WE ARE AUSactive: Steven Halligan
As part of our #WEAREAUSactive campaign, we continue to highlight inspiring member journeys.
This week, we feature Steven Halligan.
Steven is a long-standing professional whose career spans more than three decades. His journey reflects resilience, innovation and a strong commitment to helping others.
Meet Steven Halligan
How long have you been an AUSactive member?
Steven has been a member since 1992, when it was known as Fitness Australia.
At the time, professional registration ensured he had insurance and stayed aligned with industry standards. Since then, membership has remained a constant throughout his career.
What motivated you to join the industry?
Like many people, Steven started training to improve his own fitness.
However, he quickly realised the deeper impact of exercise. It helped improve confidence, mental health and overall wellbeing.
As a result, he chose to turn this passion into a career.
What qualifications do you hold?
Steven holds a wide range of qualifications, including:
- Certificate III and IV in Fitness
- Zumba Instructor (including Zumba Gold)
- Chair Yoga Teacher Training
- Senior Fitness Specialist certifications
- Women’s Health and Safe Return to Exercise certifications
- NDIS Registered Trainer
- CPR and First Aid
- Diploma in Business Management
In addition, he has extensive experience in leadership and business development.
What has your career journey looked like?
Steven’s career spans more than 30 years.
He started in gyms across Australia and the UK. Later, he launched outdoor training sessions on the Gold Coast.
Within one month, he built a strong client base. Soon after, he opened his first studio in Broadbeach.
Over time, he expanded into corporate partnerships, working with brands such as WeightWatchers, Suncorp and Rebel Sport.
During COVID, he transitioned his business online. As a result, he now delivers more than 70 live sessions each week to women aged 40+ across multiple countries.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Steven has achieved many milestones throughout his career.
These include:
- Running one of the largest 12-week fitness challenges on the Gold Coast
- Delivering record-breaking online sessions
- Working as a national trainer for WeightWatchers
- Winning multiple AUSactive awards
However, he is most proud of the long-term relationships he has built with clients.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Like many fitness professionals, income consistency has been a challenge.
In addition, Steven has faced major setbacks, including:
- A studio flood
- The loss of a client in the Bali bombing
- Early impact from COVID
Despite this, he adapted quickly. As a result, he transitioned online and continued supporting clients.
How has AUSactive supported you?
Steven credits AUSactive with helping him reflect on and improve his business.
The awards process encouraged him to identify strengths and gaps. Therefore, he was able to grow a stronger and more structured business.
In addition, AUSactive resources and education have supported his ongoing development.
What advice would you give to others?
Steven shares three key pieces of advice:
- Get qualified and continue learning
- Stay consistent and resilient
- Build strong relationships with clients
He also emphasises the importance of working with allied health professionals.
What is your favourite part of the job?
For Steven, it is all about people.
Many of his clients have trained with him for over 20 years. As a result, they have become close friends and part of his extended community.
He values the impact he has on their lives and the relationships built over time.
What has been your AUSactive highlight?
Steven has received multiple AUSactive awards, including:
- 2023 Functional Fitness Trainer of the Year
- People’s Choice Small Business of the Year
- 2024 Group Exercise Instructor of the Year
However, he says the biggest highlight is being part of a supportive and forward-thinking industry community.
Connect with Steven
Check out Steven's AUSactive profile here.
