Penelope has a unique background as a clinical psychologist and applies mindfulness, self compassion and cognitive training in her fitness programming. Penelope’s fitness business includes outdoor group exercise in Fremantle, Western Australia and online services. She has recently launched a podcast and published a book!

A clinical psychologist with a passion for fitness 

Being unfit and a new mum in her early 30s was the catalyst for Penelope to start working on her own fitness. From swimming to a high intensity boot camp, she became very fit and loved outdoor exercise. She even did a group fitness qualification back in the early 90s and did some instructing as a hobby while working in private practice as a clinical psychologist. 

Studying Cert III & IV

Penelope stepped away from her psychology career completely and decided to turn a fitness hobby into her new profession. A love of learning and great interest in the course content spurred Penelope on to complete her qualifications in much less time than the 12 month windows allocated for the online offerings, completing Cert III in 2019 and Cert IV in 2020. 

Fitness industry experience & the future 

Penelope runs her own fitness business with an outdoor group exercise community called Prime Active, along with Fit & Fabulous Over 55 which is an online offering with zoom classes and courses. Now aged 66, Penelope has no plans to retire. She sees the great  need for what she does, helping the older population (especially women over 55), and it’s more of a joy than a job for her. The recent launch of a podcast and publication of a book - Fit & Fabulous: The No Nonsense Approach To Controlling How You Age - are ample evidence for her high energy and motivation to keep going. 

Advice for over 50s considering a change to the fitness industry 

We need more fitness professionals who understand what it’s like to live in an over 50 body and have empathy for this population. Penelope also recommends not letting your own strength and fitness slide, which can be an occupational hazard for trainers. We need to be role models for our clients and maintain the strength and stamina required to carry out this much needed role. 

Want to hear Penelope's story in more detail?
Listen to them share their story on the Masters Fitness Academy Podcast!

Click here to listen on Spotify

Click here to listen on Apple

PS: Are you interested in becoming a Qualified Personal Trainer? Check out our Certificate III and IV in Fitness.