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 Rachel Barling—AUSactive member since 2019, founder of GracePT, and passionate coach empowering women through realistic, evidence-based fitness.
Rachel’s journey into the active health industry was shaped by personal experience—navigating misinformation, overcoming an eating disorder, and learning how to move in a way that supports both mental and physical wellbeing. Today, she uses that experience to guide women through their own health journeys with compassion and care.
Meet Rachel Barling
How long have you been a member with AUSactive?
Since June 2019.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the exercise and active health industry?
I fell in love with exercise after years of doing it all the wrong ways, through the lessons I learned, a passion grew for empowering others, and cutting through the noise. I wanted to help women feel confident, strong, and capable – by teaching them how fitness can fit into their REAL lives, especially for busy women juggling shift work, long hours, raising children, and social lives. Fitness looks different for everyone, but to sustain results and enjoy the process, it’s all about finding a routine that works for them that is a balance of what their body needs & doing what they love.
What qualifications do you hold?
I hold Certificate III & IV in Fitness, 2x Certificates in Pre/Post Natal Training, Training the Female Athlete, and have completed a mentorship in Strength Training mentorship with Sebastian Oreb. I’m committed to ongoing education so I can provide coaching that’s not only realistic but evidence-based and genuinely helpful in my squads' real lives.
What has your journey as an exercise professional looked like so far?
It’s been a journey of growth, trial, and a lot of learning. I started coaching with a strong desire to challenge the “all-or-nothing” mindset and restrictive fitness norms. Over time, I’ve built GracePT into a coaching business that supports busy women to create balance – whether they’re navigating study, motherhood, or demanding careers. My approach has evolved to be more than just training and nutrition – it’s about mindset, education, and sustainability. Providing support and guidance through each step and giving them the tools to make decisions that support their big goal and dream life.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, personally or professionally?
Professionally, I’m most proud of building GracePT from the ground up – creating a space that truly supports women to break free from fad diets, fitness guilt, and burnout. Personally, I’m proud of staying true to my values through it all. Seeing women feel themselves again, not just physically but mentally – to feel in control, grow more confident and empowered? That’s everything.
What has been your biggest challenge as an exercise professional?
BTS, one of the biggest challenges has been relocating my business in the peak of the financial crisis. I packed up from the South Coast of NSW with my two dogs and moved to the Gold Coast QLD. It’s been a challenge but so rewarding as well. In my business, helping women unlearn years of misinformation and fear around fitness eg: carbs being the enemy, thinking they need to train 6x a week, or that socialising ruins progress. There’s a lot of noise out there, and it takes time to earn trust, re-educate, and help people shift their mindset toward a balanced, sustainable approach.
How did AUSactive help you overcome this challenge, if applicable?
AUSactive has helped by providing access to ongoing education, up-to-date industry standards, and a sense of professional credibility. Being part of a trusted body has supported me in showing clients that they’re working with someone qualified, current, and genuinely invested in their long-term health.
What would you advise for someone thinking about a career in the exercise and active health industry?
Get clear on why you’re doing it – and be prepared to keep learning. This industry is so much more than programs. It’s about people, mindset, habits, and real lives. The more you can listen, adapt, and meet your clients where they’re at, the more impact you’ll have. Also: ditch the ego. There is SO much to learn in this space, absorb the knowledge of others, collaborate and adapt your old methods when shown better ways, you can’t know everything – hold space to change and grow.
What is the favourite part of your job?
Seeing women realise they can do it. That moment when a client says, “I actually enjoyed that,” or “I didn’t feel guilty going out for dinner this time,”—those are the wins I live for. It’s the confidence shifts, the glowing auras and mindset breakthroughs, and the fact that we’re creating something sustainable together.
What has been your highlight of being an AUSactive member?
Being part of a community that values evidence-based, ethical coaching. It’s reassuring to know that I’m backed by an organisation that’s committed to lifting standards in the industry, I can find courses to continue my learning easily and it’s given me more confidence in how I show up professionally.
Check out Rachel's AUSactive profile here.
