03/06/2026
Proud to have had the opportunity to host and mentor university interns from Deakin University, La Trobe University and Swinburne University who are currently studying Exercise & Sport Science degrees.
Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate to work with students during their placement and help them gain exposure to the real-world side of the fitness industry. A lot of what we learn at university is built around theory, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and exercise prescription, but being able to apply that knowledge with real clients is a completely different skill.
During their time with us, the students were able to observe and experience different areas of coaching, including client communication, exercise technique, session structure, hypertrophy training principles, progress tracking, coaching cues, professionalism and how to build confidence when working in a gym environment.
One of the most rewarding parts for me is seeing students become more confident over time. At the start, many students are quiet, unsure and still learning how to communicate with clients. But as they spend more time in the facility, ask questions, shadow sessions and get involved, you can see their confidence, practical understanding and professionalism develop.
I’ve always believed that good coaching is not just about knowing exercises or writing programs. It’s about understanding people, building trust, communicating clearly, knowing how to adjust training based on the individual, and being able to explain the “why” behind what we do.
To all the students who completed their placement with me, thank you for your effort, attitude and willingness to learn. I’m grateful to have been part of your development and I hope the experience gave you more confidence moving forward in the Exercise & Sport Science field.
Practical learning. Supportive mentoring. Real-world coaching experience.
