As part of our #WEAREAUSactive campaign, we continue to spotlight 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 Bodie Webster, a Strength and Conditioning Coach and educator whose career has been driven by curiosity, continuous learning and a genuine desire to help others move better and perform at their best.
From starting out unsure of his career direction after high school, to building a diverse career spanning personal training, strength and conditioning, education and business ownership, Bodie’s journey reflects the many pathways available within the fitness industry. Now working through Intent SF, Bodie supports athletes and everyday clients alike, while also teaching the next generation of trainers at TAFE.
His story is a powerful reminder that success in the exercise and active health industry is built through experience, adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Meet Bodie Webster
How long have you been a member of AUSactive?
I’ve been an AUSactive member since 2017.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the exercise and active health industry?
When I was in Year 12, I had no idea what I wanted to do after school. I was always very active, enjoyed sport and exercise, and loved training in the gym. Someone suggested I study fitness at TAFE, and after completing the course, I realised that helping people learn about exercise—and seeing how much it can positively impact their lives—was what I loved to do.
What qualifications do you hold?
I hold a Certificate III and IV in Fitness, a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
What has your journey as an exercise professional looked like so far?
I started my career mainly working in gym administration and sales. I was too nervous at the time to jump straight into running my own personal training business, but I wanted to be in a gym environment where I could learn and observe other trainers.
As I built confidence, I began training people locally outdoors, running one-on-one PT and group sessions. This was a really enjoyable experience and taught me how to deliver high-quality training with minimal equipment.
I eventually left admin and sales to become a gym instructor, which allowed me to combine indoor gym work with my outdoor sessions. This gave me a stable income while still growing my business.
Wanting to learn more, I enrolled in a Bachelor of Exercise Science. One of the best parts of the degree was being able to apply new learnings immediately in my work as a trainer and gym instructor.
After graduating, I moved into a full-time Strength and Conditioning Coach role, working primarily with combat sports athletes. I spent two years in this role and loved applying my knowledge to help athletes improve their performance.
From there, I transitioned into teaching Certificate III and IV in Fitness at TAFE. It’s been a full-circle moment being back at TAFE—this time as a teacher—helping students begin their own careers in the industry.
Alongside this, I run my own small home gym and online coaching business through Intent SF, working mainly with athletes to improve sports performance, as well as a small number of everyday clients wanting to get stronger, lose weight or gain independence with their training.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, personally or professionally?
One of my proudest professional moments was leading a Muay Thai athlete through a world title fight camp—and seeing her win. Being able to say I’ve worked with a world champion is something I’m incredibly proud of.
What has been your biggest challenge as an exercise professional?
One of the biggest challenges has been adapting my coaching style to suit different clients. With athletes, you can be very direct—they’ll do exactly what you ask. But with everyday clients, even a small amount of exercise each week can feel overwhelming.
Learning when to push, when to hold back, and when to lead with empathy has been challenging, but it’s also something I really enjoy. Working with people who have different goals and lifestyles keeps the job rewarding.
How has AUSactive helped you overcome this challenge?
Not always directly, but AUSactive provides a lot of online skill sessions and professional talks. Hearing insights from trainers who work with different populations has been really valuable, and I regularly apply lessons from those sessions in my own practice.
What advice would you give someone thinking about a career in the exercise and active health industry?
Learn—constantly. After completing your minimum qualification, learn from other trainers, do additional courses, and work in a variety of settings. Even experiences you don’t enjoy can teach you valuable lessons and help shape the type of professional you become. The fitness industry isn’t a good fit if you don’t want to keep learning, upskilling and growing.
What is your favourite part of your job?
As a lecturer, my favourite part is seeing the growth of our students. They often start with lots of ideas about fitness and health, and we help them learn how to distinguish good information from poor information. Watching them apply this knowledge with real clients is incredibly rewarding.
As a trainer, my favourite moment is when a client develops independence in their training. When they reach a point where they no longer need me and can train confidently on their own, that’s when I know I’ve made a real difference.
What has been your highlight of being an AUSactive member?
The opportunities to upskill. There are always talks, courses and resources available, and it’s amazing how much support there is to help exercise professionals continue learning and developing throughout their careers.
