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

Meet Susan Clavijo

This week, we are highlighting Susan Clavijo, an award-winning Pilates instructor and dedicated AUSactive member since 2007. Susan is passionate about the ongoing education provided by AUSactive, which supports her continuous evolution and growth as a practitioner.

How long have you been a member with AUSactive?

17 years! I have been a member since 2007. 

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

I have always loved exercise and staying fit and healthy. My first encounter was my aerobics lesson for school sport; I knew then and there this would be a part of my future work. Helping people enjoy fitness and have fun doing it, making exercise a part of their lifestyle to live a pain-free life and continue to stay strong—it makes me so happy to see my clients enjoying life. 

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

I have evolved with time and kept up to date with science and changing trends in this industry. I started working as a Pilates Mat and Reformer instructor at AUSactive registered business ‘C-Life Health Club‘ in 2011, and I am still employed there now. I have had amazing career opportunities such as managing ladies-only studios, being an aerobics coordinator, presenting Pilates masterclasses, hosting Pilates workshops to educate people, mentoring future Pilates instructors, teaching from the country to the Sydney city centre, teaching at Dare to Shine dance school, being a Pilates instructor for the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, and teaching Pilates at schools for sport. While doing all this, I managed to open my own Pilates home business and build my clientele, first in Pilates matwork and now offering Reformer duets and private lessons.  

What certifications do you hold?

My first certification was ‘Exercise & Physiology’ in 1989 at the University of NSW. This began my journey as an aerobics instructor in Wollongong and Sydney. Then I continued ongoing education with Group Fitness and Gym Instruction. I also hold the following certifications: 

• Certificate 3 Fitness Instructor 

• Pilates Fundamentals Matwork Instructor 

• Pilates Intermediate Instructor “Network Pilates” 

• YogaFit Instructor 

• Stott Intensive Reformer Instructor (Merrithew) 

• Mobility Fitness Academy Practitioner (most recent certification and is now available as an AUSactive approved course) 

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

In May 2024, I won the Contemporary Instructor 2024 award at the Pilates Expo held at Olympic Park, and this was Australia-wide. I have built a reputation as a true Pilates professional and am renowned for giving a unique style of teaching where I mix and match, adding some aerobic-style choreography into my Pilates exercises. This has taken years to synchronize nicely. I have worked days, nights, and sometimes 7 days a week to build my reputation and business. Throughout it all, my passion grows every day, and I continue to learn as knowledge is power. 

What has been your biggest challenge as an exercise professional?

I worked full-time for many years while teaching, which meant I had to teach early bird hours like 6 am, lunchtimes, and evenings. It was challenging energy-wise, but my passion for teaching kept me motivated. I must also mention the onset of COVID, where I set up my Zoom online business and became a specialist Zoom online instructor. Now, I have hybrid-style classes continuing as it's the way of the future. 

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

Be prepared to work hard, study, practice, and be committed and consistent in your goals. Become a part of AUSactive; this is where you will source all your courses and become more qualified. 

What is your favourite part of your job?

My absolute dedication to all my clients. It’s all about being the best instructor to guide my clients to move well and feel amazing at every chapter of their lives. Hearing my clients tell me Pilates has changed their life for the better is bliss because, after all, this is my job and duty of care to all who participate in my classes. 

What has been your highlight of being an AUSactive member?

Becoming recognised in the fitness industry via my AUSactive profile and having such an incredible selection of courses and ongoing education tools to keep growing and evolving has been essential. Other instructors have reached out to me via my AUSactive profile for guidance and support in their own professional journeys. 

You can check out Susan's AUSactive profile here.