As part of our new #WEAREAUSactive campaign, we will be showcasing the inspiring journeys and achievements of our AUSactive members across Australia every week.
This week we are highlighting Korin Koutsomihalis, multi award-winning, NSW based level 3 accredited exercise professional. Korin is the Founder of inclusive, indigenous fitness business ‘Soul Fit Co’. Korin is dedicated to uniting Australians through movement, regardless of age, gender, race or disability.
Meet Korin Koutsomihalis
How long have you been a member with AUSactive?
I have been a member with AUSactive for 13 years.
What qualifications/certifications do you hold?
- Level 3 AUSactive Accredited Fitness Professional
- CERTIFICATE III in Fitness
- CERTIFICATE IV in Fitness
- Elite Les Mills Instructor and previous LMAP Instructor Assessor for programs BODYPUMP, BODYATTACK, SPRINT and RPM.
- Freestyle Group Fitness qualifications in Tai Chi, Aqua Aerobics, Boxing, Kick Boxing, Cycle, Dance, Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, Barre and Meditation.
- BACHELOR OF EDUCATION
- ADAVANCED CERTIFICATE IN NUTRITION AND HEALTH COACHING
- Statement of Attainment in Traditional Aboriginal Cultures
What motivated you to pursue a career in the exercise and active health industry?
From the moment I embarked on my journey as a group fitness instructor in 2011, my mission has been clear: to make the joy of movement accessible to everyone. My passion for inclusive fitness stems from a deep-rooted belief that everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or ability, deserves to experience the transformative power of physical activity.
In the group fitness setting, I’ve seen firsthand how movement can unite people through a sense of oneness, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of community. I’m dedicated to creating an environment where every participant feels welcomed, supported, and empowered. By applying inclusive practices, I strive to ensure that no one feels vulnerable or excluded, but instead, is uplifted by the collective energy and support of the group.
For me, inclusive fitness is more than a professional focus; it’s a heartfelt commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting well-being for all. I’m driven by the belief that when Australians move together, we build not just stronger bodies, but stronger connections and a more compassionate nation.
What has your journey as an exercise professional looked like so far?
With over 12 years of experience in the health and exercise sector, I have built a diverse career encompassing roles as a Group Fitness Manager, Exercise Instructor, Wellness Coach, and Personal Trainer. As an Elite Les Mills Instructor, I excel in both Pre-Choreographed and Freestyle Group Fitness Instruction, and am trained in a wide range of fitness and wellness modalities, including Tai Chi, Aqua, Boxing, Kickboxing, Cycle, Dance, Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, Barre, Meditation, Nutrition, Reiki, and Breath Coaching.
My background includes significant experience in Group Fitness Management, Education, Online Instruction, and instructor assessment with Les Mills. I also contribute to the professional development of others through fitness student mentorship with the University of Wollongong College.
In 2021, I founded my inclusive Indigenous fitness business ‘SOUL FIT CO’ with the vision of uniting Australians through movement, regardless of age, gender, race, or disability. My efforts at SOUL FIT CO have led to notable achievements, such as running Ministry of Health First Nations Knockout Health challenges, collaborative get active community programs with Healthy Cities Illawarra, contributing data to a regional older Australian preventative health study with AUSactive and UOW College and being recognised as a Multi Award winning Champion Australian fitness service for my inclusive fitness practices.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, personally or professionally?
As an AUSactive Accredited Fitness Professional and invested Australian I take immense pride in my personal and professional achievements that have propelled inclusion to the forefront of active living in the health and exercise sector. Being named Kiama’s Australian Citizen of the Year 2023, receiving the AUSactive Roll of Honor Award 2023, and earning recognition as a National Australian Champion Fitness Service in 2024 have been incredible opportunities to advocate for my vision of a boundary-free fitness experience. Through my work, people from ages 8 to104, of every ability, come together in fitness classes, moving side by side with confidence and joy.
My dedication extends beyond traditional fitness roles to a profound commitment to diversity and inclusion, impacting the holistic health and well-being of my local community. I am deeply involved in creating spaces where everyone can thrive, reflecting a true passion for seeing people connect and flourish through movement, without hesitation or limitations. This now extends further to developing an Indigenous not for profit company ‘SOUL FOR LIFE’ that is committed to aiding supports to a collaborative regional preventative health study for older Australians and First Nations communities.
What has been your biggest challenge as an exercise professional?
One of the key challenges I’ve faced in business is clarifying that my fitness service SOUL FIT CO is not a gym. Gyms can often be perceived as intimidating environments, where the pressure to conform to certain fitness ideas can deter many Australians from joining or exercising. Instead, SOUL FIT CO offer inclusive fitness, health, and life experiences rooted in a strong sense of community. Effectively communicating this through interactions with AUSactive, my class members, the broader community, media, local business awards, and social media has been crucial in overcoming this challenge.
My goal has always been to bring Australians together in a way that promotes active participation without barriers. To achieve this, I focus on creating fitness experiences that are deeply inclusive and culturally sensitive. This involves providing outdoor options for every class, collaborating with other health organisations, engaging with NDIS advisors, deeply listening to participants’ needs, pursuing cultural awareness training and consulting with elders. These efforts ensure that my SOUL FIT CO fitness experiences are relatable, inclusive and culturally appropriate for everyone, fostering a welcoming environment where all Australians can move together with confidence.
How did AUSactive help you overcome this challenge, if applicable?
AUSactive have been instrumental in advancing my efforts in the health and exercise sector to apply for funding and supports for a collaborative preventative health study for older Australians. Their continued support and contributions to SOUL FIT CO include providing letters of support, participating in team meetings to promote inclusive fitness practices, reviewing current Australian preventative health offerings, advocating for better supports to the health of older Australians, supporting SOUL FIT CO First Nations health projects and engaging with government members of parliament helping SOUL FIT CO to implement MYzone’s FIT FOR OFFICE in 2023 with Australian’s of all abilities from 8 – 103 years old.
What would you advise for someone thinking about a career in the exercise and active health industry?
A career in the exercise and active health industry offers a remarkable opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of others. By dedicating yourself to this field, you’ll be empowering individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives through movement and wellness. Approach your career with passion and purpose, focusing on inclusivity and holistic health to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, can experience the transformative benefits of an active lifestyle. Embrace the challenge with enthusiasm, knowing that your efforts will not only inspire positive change but also contribute to a healthier and more connected community.
What is the favourite part of your job?
Inclusion unlocks every door to progress. As a fitness professional, my greatest joy is witnessing all Australians move together, smile, and embrace life with pure confidence. I love seeing people understand that fitness is a mindset, overcome challenges, and realise that age, gender, race or ability doesn’t limit our potential. Movement fosters freedom, and together we are always stronger.
What has been your highlight of being an AUSactive member?
Over the past 12 years as an AUSactive member, my career has evolved from a fitness instructor in a large gym with big dreams to becoming an AUSactive Level 3 accredited fitness professional and the owner of a multi-award-winning Australian Champion inclusive fitness service SOUL FIT CO. AUSactive has played a crucial role in this journey, providing advice, support, and contributing to impactful health projects of SOUL FIT CO. Their support has enabled me to drive and lead significant change in the exercise and active health industry, pioneering inclusive and preventative health practices. I am deeply grateful and proud to be part of the AUSactive member community.
Check out Korin's profile here.
