitness industry. I completed certificate III in fitness in 2018 and certificate IV in fitness in 2020. More recently, I completed bachelor of exercise science which led to Honours in 2024.
What has your journey as an exercise professional looked like so far?
I started as a gym owner without any fitness qualifications. My role was very different to what it is now. Creating the team and programs to take the club forward has been a focus since day one and a few years in to owning the club, I decided I may as well return to study.
I planned to just do the certificate III in fitness but somehow that turned into certificate IV, and then an exercise science degree became an Honours year too!
I use all my skills and I’m constantly learning in ways that benefit my role as a club owner. My current interest is in peri to post menopause training and I love that what I’m passionate about is aligned with my work.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, personally or professionally?
I’ve never stayed so long in one place as I constantly need to learn and take on new challenges. So for me to still own and run our gym shows that I’m in the right industry for me.
What has been your biggest challenge as an exercise professional?
The lockdowns during COVID were heartbreaking. Many of our team left for more secure roles and we had to rebuild.
How did AUSactive help you overcome this challenge, if applicable?
I recall doing free webinars and hearing lobbying of AUSactive to government to reopen gyms. It was tough for everyone.
What would you advise for someone thinking about a career in the exercise and active health industry?
Working in fitness is very rewarding if you like people and want to help them, however, working in a gym is different to training yourself or your friends.
I would advise to get formal qualifications like certificate III and IV in fitness and stay up to date with current exercise research. You always need to be looking for ways to upskill because what we know about exercise is evolving.
What is the favourite part of your job?
Seeing new members training regularly because they've made exercise a habit. I love hearing member stories about how we’ve changed their lives and how they can’t imagine not exercising regularly.
What has been your highlight of being an AUSactive member?
Being chosen as the Student of the Year in 2024. I was in Queensland at the Fernwood conference when it was announced at the AUSactive Sydney gala.
I whooped out loud when I got the message that I had won. Everyone in the restaurant heard me! It was a wonderful moment.
Check out Michelle's AUSactive profile here.
