As part of our new #WEAREAUSactive campaign, we will be showcasing the inspiring journeys and achievements of our AUSactive members across Australia.

This week, we proudly shine a spotlight on Kara, an accredited Level 3 AUSactive professional with over 22 years of dedication to the fitness industry.

A former competitive karate champion, Kara has represented Australia on the international stage. Kara was awarded the prestigious Fernwood Personal Trainer of the Year award in both 2020 and 2022. Today, Kara continues to inspire the next generation of fitness professionals, mentoring aspiring trainers and specialising in functional training, strength training for women, and injury prevention.

Meet Kara Sleigh

How long have you been a member with AUSactive?   

15 years!

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

I have always been actively involved in sport from a young age. Starting karate at the age of 9, I was fortunate enough to compete and represent Victoria and Australia at competitions around the world, winning various National and International Titles. Throughout this training I learned so many skills which would not just shape me as athlete, but also develop me personally and as a coach in the future. 

I started coaching in karate from around 15 years of age and just fell in love with helping and guiding learning in people, from young kids to adults.  Knowing that I was helping them learn skills to further advance themselves gave me a great sense of pride. This initially fuelled my passion to get into the fitness industry. Teaching, mentoring and developing people continues to drive my passion to this day. 

What qualifications do you hold?    

• Bachelor of Applied Science Human Movement 
• Level 3 AusActive Accreditation 
• Sports Specific Bronze Level Karate Coach 
• Cycle Excel Level 3 
• Thump Boxfit 
• Mental Health First Aid 
• FIIT30 Functional Training 
• Pre & Post Natal 
• Strength Training for Women 
• Injury Prevention 

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

Having graduated from Human Movement in 2001, I was keen to jump head first into the field where my passion is. I was fortunate to be able to secure a role as a Personal Trainer at Fernwood Fitness Tullamarine. 22 years have passed, and I still love every day of my work life.  I instruct Group Fitness classes of Spin, Boxing and FIIT30 (Fernwood’s Small Group Functional Training) I have between 40-45 active clients each week. I am the club coordinator at Tullamarine, whereby I get to mentor and lead a group of Personal Trainers, and more recently have completed my mentor accreditation with VAST Fitness, mentoring students completing their Cert III & IV in fitness. 

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

Personally I believe my sporting achievements are what I am most proud of. I got to travel the world with Karate, I started competing at the age of 10 and represented Australia at a Junior World Cup at the age of 14, taking home the gold.

Over the next 14 years of competition I won 10 National titles, numerous Oceania and Commonwealth medals in both team and individual events. My highest achievement was in 2001 when I was selected to compete at the World Games in Japan where I placed 4th. I was part of the senior national team over many years representing Australia at the Senior World Championships on 3 occasions.

I retired from competition at the age of 28. I currently hold a 4th Dan Black Belt and help to coach at my local club.   

Professionally… being awarded Fernwood Personal Trainer of the Year in both 2020 and 2022, as well as Tullamarine winning Personal Training Club of the Year in 2020.  I love furthering my education and knowledge, so completing my AusActive Accreditation Course is also a major professional highlight. 

What has been your biggest challenge as an exercise professional?  

The long stretch of COVID lockdowns in Victoria has definitely been the biggest challenge of my career, with the uncertainty of what the industry would look like post Covid, it was hard to keep a positive outlook.

Fernwood NSO took the initiative of recording a large online content during this time, which was great to be a part of… from presenting at online professional development courses, to recording workouts, I was challenged in a “new” way and grew a great deal professionally and personally during this time. 

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

AusActive were amazing, constantly communicating with members and keeping us up to date in terms of restrictions and re-openings. Launching the AusActive Accreditation Course during lockdowns gave me a sense of focus to keep learning and stay motivated during this tough time.

The course provided me with a great sense of achievement during this time, and the lockdown provided me with the time to complete the course. 

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

Gain as much education and knowledge as you can; after 22 years, I am still learning and developing each day. Be prepared for long hours, early mornings and nights.

Realise that not every day will be wonderful….however the realisation that what you are doing is making a hugely positive effect on people’s lives is so rewarding that it will outweigh anything else.

Be passionate about education and learning, and be motivating and bring a contagious level of energy that people want to be around. 

What is the favorite part of your job? 

Educating clients and training them to be the best versions of themselves is very rewarding. Helping someone develop the strength and the ability to achieve things that they didn’t realise was possible.

Watching people grow in self-confidence and self-belief, knowing that you have been a part of this growth. 

I’m also very passionate about mentoring other personal trainers to help shape and develop this amazing industry. 

What has been your highlight of being an AUSactive member? 

Having the continued support as a recognised fitness professional, through up to date education and courses to help me develop and continue to grow as a professional. 

Check out Kara's full profile here.